Jamaican oxtail with broad beans stew is a hearty and flavorful dish that is popular in Jamaican cuisine. Oxtail, the tail of cattle, is known for its rich and gelatinous meat that becomes incredibly tender when slow-cooked. Combined with aromatic spices, vegetables, and broad beans, this stew is a comforting and satisfying meal that is perfect for sharing with family and friends. Serve it with rice and peas or boiled dumplings for a truly authentic Jamaican dining experience.
Ingredients for Jamaican Oxtail with Broad Beans Stew
- 3 pounds (1.5 kg) oxtail, cut into pieces
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 sprigs thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, whole (optional)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 can (14 oz/400g) broad beans, drained and rinsed
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Jamaican Oxtail with Broad Beans Stew
- Prepare the Oxtail:
- Season the oxtail pieces with salt and pepper. Dredge them in flour, shaking off any excess.
- Brown the Oxtail:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the oxtail pieces in batches and brown them on all sides. Remove the oxtail from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped carrots, and chopped celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the Oxtail Back to the Pot:
- Return the browned oxtail pieces to the pot. Add the thyme, bay leaves, and Scotch bonnet pepper, if using.
- Simmer the Stew:
- Pour in the beef broth and water, making sure the oxtail pieces are submerged. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the oxtail is tender and falling off the bone.
- Add the Broad Beans:
- Stir in the drained and rinsed broad beans. Simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve:
- Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, if necessary. Remove the bay leaves, thyme sprigs, and Scotch bonnet pepper before serving.
- Serve the Stew:
- Ladle the Jamaican oxtail with broad beans stew into bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.
About the Main Ingredients
Oxtail:
Oxtail is a gelatin-rich meat that comes from the tail of cattle. It is prized for its rich flavor and tender texture, especially when slow-cooked. Oxtail is a popular ingredient in many cuisines around the world, including Jamaican cuisine.
Broad Beans:
Broad beans, also known as fava beans, are a type of legume that is high in protein and fiber. They have a creamy texture and a slightly sweet flavor that complements the rich, savory flavor of the oxtail stew. Broad beans are a common ingredient in Caribbean cooking and add a unique twist to this Jamaican dish.
Vegetables:
Onion, garlic, carrots, and celery are classic aromatic vegetables that form the base of many stews. They add depth of flavor and nutrients to the dish, as well as a pleasing texture.
Spices:
Thyme and bay leaves are common spices used in Jamaican cooking. They add a fragrant aroma and earthy flavor to the stew. The Scotch bonnet pepper is optional but adds a fiery kick that is characteristic of Jamaican cuisine. Adjust the amount according to your heat preference.
Beef Broth:
Beef broth provides a rich and savory base for the stew, adding depth of flavor and helping to tenderize the oxtail as it simmers.
Flour:
Flour is used to dredge the oxtail pieces before browning. This helps to create a golden crust on the meat and adds thickness to the stew as it cooks.
Jamaican oxtail with broad beans stew is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy night in or for entertaining guests. The combination of tender oxtail, creamy broad beans, and aromatic spices creates a hearty and satisfying meal that is sure to please. Serve it with rice and peas or your favorite side dishes for a taste of the Caribbean at home.
