If you’re craving a taste of home or simply looking to explore the rich culinary traditions of South Africa, look no further than the heartwarming and hearty South African oxtail recipe. This flavorful stew, slow-cooked to perfection with succulent oxtail and sweet Koo canned apricots, brings a touch of nostalgia and a burst of flavor to your table.

Why South African stew is the ultimate comfort food

South African stews, or “bredies,” are more than just a meal; they are a comforting hug in a bowl. These stews are known for their rich, slow-cooked flavors that develop over hours, making them perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends. The use of locally sourced ingredients and spices creates a unique taste that is quintessentially South African.

What is a Tomato and Oxtail Bredie?

A tomato and oxtail bredie is a traditional South African stew made with tender oxtail pieces, tomatoes, and a variety of vegetables and spices. The addition of apricots, such as the ones from Koo, adds a sweet and tangy dimension to the dish, elevating its flavor profile. This dish is slow-cooked to ensure the meat becomes fall-off-the-bone tender, and the flavors meld together beautifully.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delicious stew, gather the following items:

• 30ml (2 tbsp) canola oil
• 1 onion, peeled and finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, peeled and crushed
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery sticks, finely sliced
• 1kg oxtail
• 2 x 400g cans of chopped tomatoes
• 250ml (1 cup) rosé wine
• 250ml (1 cup) beef stock
• 1 bay leaf
• 200g cherry tomatoes
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
• 1 can koo Apricots
• Cooked rice, for serving (optional)

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1.Preparing the Ingredients
Begin by preheating your oven to 140°C. In a large casserole pot, heat half of the oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic until they are soft and translucent. Then, add the diced carrots and sliced celery, frying for another 5 minutes before removing them from the pot and setting aside.

2. Browning the meat
Using the same pot, heat the remaining oil over high heat and brown the oxtail pieces on both sides. This step is essential as it helps to lock in the meat’s flavors and juices.

3. Combining ingredients
Return the sautéed vegetables to the pot with the browned oxtail. Add the chopped tomatoes, rosé wine, beef stock, bay leaf, and cherry tomatoes. Season everything with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.

4. Slow cooking
Place the pot in the preheated oven and let it braise for 3 hours. This slow-cooking method makes the meat tender and allows the flavors to blend beautifully.

5. Adding the Apricots
After the 3 hours are up, take the pot out of the oven and stir in the apricots. Put the pot back in the oven for another 30 minutes. The apricots will introduce a lovely sweetness to the stew.

6. Serving the stew
Once cooked, take the pot out of the oven. Top the stew with lemon zest and finely chopped fresh parsley for a fresh touch. Serve the stew with cooked rice, if you like.

Tips for perfecting your South African stew recipe

For the best oxtail stew, choose high-quality, fresh oxtail pieces with good marbling and fat to ensure flavor and tenderness. Use a heavy-bottomed casserole pot or Dutch oven for an even heat distribution during slow cooking. Feel free to experiment with spices such as cloves, allspice, and cinnamon to add warmth and aroma to your dish.

Pairing your stew with perfect sides

• Traditional South African Sides: Pair oxtail stew with pap (maize porridge), samp (crushed corn kernels), or steamed bread for an authentic touch.
• Fresh Salads: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the stew.
• Crusty Bread: A slice of crusty bread is ideal for soaking up the delightful sauce and juices from the stew.

Delicious finale to this South African stew recipe

Creating a Tomato and Oxtail Stew with Koo canned Apricots is more than just cooking; it’s about connecting with your roots, exploring new flavors, and sharing a meal that brings comfort and joy. This South African stew is a celebration of tradition and culinary artistry, perfect for any occasion.

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