Oxtail Potjie
A deeply flavorful and tender oxtail stew, slow-cooked in a traditional potjie pot over coals, resulting in a rich, gelatinous, and incredibly satisfying dish.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2kg Oxtail pieces(Ensure pieces are well-trimmed of excess fat, but leave some for flavor.)
- 2-3 tablespoons Vegetable oil or beef dripping(For browning the oxtail.)
- 2 large Onions(Peeled and roughly chopped.)
- 4-6 cloves Garlic(Minced or finely chopped.)
- 4 medium Carrots(Peeled and cut into large chunks (approx. 2-inch pieces).)
- 6 medium Potatoes(Peeled and cut into large chunks (approx. 2-inch pieces). Waxy varieties like Yukon Gold work well to hold their shape.)
- 4 ripe Tomatoes(Roughly chopped, or use 1 x 400g can of chopped tomatoes.)
- 500ml Beef or Oxtail Stock(Low sodium is preferable so you can control the saltiness.)
- 500ml Dry Red Wine(A Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Pinot Noir works well. This adds depth of flavor.)
- 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste(Adds richness and color.)
- 2 Bay leaves
- 3-4 Fresh Thyme sprigs
- To taste Salt
- Freshly ground, to taste Black Pepper
- A handful Fresh Parsley(Chopped, for garnish.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the oxtail: Pat the oxtail pieces thoroughly dry with paper towels. Season generously on all sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This is crucial for developing a deep, savory crust.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 2
Sear the oxtail: Heat the vegetable oil or beef dripping in your potjie pot over medium-high heat (or medium-high coals). Once shimmering hot, add the oxtail pieces in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Brown them deeply on all sides until a rich, dark crust forms. This step builds the foundation of flavor. Remove the browned oxtail and set aside.
⏱️ 20 minutes - 3
Sauté aromatics: Reduce the heat slightly. Add the chopped onions to the potjie pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly golden, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and tomato paste, and cook for another minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
⏱️ 8 minutes - 4
Deglaze and add liquids: Pour in the red wine, scraping the bottom of the potjie pot with a wooden spoon to release any browned bits (fond). Let the wine bubble and reduce by about half, allowing the alcohol to cook off and the flavors to concentrate.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 5
Combine and simmer: Return the browned oxtail pieces to the potjie. Add the chopped tomatoes, beef stock, bay leaves, and thyme sprigs. Stir everything together. The liquid should almost cover the oxtail; add a little more stock or water if needed. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 6
Slow cook: Cover the potjie pot with its lid. Reduce the heat to low (or arrange coals for very low, consistent heat). Allow the oxtail to simmer gently for at least 3 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The key is a very low and slow cook to tenderize the meat.
⏱️ 3 hours - 7
Add vegetables: After 3 hours, add the prepared carrot and potato chunks to the potjie. Ensure they are submerged in the liquid. Continue to cook, covered, for another 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the vegetables are tender and the oxtail is meltingly soft and falling off the bone.
⏱️ 1.5 hours - 8
Final adjustments and serving: Taste the stew and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If the sauce is too thin, you can remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow it to reduce slightly. Remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs. Ladle the rich oxtail stew into bowls, ensuring each serving gets plenty of tender meat, vegetables, and the luscious sauce. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot, traditionally with rice or crusty bread.
⏱️ 15 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For the best flavor, use good quality oxtail and don't rush the browning process.
- ✓Low and slow cooking is essential for tender, fall-off-the-bone meat. Patience is key!
- ✓The gelatin from the oxtail will naturally thicken the sauce, creating a wonderfully rich and unctuous texture.
- ✓If cooking over coals, maintain a consistent, low heat. You can achieve this by banking coals around the pot and managing airflow.
- ✓This dish benefits from being made a day ahead, as the flavors meld and deepen overnight.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add sliced mushrooms during the last hour of cooking for extra earthiness.
- For a richer sauce, use a combination of red wine and a good quality beef broth.
- Include other root vegetables like parsnips or sweet potatoes along with the carrots and potatoes.
- Add a pinch of chili flakes or a chopped chili pepper for a touch of heat.