South African Oxtail Stew Recipe

South African Oxtail Stew

Hearty, rich, and flavorful!

About This Dish

The South African Oxtail Stew is a traditional dish known for its rich and hearty flavor. The slow-cooked oxtail becomes tender, infused with the flavors of red wine, vegetables, and spices. This dish has been passed down through generations, and its comforting warmth makes it perfect for any occasion. Whether served with pap, rice, or mashed potatoes, this stew is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

1.5 kg oxtail

2 tbsp flour

3 tbsp oil

1 large onion, chopped

2 tsp garlic, minced

2 carrots, roughly chopped

2 tomatoes, chopped

2 bay leaves

4 sprigs thyme

1 tbsp sugar

1 1/2 cups red wine

1 cup beef stock

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

8 Sweet sweetcorn, halved (optional)

Either Rice, pap, samp or mashed potatoes, for serving

Method

Coat the oxtail in flour until lightly covered. Heat the oil in a large saucepan and brown the meat thoroughly. Once browned, remove the oxtail from the pan and set aside.

In the same pan, sauté the onion and garlic until soft. Add the carrots, tomatoes, bay leaves, and thyme. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes before adding the oxtail back into the pan.

Stir in the sugar, red wine, and beef stock. Allow the stew to simmer for 3–4 hours or until the oxtail is tender. Be sure to check every 30 minutes to prevent it from drying out; add more stock or water as needed. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, add the sweetcorn to the pot (optional).

Serve with pap, rice, or mashed potatoes and enjoy!

How to Enjoy

Oxtail stew pairs wonderfully with side dishes that enhance its rich, flavorful sauce. Here are some great options:

Pap

Pap is the perfect accompaniment to soak up the delicious sauce of the oxtail stew. To prepare pap, bring water to a boil, gradually stir in maize meal, and cook until thickened. Serve it with spinach or a side salad to balance the flavors.

Samp

Samp adds a chewy texture and complements the stew’s savory flavor. To make samp, soak dried maize overnight, then simmer in water for a few hours until tender. Serve it alongside your oxtail stew for a hearty meal.

Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are always a comforting choice to pair with any stew. To prepare, peel and boil potatoes until soft, then mash them with butter, cream, salt, and pepper for a creamy, smooth texture.