Trinidadian Oxtail Stew is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a cozy supper. The rich and savory gravy that simmers with the oxtails in this stew doubles as the sauce for a simple yet flavorful oxtail pasta. This dish combines succulent morsels of oxtail meat with al dente fettuccine, creating a comforting and satisfying meal.
To make this oxtail pasta, start by cooking the oxtails over the weekend so they are ready to use during the week. Simply add a splash of starchy pasta water to the reduced braising liquid and mix in the cooked oxtail meat and fettuccine. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a delicious and filling meal ready to enjoy. Serve the oxtail pasta with a light salad and crusty bread for a complete and satisfying dinner.
If you’re wondering what exactly oxtails are, they are a rich and deeply flavorful beef cut that comes from the tail of cattle. Oxtails are sold crosscut in thick pieces and are recognizable by their rich marrow center surrounded by pockets of meat and fat. These tough cuts require long, slow cooking over low heat to break down the connective tissue and achieve tender, succulent results.
While fettuccine is the recommended pasta for this dish, you can use any pasta shape you have on hand. Short or long pasta shapes will work well with the rich oxtail gravy and meat, so feel free to experiment with different varieties.
To add a burst of citrusy flavor to this dish, consider using culantro, an herb with a strong citrusy taste. Culantro can be found at Latin American grocery stores or online, but you can also substitute fresh cilantro if needed.
For a suggested pairing with this oxtail pasta, try an earthy Garnacha wine like Comando G La Bruja de Rozas Vinos de Madrid. The earthy notes of the wine complement the rich flavors of the oxtail and pasta, creating a perfect harmony of flavors.
You can also make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. This make-ahead option allows you to prepare the sauce in advance and simply reheat it when you’re ready to enjoy a quick and delicious meal.
Overall, Trinidadian Oxtail Stew transformed into a savory oxtail pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, this oxtail pasta is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.