Red Wine Stewed Oxtail

Some people turn their noses up at the mention of oxtail, but this underrated meat is succulently delicious. When slow cooked for many hours or quickly blasted in a pressure cooker, which we did, the gelatinous meat turns tender and fall-off-the-bone fantastic. Oxtail is also quite inexpensive, making it easy on the pocketbook, which I'm sure we can all appreciate right now. Use up that leftover red wine for stewing and this meal just gets more economical by the minute!

Red Wine Stewed Oxtail
Approximately 2 lbs. oxtail
1 16 oz. can of chopped tomatoes
3 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
1 medium yellow onion, sliced
Red wine
1 Bay leaf
Salt and pepper
Olive oil

In a large stockpot or pressure cooker, brown the onions, garlic and oxtail in a splash of olive oil.
After browning, add the red wine (and chicken stock if you need more liquid) until it just covers the oxtail. Toss in the bay leaf, a good pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer; cover. If you are using a stockpot allow the oxtail to simmer for a few hours, or until the meat starts to fall easily from the bone. If you are using a pressure cooker, cook for about 40 minutes.

Delightful served over couscous or polenta and sprinkled with a tasty gremolata.