Indulge in the rich flavors of this classic Roman dish, Coda alla Vaccinara. Slowly stewed oxtail in a savory tomato sauce with aromatic vegetables creates a tender and flavorful meat that falls off the bone. Garnished with fresh parsley, this dish is a delightful culinary experience. Serve it with rigatoni pasta, crusty bread, or creamy polenta for a truly satisfying meal.
Course Meats
Prep Time 20 minutesminutes
Cook Time 3 hourshours30 minutesminutes
Servings 6
Author N. Jay Sorensen, MBA RDN
Ingredients
2-3poundsoxtailcut into pieces
2bacon slices
2tablespoonsvegetable oil
1onionchopped
2carrotpeeled and chopped
3celery stalkchopped
3garlic clovesminced
1leekcleaned and chopped
1cupdry red wine
128 oz can peeled tomatoes, crushed by hand
1cupbeef broth
1bay leaf
2cloves
1/2teaspoonground cinnamon
1/4teaspoonground nutmeg
Salt and pepperto taste
Fresh parsleychopped, for garnish
Instructions
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the oxtail pieces and brown them on all sides for about 10-15 minutes. Remove the oxtail from the pot and set it aside.
Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until softened, approximately 5 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and chopped leek. Cook for another minute.
Pour in the red wine and let it cook for a few minutes to reduce slightly.
Add the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, bay leaf, cloves, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg to the pot. Stir to combine.
Return the oxtail to the pot, bringing the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let the stew simmer, partially covered, for 3-4 hours, or until the oxtail is tender and falls off the bone.
Remove the bay leaf and season the stew with salt and pepper according to your taste.
Serve the coda alla vaccinara hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley.
Notes
- Coda alla vaccinara is traditionally enjoyed with rigatoni pasta. However, you can also serve it with crusty bread or over a bed of creamy polenta for a delightful variation. Enjoy the robust flavors of this Roman classic!