"Who Can I Run To" Beef Oxtail Soup Recipe

Winter is officially here which means colder weather, holiday cheer, and of course lots of delicious soup! This soul food packed beef oxtail soup recipe is perfect for those chilled winter days.

It's hearty, warming, and loaded with flavor. Plus, it's really easy to make so you can have a delicious home-made meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Give this soup a try this winter and see for yourself how good it is!

The beef oxtail is slow-cooked until it is fall-off-the-bone tender, and the collard greens, black-eyed peas, and smoked turkey necks add a touch of soul food flavor. This recipe is easy to follow and can be made in advance. Simply reheat the soup before serving. beef oxtail soup is sure to become a family favorite.

Traditional oxtail stew, especially Jamaican style is served with root vegetables and often butter beans. However I decided to switch things up and go with some of my favorite soul food dishes.

What Is Beef Oxtail

Beef oxtail refers to the tail of a cow, specifically the tailbone and the surrounding meat. It's a unique cut of meat that is often prized for its rich, flavorful, and tender qualities. Despite its name, "oxtail" can come from both oxen (castrated adult male cattle) and cows (female cattle), not just oxen.

The tail consists of a bony tailbone surrounded by a generous amount of connective tissue, marrow, and meat. The meat is typically marbled with fat, giving it a distinctive taste and making it ideal for slow cooking methods like braising, stewing, or simmering.

Due to the connective tissue, oxtail becomes tender and flavorful when cooked slowly over a long period, allowing the collagen to break down and create a rich, luscious gravy or broth. It's often used to impart deep flavor to soups, stews, stocks, and various dishes. The oxtail is a popular ingredient in many cuisines worldwide, known for its ability to elevate the taste and texture of various dishes.

Beats and Eats (music to pair with oxtail soup)

Tender oxtails cooked low and slow plus paired with soul food classics are deserving of a deep-cut soul classic such as The Jones Girls' "Who Can I Run To." The harmony and soulful rhythm is perfect.

Pairing the Jones Girls' song "Who Can I Run To" with beef oxtail soup creates a soulful and comforting experience that combines the emotional resonance of the music with the hearty, flavorful essence of the soup.

As the smooth harmonies and heartfelt lyrics of "Who Can I Run To" envelop you, imagine enjoying a bowl of warm, homemade beef oxtail soup. The soulful melody sets the mood for a cozy evening, inviting you to savor each bite of tender oxtail and sip of savory broth. The lyrics, contemplating a search for comfort and solace, align with the comfort that a steaming bowl of soup can provide, especially on a chilly day.

The song's emotional depth pairs with the depth of flavor in the oxtail soup, creating a delightful blend of sensory experiences that resonate with the soul. Whether it's the heartfelt notes or the robust flavors, this pairing embodies a soul-soothing moment to be cherished.

Ingredients Needed To Make Beef Oxtail Soup

For the Oxtail

• Olive Oil
• Beef Oxtail
• Paprika
• Garlic Powder
• Onion Powder
• Kosher Salt and Pepper

For The Sofrito

• Kosher Salt
• Black Pepper
• Cumin
• Dried Oregano
• San Marzano Tomatoes
• Yellow Onion
• Garlic Cloves
• Bell Pepper

For The Soup

• Dry Blackeyed Peas
• Collard Greens
• Smoked Turkey
• Beef Broth or Beef Stock
• Bay Leaf
• Dry Red Wine
• Fresh Oregano

How To Make This Oxtail Recipe (step by step)

Make the Sofrito

In a separate skillet heat the pan on medium heat. Add the chopped onions and peppers and saute 2-3 minutes before adding the tomatoes plus a ½ teaspoon of the spice mix. Allow to cook in the soup pot another 2 minutes then add the garlic for about 30 seconds. Place all ingredients from the skillet into a blender and puree until smooth. Set aside.

Prepare the Oxtail Meat

Place oxtail pieces in a large mixing bowl. Generously season with spice mix. Set aside

Heat a large dutch oven pot or large stockpot over medium-high heat. Add olive oil then brown the oxtail on all sides.

Make The Soup

Add the smoked turkey pieces to the dutch oven and saute a minute or so to render some fat.

Add the wine and allow to cook 2-3 minutes so the alcohol is cooked off and the flavor is concentrated somewhat.

Add the sofrito, beef stock, bay leaves, remaining spice mix, and fresh oregano to the browned oxtail pieces, bring to a boil then cover and reduce to a simmer stirring occasionally. Cook for 2 ½ to 3 hours.

Add collard greens and black-eyed peas cooking for another 45 minutes.

Remove from heat and adjust for flavor as needed.

Serve over rice with rustic bread or hot water cornbread. Garnish with green onions.

What To Serve With This Thick and Hearty Stew

Here's a list of traditional and complementary dishes that go well with oxtail soup:

1. Crusty Bread or Rolls

• Serve warm, crusty bread or rolls to dip into the rich broth of the oxtail soup. It's great for soaking up the flavors.

2. Rice

• Steamed white rice or brown rice makes a hearty accompaniment to oxtail soup, providing a good base to enjoy the soup and its contents.

3. Mashed Potatoes

• Creamy mashed potatoes can complement the hearty flavors of the oxtail soup and add a comforting element to the meal.

4. Roasted Vegetables

• Roasted root vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes can bring a caramelized sweetness that pairs well with the savory flavors of oxtail soup.

5. Salad

• A simple, crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can serve as a refreshing contrast to the richness of the oxtail soup.

6. Braised Greens

• Collard greens, kale, or spinach lightly braised with garlic and a touch of lemon can provide a nutritious and flavorful side dish.

7. Cornbread

• Sweet or savory cornbread is a classic choice to serve alongside oxtail soup, offering a different texture and taste.

8. Baked Macaroni and Cheese

• Creamy and cheesy baked macaroni and cheese can be a comforting and indulgent side dish that complements the flavors of the soup.

9. Crispy Fried Plantains

• The sweetness and crunch of fried plantains can be a delightful addition and provide a tropical twist to the meal.

Cooking Considerations and Tips For Making The Best Oxtail Soup

Trim the oxtail pieces of any excess fat with a sharp knife

Slow and low cooking is perfect for cooking oxtail. It produces deep rich flavor and allows the connective tissue to breakdown basically dissolving

Feel free to peel the tender meat away from the oxtail bone after cooking and then return meat back to the soup. Just be sure to discard bones.

If you don't have time to make the sofrito then saute tomato paste in the pot as a substitute and flavor add.

Add a teaspoon or two of worcestershire sauce for more flavor

Serve the soup with white rice, egg noodles, or just eat as is.

Reserve that leftover rich broth for later use. I like to use reduce to a gravy or use it in rice or grits dishes.

The best hearty soups are easy but take a long time to cook. Time is a good thing when it comes to great soups. Time is the secret ingredient almost. It allows those flavors to all come together into that deliciousness.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cooking Beef Oxtail Soup

Where Can I Buy Beef Oxtail?

Most grocery stores will have them available now. If not local butcher shops should have them. I was actually able to get some wagyu beef oxtail here from my butcher.

What Are Good Substitutes For Oxtail?

Good fatty meat with the bones attached works best. I'd recommend either beef shank or beef neckbone if you can't find oxtail. Beef short ribs could also work.

Can I Make This Hearty Stew In An Instant Pot or Pressure Cooker?

Blackeyed peas are a great dish to make in an instant pot and so are oxtail. However they require such different cook times it might not be worth the hassle trying to sync things.

What About Cooking This In A Crock pot or Slow Cooker?

Crockpots aren't my thing, but feel free. My only reco would be to brown your meat separately in a skillet before adding to the crockpot.

For similar hearty soup recipes try these:

Cabbage Stew

Beef Stew

Brown Stew Chicken

Lentil Stew

Instant Pot Oxtail

Mexican Braised Oxtail

Instant Pot Jamaican Oxtail

Caribbean Style Braised Oxtail

Guyanese Pepperpot Stew

Southern Smothered Oxtail

Smothered Turkey Necks

Make This Homemade Oxtail Soup Recipe

A delicious soup is a great way to show winter who's boss. This recipe for soulful beef oxtail soup recipe will warm you from the inside out with its hearty ingredients and rich, flavorful broth. So what are you waiting for? Get out your pot and get busy with this recipe!

If you make this hearty beef soup recipe or any other recipe please come back and leave me a comment below with your feedback. Definitely take a photo of the dish and be sure to tag #foodfidelity so that I can see them.

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