Hereford Oxtail with Blackberries

A fantastic full flavoured dish for a chilly day that features oxtail pieces combined with onions, spices, garlic, red wine, stock, fresh thyme and bay leaves, good balsamic vinegar and fresh blackberries.  The oxtail is slowly cooked until the meat literally falls off the bone.  Serve with creamy potatoes.

Serves: 6

Cooking Time: 3 hours 30 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 1.3kg/3lb oxtail pieces
  • Salt and freshly milled black pepper
  • 2.5ml/½tsp allspice powder
  • 30ml/2tbsp sunflower oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, peeled and finely chopped
  • 2 onions, peeled and chopped
  • 300ml/½pint good red wine
  • 450ml/¾pint good, hot beef or chicken stock
  • 1 sprig fresh thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 30ml/2tbsp good balsamic vinegar
  • 100g/4oz fresh blackberries, rinsed

Method:

  • Place the oxtail in large plastic food bag.  Add the seasoning and allspice powder, seal and shake well to coat.
  • Heat the oil in a large non-stick frying pan and cook the oxtail until brown on all sides.  Transfer to large heatproof casserole pot.
  • In the same frying pan add the garlic and onion. Cook over a moderate heat for 3-4 minutes and spoon into the casserole pot.
  • Add the wine, stock and herbs and bring to the boil, reduce the heat, cover and cook on the hob for 3-3½ hours.
  • 10 minutes before the end of the cooking time add the balsamic vinegar and blackberries.
  • Serve the oxtail with the blackberries, crushed potatoes and seasonal vegetables.