Irresistible Caribbean Oxtail Explosion

❤️Tender Oxtail Stew | Fluffy Rice | Creamy Mac & Cheese | Sweet Candied Yams

❤️Full of bold island flavor — a real comfort food classic!

👉Ingredients:

🔸️🔸️Oxtail Stew:

◾️2 lbs oxtail, trimmed

◾️2 tbsp vegetable oil

◾️1 large onion, diced

◾️2 garlic cloves, minced

◾️1 bell pepper, chopped

◾️2 carrots, sliced

◾️2 tbsp tomato paste

◾️1 tsp allspice

◾️1 tsp thyme (fresh or dried)

◾️1 scotch bonnet pepper (optional, for heat)

◾️2 cups beef broth

◾️1 (15 oz) can butter beans, drained

◾️Salt & black pepper to taste

🔸️🔸️Rice:

◾️2 cups long-grain white rice

◾️4 cups water or broth

◾️Pinch of salt

🔸️🔸️Mac & Cheese:

◾️8 oz elbow macaroni

◾️2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

◾️1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

◾️2 cups whole milk

◾️1/4 cup unsalted butter

◾️1/4 cup all-purpose flour

◾️Salt & pepper to taste

◾️Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

🔸️🔸️Candied Yams:

◾️2 lbs yams or sweet potatoes, peeled & cubed

◾️1/2 cup brown sugar

◾️1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

◾️1 tsp ground cinnamon

◾️1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

◾️1/4 cup maple syrup

◾️Pinch of salt

👉Directions

✅️Oxtail Stew:

▶️1. Season oxtail with salt and pepper. In a large pot, heat oil over medium-high and brown the oxtail on all sides (8–10 minutes). Remove and set aside.

▶️2. In the same pot, sauté onions, garlic, bell pepper, and carrots until soft. Stir in tomato paste, allspice, and thyme; cook for 1 minute.

▶️3. Return oxtail to the pot, add broth and scotch bonnet (if using). Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer 2.5–3 hours until tender.

▶️4. Stir in butter beans during the last 15 minutes of cooking.

✅️Rice:

▶️1. Rinse rice until water runs clear.

▶️2. In a pot, bring water or broth to a boil, add rice and salt.

▶️3. Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook 15–20 minutes until fluffy.

✅️Mac & Cheese:

▶️1. Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain.

▶️2. In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour, and cook 1 minute.

▶️3. Gradually whisk in milk until thickened.

▶️4. Add cheeses, stir until melted, then fold in pasta. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley.

✅️Candied Yams:

↪️1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

↪️2. Toss yams with brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, syrup, and salt.

↪️3. Spread in a baking dish and bake 40–45 minutes, stirring halfway, until tender and caramelized.

✅️To Serve:

◾️Plate oxtail stew over a bed of rice.

◾️Add a scoop of mac & cheese and a side of candied yams.

◾️Enjoy with a chilled glass of sorrel or ginger beer!

👉Chef’s Tips:

◾️For extra flavor, marinate the oxtail overnight in the seasonings.

◾️Skim off excess fat before serving for a smoother stew.