Ingredients:

• 2 pounds of Halal beef oxtail
• 2 onions, finely chopped
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tomatoes, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon of ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon of paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons of cooking oil
• 8 cups of water (or beef broth for extra flavor)
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

• Preparation: Rinse the oxtail pieces under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
• Season: In a bowl, combine the cumin, coriander, paprika, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Rub this spice mixture all over the oxtail pieces, making sure to coat them evenly.
• Sear the Oxtail: Heat the cooking oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the oxtail pieces and sear them on all sides until they are browned. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Remove the oxtail from the pot and set it aside.
• Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add the chopped onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
• Add Tomatoes: Stir in the diced tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they start to break down.
• Return Oxtail: Put the seared oxtail back into the pot.
• Add Liquid: Pour in the water or beef broth to cover the oxtail. Add the bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil.
• Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 2-3 hours. The oxtail will become tender and flavorful during this time. You can simmer for longer if you prefer it even more tender.
• Check Seasoning: Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning with more salt or spices if needed.
• Serve: Once the oxtail is tender, remove it from the pot. You can serve it as is or, if you prefer, you can thicken the broth to make a gravy.
• Optional Gravy: To make a gravy, mix 2 tablespoons of flour with 1/4 cup of water to make a smooth paste. Slowly whisk this paste into the simmering broth and cook for a few more minutes until the gravy thickens.
• Serve: Serve the Halal Beef Oxtail with rice, bread, or your favorite side dishes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.