A Tasty Oxtail and Banana Stew, Ideal for an Open campfire

Oxtail and Banana Potjie

Oxtail and Banana Potjie is a unique and flavorful South African dish that combines tender oxtail with the sweetness of bananas and savory spices. A "potjie" refers to a traditional cast-iron pot used for cooking over an open fire. If you don't have a potjie pot, you can use a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven on the stovetop. Here's the recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 kg oxtail, cut into pieces
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 onions, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 2 ripe bananas, sliced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup red wine (optional)
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 sprigs thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat the vegetable oil in the potjie pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Season the oxtail pieces with salt and pepper. Brown the oxtail in the hot oil until well-seared on all sides. Remove the oxtail from the pot and set aside.
3. In the same pot, add the chopped onions and sauté until softened and translucent.
4. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
5. Return the oxtail to the pot and sprinkle the flour over the meat. Stir well to coat the oxtail with the flour.
6. Pour in the beef broth and red wine (if using) to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
7. Add the sliced carrots, celery, bay leaves, and thyme sprigs to the pot. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
8. Cover the pot with its lid and let the mixture simmer over low heat for about 2 to 3 hours, or until the oxtail is tender and falling off the bone.
9. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, add the sliced bananas to the pot and gently stir them into the stew. Be careful not to overcook the bananas; they should be soft but still hold their shape.
10. Once the oxtail is tender and the bananas have infused their sweetness into the potjie, remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs.
11. Serve the Oxtail and Banana Potjie hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.

Enjoy this delightful and flavorful South African dish with steamed rice or mashed potatoes and a side of vegetables. The tender oxtail, combined with the sweetness of bananas, creates a harmonious and unforgettable taste experience!