rice and peas and oxtail

Rice and peas and oxtail is a popular Caribbean dish that is loved by many. This meal is made up of a few simple ingredients and yet it packs a flavorful punch that keeps people coming back for more. It is typically served as a main course, with a side of steamed vegetables or a salad. Rice and peas and oxtail can be served with either white or brown rice and is usually served with a variety of sauces to add a bit of extra flavor. This Caribbean meal is easy to make, and the ingredients are usually easy to find.

What is Oxtail?

Oxtail is the tail of a cow that has been cut into smaller pieces and is used for cooking. It is a tough cut of meat, and it requires slow cooking to tenderize it. Oxtail is usually cooked in a stew or soup and is popular in many Caribbean countries such as Jamaica, Barbados, and Trinidad & Tobago. Oxtail is rich in flavor and is often served as a main course.

What is Rice and Peas?

Rice and peas is a traditional Caribbean dish that is made with either white or brown rice and peas. The peas are usually pigeon peas or black-eyed peas and they are cooked together with the rice. This dish is usually seasoned with various herbs and spices such as thyme, garlic, onion, and scallions. Rice and peas is usually served as a side dish, but can also be served as a main course.

How to Make Rice and Peas and Oxtail

Rice and peas and oxtail is an easy dish to make and requires just a few ingredients. To make this dish, you will need:

2 pounds of oxtail
1 cup of white or brown rice
1 cup of pigeon peas or black-eyed peas
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
2 scallions, chopped
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 teaspoon of thyme leaves
Salt and pepper to taste

To begin, heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the oxtail and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the onion, garlic, and scallions and cook for another 5 minutes. Add the rice, peas, thyme, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together and cover the pot. Reduce the heat to low and cook for about 45 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the oxtail is tender. Serve the dish hot with your favorite sauces.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to cook oxtail?

The best way to cook oxtail is to slow cook it. Oxtail is a tough cut of meat and requires slow cooking to make it tender. You can slow cook oxtail in a stew or soup, or you can bake it in the oven at a low temperature for several hours.

Can you freeze oxtail?

Yes, you can freeze oxtail. Make sure the oxtail is cooked before freezing and store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Oxtail can be frozen for up to 3 months.

How long does it take to cook oxtail?

It usually takes about 45 minutes to cook oxtail. The oxtail should be cooked on low heat until it is tender. You can test for doneness by piercing the oxtail with a fork. If it is tender, it is done cooking.

What is the best way to serve rice and peas?

Rice and peas is typically served as a side dish but can also be served as a main course. It can be served with a variety of sauces to add extra flavor. It is also delicious served with steamed vegetables or a salad.

Can you freeze rice and peas?

Yes, you can freeze rice and peas. Make sure the rice and peas are cooked before freezing and store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Rice and peas can be frozen for up to 3 months.