Real Cuban Rabo Encendido (Oxtail Stew)

Angelcheex's Note:

I've seen a few recipes for this dish that are not in any way authentic to the Cuban version. Being that this is my absolute favorite dish and I'm a Cuban-American that's been eating this for as long as I can remember, I thought I'd share my version. Here's the recipe that I and most Cuban families here in Miami use. Of course, some people have their own special igredients, but I assure you that cocoa powder, celery, and chioptle chillies are not used in the traditional Cuban recipe. To me, what gives this dish its unique flavor is the dry cooking wine. I use Edmundo, which is found in just about any grocery store. Also, most people use perssure cookers and can have this done in less than 45 minutes. However, I use my trusty cast iron dutch oven and cook it for the full 2 hours. Niehter method makes a noticable difference in taste, it's just a matter of how much time you have. Hope you like it!

• Total Time: 2 hrs 30 mins
• Prep Time: 30 mins
• Cook Time: 2 hrs

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

• 4 lbs oxtails, disjointed
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup dry cooking wine
• 1 teaspoon salt
• olive oil (for frying)
• 2 1/2 cups diced onions
• 2 1/2 cups diced green peppers
• 2 cups diced red peppers
• 1 cup diced carrot
• 1 cup potato, quartered (about 2 med-large potatoes)
• 6 garlic cloves, mashed with
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon sazon Accent seasoning (about 1 1/2 teaspoon, 1/2 packet)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• 2 bay leaves, dried (I use Badia brand)
• 2 (8 ounce) cans tomato sauce (Goya is best)
• 1 1/2 cups dry cooking wine
• 2 1/2 cups beef broth

Directions:

1. Marinate the meat in a mixture of olive oil, dry cooking wine, and salt at least 8 hours or overnight. Drain marinade and discard.
2. Brown meat on both sides in olive oil. Don't deep fry, just use enough oil to lightly toast the meat.
3. Remove the meat and add onion, peppers, carrots, and potatoes.
4. Saute until the onions are somewhat translucent.
5. Add garlic/salt mixture and continue cooking for about a minute.
6. Add remaining ingridients, including meat.
7. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until the meat is fork tender. About 2 hours.
8. Remove bay leaves and serve hot over white rice.

Reviews

[ddl2dance]

Don't let the picture turn you off. The one shown here is gross. I cook mine in a pressure cooker and it takes half the time. I use yellow onions, green pepper, garlic, cumin, oregano, dry white wine, bay leaf, s & p. Plain simple, turns out great and delicious every time. I also am Cuban.

[martalaura_7718458]

I too live in Miami and am Cuban American. You are so right about not including cocoa powder, celery, and chioptle chillies in the recipe if you want an authentic Cuban Rabo Encendido. I never have used allspice or nutmeg but I know some Cuban recipes do call for this. My mom never used it and I do love her Rabo Encendido.

[djordana]

I too live in the miami area and im cuban american and this is how i do rabo encendido. My favorite dish EVER!