Akwa Traditional Yemeni Oxtail Stew Recipe

Experience the rich flavors of Yemen with this authentic Akwa (oxtail) stew! This slow-cooked masterpiece, traditionally enjoyed during Ramadan, boasts incredibly tender oxtail, falling-off-the-bone delicious. The lengthy cooking time (yes, it's a 5-6 hour simmer!) is worth every minute, resulting in a deeply flavorful and aromatic stew. Perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion, this recipe is surprisingly easy – mostly hands-off simmering – making it ideal for busy weeknights. Get ready to savor a taste of Yemeni culinary tradition!

Prep Time 30 mins
Cook Time 550 mins
Calories 89.1 kcal
Protein 5g
Rating 5.0 (1 Reviews)
Akwa Traditional Yemeni Oxtail Stew 40

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Akwa Traditional Yemeni Oxtail Stew

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How to Make Akwa Traditional Yemeni Oxtail Stew

  1. Rinse 2 lbs oxtail thoroughly and place in a large (6-quart or larger) casserole dish or Dutch oven. Cover completely with about 8 cups of water.
  2. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to low and skim off any foam that rises to the surface.
  3. In a spice grinder or mortar and pestle, crush 1 teaspoon black peppercorns, 1 teaspoon caraway seeds, and 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads.
  4. Add 1 tablespoon fenugreek, 1 teaspoon turmeric, and 2 teaspoons salt to the crushed spice mixture.
  5. Add 2 large chopped onions, 4 cloves minced garlic, 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes, and the spice mixture to the oxtail in the casserole dish.
  6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to the lowest setting possible. Use a diffuser if needed to maintain a gentle simmer.
  7. Cover tightly and simmer for 3 hours.
  8. Uncover and continue to simmer until the meat is incredibly tender, another 5-6 hours. The meat should be falling off the bone.
  9. Serve traditionally with rice pilaf, or enjoy with crusty bread and a fresh salad.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

0 g

Sugar

29g

Fat

0g

Carbs

6g