Olivia Carter
Are you craving a hearty and flavourful soup that will warm you up on a chilly day? Look no further than oxtail soup! This classic dish is made by simmering oxtail with vegetables and aromatic herbs, resulting in a rich and satisfying broth. While it may seem like a time-consuming recipe, using a pressure cooker can significantly cut down on cooking time without sacrificing any of the delicious flavors.
Why use a pressure cooker?
Pressure cookers have become popular kitchen appliances for their ability to cook food faster and retain the natural flavors. When it comes to oxtail soup, using a pressure cooker tenderizes the meat quickly and infuses the broth with intense flavors. The high-pressure environment created inside the cooker helps break down tough meat fibers, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth oxtail that is incredibly tender.
If you’ve never used a pressure cooker before, don’t worry! It may seem intimidating at first, but it is actually quite user-friendly. With a few simple steps, you’ll be on your way to a steaming bowl of oxtail soup that will impress even the most discerning taste buds.
Preparing the Oxtail
Step 1: Start by cleaning the oxtail thoroughly under cold running water. Remove any excess fat or gristle and pat dry with a paper towel.
Step 2: Cut the oxtail into chunks, about 2 inches in length. This will help ensure that the meat cooks evenly in the pressure cooker.
Step 3: Season the oxtail with salt and pepper, or any other desired seasonings. You can also marinate the oxtail overnight for an even more flavorful result.
Step 4: Heat some oil in the pressure cooker over medium-high heat. Brown the oxtail on all sides, working in batches if necessary. This will help enhance the flavor of the soup.
Step 5: Once browned, remove the oxtail from the pressure cooker and set aside for later use.
Step 6: At this stage, you can also brown some diced onions, carrots, and celery in the pressure cooker for added flavor. This is optional but highly recommended.
Step 7: After browning the vegetables, return the oxtail back to the pressure cooker and proceed with the recipe as directed.
By following these prep steps, you’ll ensure that the oxtail is clean, well-seasoned, and ready to be transformed into a delicious and hearty oxtail soup in the pressure cooker.
Cutting and Cleaning the Oxtail
Before you start cooking oxtail soup in a pressure cooker, you need to properly cut and clean the oxtail. Follow these steps:
- Place the oxtail on a clean cutting board.
- With a sharp knife, cut the oxtail into individual pieces between each bone. This will make it easier to handle and cook.
- Trim off any excess fat from the oxtail pieces.
- Once all the oxtail pieces are cut, rinse them under cold water to remove any remaining bone fragments or dirt.
- Pat dry the oxtail pieces with a paper towel.
Now that you have properly cut and cleaned the oxtail, you are ready to start cooking the delicious oxtail soup in your pressure cooker.
Seasoning the Oxtail
Before cooking the oxtail, it’s important to season it to enhance the flavor. Start by rinsing the oxtail pieces under cold water to remove any excess blood or bone fragments.
Gather the Ingredients:
For seasoning the oxtail, you’ll need:
- Oxtail pieces
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Dried thyme
- Dried rosemary
Make sure you have all the ingredients ready before you begin.
Seasoning the Oxtail:
1. Sprinkle salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, dried thyme, and dried rosemary generously over the oxtail pieces. Massage the seasonings into the meat, ensuring that all sides are well coated.
2. Place the seasoned oxtail pieces in a large bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. Let the oxtail marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight if possible. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat and make it more tender.
3. After marinating, take the oxtail out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking. This will help the oxtail cook more evenly.
Now that the oxtail is seasoned and ready to be cooked, you can proceed to the next steps of making the oxtail soup in a pressure cooker.
Cooking the Oxtail Soup
Once you have prepped all the ingredients and seasoned the meat, it’s time to start cooking the oxtail soup in a pressure cooker. The pressure cooker is the perfect tool for this recipe, as it helps to tenderize the tough oxtail meat and infuse the flavors into the broth.
Step 1: Searing the Oxtail
Heat some oil in the pressure cooker over medium-high heat. Add the oxtails in batches, searing them on all sides until they are browned. This will help to develop a rich flavor in the soup. Remove the browned oxtails from the pressure cooker and set them aside.
Step 2: Sauteeing the Vegetables
In the same pressure cooker, sauté the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic until they are softened and fragrant. This step helps to release the aromatics and adds depth to the soup.
Step 3: Deglazing and Adding the Liquid
Pour in the beef broth, red wine, and tomato paste to deglaze the pressure cooker, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. These browned bits are full of flavor and will enhance the taste of the soup. Stir everything together until it is well combined.
Step 4: Cooking Under Pressure
Add the seared oxtails back into the pressure cooker and place the lid on securely. Set the pressure cooker to high pressure and cook for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the oxtails are tender. The cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the oxtails.
Step 5: Releasing the Pressure and Finishing the Soup
Once the oxtails are tender, carefully release the pressure from the cooker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Remove the lid and skim off any excess fat from the top of the soup. You can also strain the soup if desired for a clearer broth.
At this point, you can adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. You may also add any additional herbs or spices to enhance the flavor further. Let the soup simmer for a few more minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Finally, serve the oxtail soup hot in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley or chopped green onions. This hearty and comforting soup is perfect for a cold day or when you want a nourishing meal. Enjoy!
Sautéing the Oxtail
Before cooking the oxtail soup in a pressure cooker, it is important to sauté the oxtail to enhance its flavor. Sautéing brings out the natural oils and rich taste of the meat, making the soup more delicious.
Ingredients:
| 2 pounds oxtail pieces |
| 1 tablespoon vegetable oil |
| 1 onion, diced |
| 2 cloves garlic, minced |
| Salt and pepper to taste |
Instructions:
1. Heat the vegetable oil in the pressure cooker over medium-high heat.
2. Add the oxtail pieces to the hot oil and brown them on all sides. This step may need to be done in batches to ensure proper browning.
3. Once the oxtail is browned, remove it from the cooker and set it aside.
4. In the same pressure cooker, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for a few minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
5. Return the browned oxtail to the pressure cooker with the onion and garlic mixture.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Continue with the recipe, following the instructions for cooking the oxtail soup in a pressure cooker.
Sautéing the oxtail is an essential step to building layers of flavors in your soup. It adds a deep, rich taste that will elevate your oxtail soup to the next level. Once the sautéing is done, you can proceed with the rest of the recipe to enjoy a hearty and delicious oxtail soup cooked in a pressure cooker.
Pressure Cooking the Oxtail
Pressure cooking is a quick and convenient way to cook oxtail, allowing it to become tender and flavorful in a fraction of the time it would take using traditional cooking methods. Here’s how to pressure cook your oxtail soup:
1. Prepare the oxtail: Start by trimming any excess fat from the oxtail pieces and season them with salt and pepper. This will help to enhance the flavors of the oxtail as it cooks.
2. Sear the oxtail: Heat some oil in the pressure cooker over medium-high heat and add the oxtail pieces. Brown them on all sides until they are nicely seared. This step is optional, but it will add extra flavor to your soup.
3. Add the ingredients: Once the oxtail is seared, add chopped onions, garlic, carrots, celery, and any other desired vegetables to the pressure cooker. These ingredients will provide a rich and aromatic base for your oxtail soup.
4. Season and add liquids: Season the ingredients with your preferred herbs and spices, such as thyme, bay leaves, and Worcestershire sauce. Then, add beef broth or stock, along with any additional liquids like red wine or tomato juice to enhance the flavors.
5. Cook under pressure: Cover the pressure cooker with its lid and lock it into place. Set the cooker to high pressure and cook for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the size of the oxtail pieces. The pressurized environment will tenderize the meat and infuse the flavors of the ingredients into it.
6. Release the pressure: Once the cooking time has elapsed, carefully release the pressure from the pressure cooker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This can be done using the natural or quick release method.
7. Remove the oxtail and season the soup: Use tongs to remove the oxtail pieces from the pressure cooker and set them aside. Skim off any excess fat from the surface of the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can also strain the soup if you prefer a clearer broth.
8. Serve: Serve the oxtail soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme. It pairs well with crusty bread or rice.
Pressure cooking the oxtail ensures that it becomes tender and packed with flavor, making it an excellent choice for a hearty and satisfying soup. By following these steps, you’ll have a delicious oxtail soup in no time.
FAQ
What ingredients do I need to cook oxtail soup in a pressure cooker?
You will need oxtail, vegetables (such as carrots, celery, onions), garlic, bay leaves, beef broth, tomato paste, salt, pepper, and any other seasoning you prefer.
How long does it take to cook oxtail soup in a pressure cooker?
Using a pressure cooker, the oxtail soup usually takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour to cook.
Can I use a slow cooker instead of a pressure cooker to make oxtail soup?
Yes, you can use a slow cooker instead of a pressure cooker to make oxtail soup. However, the cooking time will be much longer. It will take about 6-8 hours on low heat in a slow cooker.
Can I freeze the leftover oxtail soup?
Yes, you can freeze the leftover oxtail soup. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
