Business Insider - The #meat is #slowcooked over an open fire for hours until it falls off the bone. #oxtail
O'Shea Williams learned to cook traditional Jamaican oxtail stew as a child, and it has become a best-selling dish at his restaurant, O'Shea's 876 Kitchen, in Port Antonio, Jamaica. The dish has historical roots dating back to the colonial era when enslaved Africans were given unwanted animal parts like oxtail. They used ancestral cooking techniques and local spices to create a flavorful stew, which is now a staple of Jamaican cuisine. The preparation involves chopping oxtail into pieces, seasoning with fresh spices, and slow-cooking over an open fire until tender. Despite its luxury status in Jamaica, oxtail prices have risen due to increased demand in the US, affecting costs in Jamaica as well, since 41% of meat imported to Jamaica comes from the US.
Key Points:
- O'Shea Williams' oxtail stew is a top seller at his restaurant in Jamaica.
- The dish has historical roots from the colonial era, using unwanted animal parts.
- Traditional preparation involves seasoning and slow-cooking the oxtail.
- Increased US demand has raised oxtail prices in Jamaica.
- 41% of Jamaica's meat imports come from the US, impacting local prices.
Details:
1. 🍲 O'Shea's Culinary Journey
- O'Shea Williams mastered the art of cooking traditional Jamaican oxtail stew at a young age, which is now a top-selling dish at his Seaside Restaurant.
- O'Shea's 876 Kitchen in Port Antonio is renowned for its popular oxtail stew, contributing significantly to its culinary success.
- O'Shea's culinary journey began in his family's kitchen, where he learned traditional recipes that laid the foundation for his career.
- His dedication to authentic Jamaican flavors has garnered a loyal customer base, significantly impacting the local dining scene.
2. 📜 The Historical Roots of Oxtail Stew
- Oxtail stew in Jamaica originates from the colonial era when enslaved Africans were given unwanted animal parts such as oxtail.
- The enslaved Africans used their ancestral cooking techniques and local spices to transform oxtail into a flavorful dish.
- The dish has since evolved, incorporating a variety of ingredients and techniques, becoming a staple in Jamaican cuisine and symbolizing resourcefulness and cultural blending.
- Modern adaptations of oxtail stew often include an array of spices and vegetables, highlighting its enduring popularity and flexibility in Jamaican culinary traditions.
3. 🧑🍳 The Art of Cooking Oxtail
- Oxtail stew is a staple of Jamaican cuisine, known for its rich, flavorful taste.
- Traditional preparation involves chopping the oxtail into 1-inch pieces and seasoning with a blend of fresh spices, commonly including thyme, garlic, and Scotch bonnet peppers.
- The meat is slow-cooked over an open fire for several hours, allowing it to become tender and easily fall off the bone.
- Oxtail stew is more than just a dish; it holds cultural significance in Jamaican households, often served during family gatherings and celebrations.
- To achieve the best results, control the cooking temperature carefully to ensure the meat remains juicy and the spices are well-infused.
4. 📈 The Rising Cost of Oxtail
- Oxtail prices in Jamaica are significantly higher due to increased demand in the US.
- 41% of meat imported into Jamaica comes from the US, including oxtail.
- Price increases in the US directly affect oxtail prices in Jamaica.