Oxtail Potjie

Oxtail Potjie

Oxtail Potjie (ox-tail POY-kee)

Oxtail Pot Stew

Prep Time 3 hours
📈 Difficulty Medium
👥 Servings
6
🔥 Calories 522 kcal

Oxtail pieces braised low and slow in a three-legged cast-iron pot with vegetables, potatoes, and rich gravy over an open fire.

Nutrition & Info

520 kcal per serving
Protein 35.0g
Carbs 28.0g
Fat 30.0g
Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

dairy-free gluten-free nut-free

Equipment Needed

three-legged cast-iron pot (potjie) wood fire tongs ladle

Presentation Guide

Vessel: served from cast-iron pot

Garnishes: fresh parsley

Accompaniments: rice, bread, pap

Instructions

  1. 1

    Heat oil in the potjie over coals. Brown oxtail pieces on all sides.

  2. 2

    Add onions and cook until softened.

  3. 3

    Add tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, bay leaves, and stock.

  4. 4

    Layer carrots and potatoes on top. Season with salt and pepper.

  5. 5

    Cover with lid and cook over low coals for 2.5-3 hours. Do not stir — the layers create flavour. Serve from the pot.

💡

Did You Know?

The cardinal rule of potjie cooking: never stir. The layered ingredients create distinct textures and letting them cook undisturbed is the secret.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

  • three-legged cast-iron pot (potjie)
  • wood fire
  • tongs
  • ladle

Garnishing

fresh parsley

Accompaniments

rice, bread, pap

The Story Behind Oxtail Potjie

Potjie cooking came to Botswana through cultural exchange with South Africa and has been enthusiastically adopted as a weekend and holiday tradition. The cast-iron pot and open fire method suits Botswana's outdoor lifestyle perfectly, and oxtail potjie is considered the pinnacle of the tradition.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed weekend or holiday outdoor cooking 📜 Origins: Southern African potjie tradition

Comments (0)

No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!