Method

Season the oxtails with salt and pepper.  In a large pot, heat the oil over high heat.  Working in batches so they brown well and don't steam, add the oxtails and brown well on all sides.  This will take about 8 minutes for each batch.  Take the oxtails out of the pot, and pour out the burnt oil.  Let eh pot cool for a minute or two.

Return the pot to medium heat and melt the butter.  Add the onion and carrots and cook, stirring regularly, for about 10 minutes, or until the onion softens and is shiny.  Add the sherry and cook until reduced by half.  Return the oxtails to the pot and add enough broth just to cover them.  Nestle the bouquet garni in the center of the pot and bring to a gentle simmer.  Cover partially and simmer, skimming off the fat and froth every 20 minutes or so, for 5 hours.

As the liquid sinks below the level of the oxtails, add more to cover by about 1 inch.  Check to see if the oxtails are done by taking out one of the larger pieces and pulling at the meat with your fingers.  It should come away with absolutely no resistance.  If it clings, simmer for another hour and test again.

At this point, you can season the soup with salt and pepper and serve everyone a few rounds of oxtail with the broth.  Alternatively, carefully lift out the oxtails, strain the vegetables out of the soup, and then return the oxtails to the sou0p.  Or, for the most refined version, you can lift out the oxtails, strain the vegetables out of the soup, and then pull the meat off the bones in shreds and return the meat to the soup.  If you end up with less than 3 quarts, add broth or water to make up the difference.  Season with salt and pepper as needed.

Makes 3 quarts or 6  8 main course servings

Reprinted with permission from ©Cooking by James Peterson, published by Ten Speed Press. click for book review of this excellent book

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