Brian Kennett
Amateur Chef and Boozy Traveling Foodie Extraordinaire
Best Oxtail Lentil Curry Recipe
If I remember correctly I had this curry in Penang when Mary and the kids and I visited once. So in honour of that memory I created this dish in July 2013 – Oxtail & lentil curry. I used a slow cooker, and the result was that the meat will just fall off the bone. Here we go;
You will need 2 large oxtail pieces per person. Place the oxtails in a large pan filled with cold water. You want enough water to just cover the tails. Bring that to the boil. This will create a really ‘dirty’ looking mess on the surface. Strain that off and put the oxtails back in with more fresh water, and again bring to a boil.
Add the oxtails, the clean broth from the second boiling, and all of the following ingredients to the slow cooker;
- 400g of split red lentils – wash them in a sieve until the water runs clear;
- 1 tin of large chick peas including the brine;
- 2 chopped red onions;
- 2 chopped chili padi;
- 5 chopped garlic cloves;
- 2 inches of chopped ginger;
- 1 heaped tablespoon of ground cumin;
- 1 heaped teaspoon of ground turmeric; and
- A good pinch of sea salt and cracked black pepper.
Set that on a slow cook for three hours. Your Indian oxtail & lentil curry is nearly done now. Keep checking to make sure there is enough fluid covering all the lentils and meat. Top it up with fresh water if it starts to get too dry.
When you have finished the slow cook, add in;
- 1 good handful of chopped mint;
- 1 good handful of chopped coriander;
- A 2″ knob of butter; and
- Another pinch of sea salt and cracked black pepper.
Closing out our Best Oxtail Lentil Curry Recipe
Stir these into the finished dish, making sure the butter has melted, and you are ready to serve. Oxtail lentil curry is an absolute cracker of a dish. You are going to love it. We all loved this one! It’s an absolute belter! ENJOY!!!
Origins of Oxtail Lentil Curry
The origin of Indian Oxtail Lentil Curry can be traced back to the diverse and vibrant culinary landscape of India. Indian cuisine, renowned for its use of aromatic spices and bold flavors, serves as the perfect backdrop for the creation of this hearty dish. The combination of oxtail and lentils reflects the country’s resourcefulness, utilizing various ingredients to craft a satisfying and nutritious meal.
In India, each region boasts its unique culinary traditions, and the Oxtail and Lentil Curry are no exception. The dish likely draws inspiration from the rich and diverse curries found across the country, where lentils are a staple in many recipes. The slow-cooking method employed in preparing this curry allows the flavors to meld, creating a harmonious blend of spices and textures that characterize traditional Indian cuisine.
The cultural significance of this dish lies in its ability to bring people together over a shared appreciation for flavorful and comforting food. Whether enjoyed at family gatherings or festive celebrations, the Indian Oxtail and Lentil Curry exemplify the warmth and hospitality ingrained in the country’s food culture, making it a cherished part of the culinary tapestry that defines Indian cooking.
