Wine Braised Oxtails

Directions

1. 1
   In a 4- to 6-quart heavy saucepan boil wine until reduced by about half (about 3 1/4 cups).
2. 2
   Trim oxtails and pat dry. Season oxtails with salt and pepper. In a large pot, just large enough to hold oxtails in one layer, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over moderately high heat and brown half of oxtails on all sides, transferring to a bowl. Brown remaining oxtails in 1 tablespoon olive oil in same manner and transfer to bowl.
3. 3
   Add coarsely chopped shallots, garlic, carrots, leeks, onion, and celery to the pot just used to brown the oxtails and cook in 1 tablespoon olive oil over moderately low heat, stirring, until softened.
4. 4
   Arrange oxtails over vegetables and add reduced wine, herbs, and enough broth to just cover oxtails.
5. 5
   Bring liquid to a boil. Turn to a low heat and braise oxtails, covered, on the stove for 3 hours (you can also do this in the oven), or until meat is very tender.
6. 6
   Transfer oxtails with a slotted spoon to a bowl. Pour braising liquid through a fine sieve into a large container and discard solids. Refrigerate overnight.
7. 7
   Next day, skim the fat off the liquid. Combine the oxtails with the liquid in a large pot and simmer for another 2 to 3 hours.
8. 8
   Serve with mashed potatoes.