Oxtail Casserole (Tagen El-Akkawi) – Traditional Egyptian Recipe

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Oxtail Casserole (Tagen El-Akkawi) – Traditional Egyptian Recipe

This dish is called Tagen El-Akkawi because “Akkawi” refers to the rich, meaty section of a calf’s tail. The recipe is built around slow-cooked oxtail combined with fragrant spices, resulting in a hearty and flavorful casserole. Originally from Egypt, it later spread across the Arab world and became a centerpiece on family tables, especially during gatherings and special occasions. Let’s dive into preparing this classic dish.

Ingredients

Oxtail Casserole (Tagen El-Akkawi)

 

Serves 3 people

  • 1 kg oxtail pieces

  • 4 medium onions

  • 2 garlic cloves

  • 4 tomatoes

  • 2 green peppers (mild or hot, as desired)

  • Salt and black pepper (to taste)

  • Meat spices (cumin, coriander, cinnamon)

  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

  • 50 ml vinegar

Preparation

Step 1: Make the Sauce Base

  • Grate the onions and tomatoes using a grater.

  • Place them in a large bowl and mix well.

  • Season with about ½ teaspoon each of salt and black pepper (or adjust to taste).

  • Chop the green peppers and add them to the mixture along with the vinegar, nutmeg, and meat spices.

  • Stir everything thoroughly until well combined.

  • Let the mixture rest for 30 minutes so the flavors blend together.
    Tip: Preparing the mixture in advance will deepen the flavor.

Step 2: Marinate the Meat

  • After the mixture has rested, add the oxtail pieces.

  • Mix well to coat each piece evenly with the marinade.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

  • Transfer the oxtail and sauce mixture into an ovenproof clay or ceramic dish (a “tagine” or casserole dish works perfectly).

  • Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.

Step 4: Bake

  • Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F) for about 5 minutes.

  • Place the covered dish in the oven and cook for 40–45 minutes.

  • Remove the foil and return the dish to the oven for another 10 minutes to brown the top and deepen the flavor.

Serving

Cooking time: 60–65 minutes in total.
Serve hot, ideally with rice or fresh bread.

Enjoy this rich and comforting Egyptian oxtail casserole—Tagen El-Akkawi!

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