Oxtails Roman Style – Coda alla Vaccinara – Oracibo

Ingredients

• 3-4 lbs. oxtails, larger pieces are preferable
• 2Tbsp. EVO + 2 Tbsp. canola oil
• 3 stalks celery, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2-3 bay leaves
• ¼ cup raisins
• 2 Tbsp. Pine Nuts or toasted slivered almonds (see below)
• 3 whole cloves
• 1 clove garlic, chopped
• 2/3 cup red or white wine
• 28 oz. tin Italian Plum Tomatoes, chopped + 1 Tbsp. tomato paste if desired
• 1 cinnamon stick
• Salt & pepper
• ¼ tsp. pepperoncino (chili flakes) or to taste
• 1-2 Tbsp. cocoa powder mixed with a bit of wine to a paste