Oxtails Stew

Ingredients

 * 1 oxtail about 2-2.5 lb. Cut up
 * 4 tblsp. cornflour
 * 2 tblsp. cooking oil
 * Salt and Black Pepper
 * 4 rashers (slices) Bacon ( Sugar cured, rindless )
 * 2 medium onions sliced
 * 1 clove garlic crushed
 * 4 carrots pared and sliced
 * 1 cup peeled chopped tomatoes
 * 1 pint (16 fl. Oz) hot water
 * 2 stalks Green Onions finely sliced
 * 1 spring thyme
 * 1 can Butter Bean ( Lima Beans )

Directions

 * 1) Trim away excess fat and place oxtail in boiling water for 2 to 3 minutes to blanch.
 * 2) Drain well on absorbent paper and coat with cornflour.
 * 3) Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
 * 4) Heat oil in heavy skillet and brown oxtail on both sides removing when brown.
 * 5) Pour off excess fat.
 * 6) Dice Bacon and fry for a few minutes.
 * 7) Return oxtail to pot with Bacon, add carrots, Onion, garlic, tomatoes and hot water.
 * 8) Cover and simmer gently for 3.5 to 4 hours or until oxtail is almost tender.
 * 9) At this stage add more liquid if necessary and season.
 * 10) Cover and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes. Add the butter Beans and allow to simmer for 3 to 4 minutes.