Oxtail soup

Oxtail soup is a comforting dish made from beef tails, though the name "ox" is historical and does not refer to a specific animal. The origins of this hearty soup date back to the 17th century, thanks to French Huguenot and Flemish immigrants in London. Today, delicious variations of oxtail soup can be found around the world, including Korean, Chinese, Indonesian, American South Creole, and British styles.

In China, oxtail soup is akin to a rich stew. It features chunks of oxtail, potatoes, carrots, cabbage, tomatoes, and mushrooms, all simmered together to create a thick, flavorful broth. Indonesia offers its unique take with "sop buntut" where fried or barbecued oxtail is served with vegetables in a spiced beef broth. Korean "kkori-gomtang" is a deeply satisfying beef bone soup made by simmering oxtail, garlic, and traditional Korean seasonings for hours.

In the UK, oxtail soup has been a favorite since the 18th century. Brands like Heinz and the Campbell Soup Company have further popularized it. There is even an amusing anecdote suggesting that consuming oxtail soup on Royal Navy submarines might lead to discomfort due to rough seas and, well, flatulence.

No matter where you are, oxtail soup is a versatile and flavorful dish, with each culture adding its unique twist to this timeless comfort food.