Worth The Hunt
The Recipe · No.1121 · Coda alla Vaccinara

Coda alla Vaccinara, and where to source it

Coda alla Vaccinara — Worth The Hunt WORTH THE HUNT Coda alla Vaccinara Italian 5best2buy.com

Blanch the oxtail first, then braise for hours until the meat pulls off the bone. Undercook it and the collagen stays tough and rubbery.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep30 min
Cook4 hr
Makesserves 4
CuisineItalian
Cost$$$
Gluten-freeDairy-free
Contains  tree nuts
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 4 servings
Oxtail
Cut into joints by the butcher, meaty and thick. The dish lives on its collagen.
3 lb
Local / market
Celery
A whole head, most added late so it stays green and crisp.
1 head
Local / market
Canned tomatoes
San Marzano, crushed by hand.
28 oz
Local / market
White wine
A dry Lazio white to deglaze.
1 cup
Local / market
Pine nuts
A spoon, added at the end. A Roman signature.
2 tbsp
Local / market
Raisins
A spoon, soaked, for the sweet-sour finish.
2 tbsp
Bitter cocoa
A teaspoon of unsweetened cocoa for the old Roman version.
1 tsp
Local / market
Guanciale
A little cured pork jowl for the base. Pancetta if you must.
3 oz
Local / market
Yellow onion
One, with carrot for the soffritto.
1
The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● Barely a splurge
A light hand — your arteries say thanks. · plan ahead — needs marinating, soaking, or resting time
EffortA project
Cook it with
Instant PotSlow cookerOne-pot
The Method
  1. Blanch the tailCover the oxtail with cold water, bring to a boil, and drain to clean it.
  2. Build the soffrittoRender the guanciale, then soften onion and carrot in the fat.
  3. Sear and deglazeBrown the oxtail in the pot, pour in the wine, and let it cook off.
  4. Braise longAdd the crushed tomatoes and water to cover, then braise covered at a low simmer 3 to 4 hours until the meat loosens from the bone.
  5. Finish RomanAdd the celery, pine nuts, raisins, and cocoa in the last 20 minutes and simmer until the celery is just tender.
The Toolkit

Dutch oven · Tongs · Wooden spoon

Straight Answers
Can you make Coda alla Vaccinara in an air fryer? — Yes, with an insert

Not on its own — an air fryer can’t hold a pool of liquid. You can simmer it in an oven-safe dish or a silicone insert made to fit the basket, but the broth won’t reduce or brown the way it does on the stove, and that insert comes out scorching, so use oven mitts. For real depth, a pot on the stove wins.

Can you freeze Coda alla Vaccinara? — Yes

Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Can you make Coda alla Vaccinara ahead of time? — Yes

Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.

Is Coda alla Vaccinara gluten-free? — Yes

Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.

Is Coda alla Vaccinara vegan? — No

No — it contains meat, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.

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© 2026 5best2buy · Worth The Hunt · Recipe No.1121