Slow-Braised Organic Ox Heart with Red Wine and Herbs

Offal might seem intimidating if you’ve never cooked it before, but our 700g Organic Ox Heart is a tender, flavour-packed cut that’s perfect for slow-cooking. Rich, hearty, and deeply satisfying, ox heart has been a staple in traditional cuisine for centuries — and once you try it, you’ll understand why.

This recipe keeps things simple, letting the natural flavour of the heart shine, while also introducing some classic herbs and a touch of red wine for depth.

Ingredients (Serves 3–4)

• 700g Organic Ox Heart

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 large onion, finely chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced

• 2 celery sticks, sliced

• 1 tsp dried thyme (or 2 sprigs fresh)

• 1 tsp dried rosemary (or 2 sprigs fresh)

• 200ml good-quality red wine

• 300ml organic beef stock

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

• Optional: fresh parsley for garnish

Method

1. Prepare the heart
   Rinse the ox heart under cold water and pat dry with kitchen paper. Trim away any excess fat and sinew, then slice into large chunks.

2. Brown the meat
   Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Add the heart pieces and sear until browned on all sides, about 5–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.

3. Cook the vegetables
   In the same pan, add onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté gently until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

4. Add herbs and deglaze
   Stir in thyme and rosemary. Pour in the red wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced.

5. Braise the heart
   Return the ox heart to the pan. Pour in the beef stock, bring to a gentle simmer, then cover with a lid. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 1½–2 hours, until the heart is tender and infused with the flavours of the wine and herbs.

6. Season and serve
   Check seasoning and add salt and pepper to taste. Serve the heart slices with the braised vegetables and sauce, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Perfect alongside creamy mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, or buttered greens.

Why Try Ox Heart?

Ox heart is lean, nutrient-dense, and full of flavour. It’s an excellent source of protein, iron, B vitamins, and zinc, making it a highly nutritious addition to your diet. Its firm texture holds up beautifully to slow cooking, resulting in tender, rich meat that’s perfect for a comforting family meal.

Cooking offal might feel new at first, but with simple techniques like braising, it becomes accessible, delicious, and deeply satisfying — a perfect way to experience the benefits of organic, ethical, and sustainable meat.