2 pounds oxtail (1 disjointed oxtail weighs about 2 pounds)
Stir in:
6 cups water
1 large carrot, peeled and diced
1 large celery stalk, diced
1 large onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, peeled
4 black peppercorns
Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer, partially covered, until the meat comes effortlessly from the bone, 3 to 4 hours. As the water evaporates during cooking, add only enough water to keep the meat submerged. Remove the oxtail from the soup. Discard the fat and bones and reserve the meat. Refrigerate the soup until cold, then remove the fat. When ready to serve, heat the soup and add:
1 medium leek (white part only), cleaned thoroughly and cut into thin strips
1 small carrot, peeled and cut into thin strips
1 small celery stalk, cut into thin strips
1/2 teaspoon salt
Simmer until the vegetables are tender, about 15 minutes. Return the meat to the soup and heat through. Ladle into warmed bowls. Garnish with: