Coda alla Vaccinara
Coda alla Vaccinara is a dark, glossy stew in which pieces of oxtail cook slowly until they become meltingly tender. The sauce, rich with tomato and celery, is deep, slightly sweet, and enveloping, often enriched in older traditions with cocoa or pine nuts. The meat almost falls apart on its own, and the cooking juices beg to be soaked up with bread. It’s a hearty, convivial main course, perfect for a leisurely Roman lunch.
Why it matters
It is one of the most authentic symbols of Rome’s "quinto quarto" tradition, the cuisine born from humble cuts transformed into popular masterpieces. It tells the story of the Testaccio district and the vaccinari of the slaughterhouse, who received these parts as payment. Even today it represents the straightforward, ingenious spirit of Roman cooking.
Origin story
The dish emerged between the 19th and early 20th centuries in the Testaccio district, around Rome’s large slaughterhouse. The "vaccinari", workers responsible for processing cattle, were given the tail and other less prized parts and cooked them slowly with celery, tomato, and herbs. Over time the recipe grew richer and today it has become one of the great classics of the Roman trattoria.
Typical ingredients
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Questions about Coda alla Vaccinara
What is Coda alla Vaccinara?
Coda alla Vaccinara is a dark, glossy stew in which pieces of oxtail cook slowly until they become meltingly tender. The sauce, rich with tomato and celery, is deep, slightly sweet, and enveloping, often enriched in older traditions with cocoa or pine nuts. The meat almost falls apart on its own, and the cooking juices beg to be soaked up with bread. It’s a hearty, convivial main course, perfect for a leisurely Roman lunch.
Where to eat Coda alla Vaccinara in Rome?
Look for traditional trattorias and restaurants in the historic centre of Rome that value local products and traditional recipes.
What are the ingredients of Coda alla Vaccinara?
The main ingredients of Coda alla Vaccinara are: coda di bue, pomodoro, sedano, cipolla, vino rosso.
How much does Coda alla Vaccinara cost in Rome?
The price of Coda alla Vaccinara in Rome is typically €12–20.
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