Braised Beef Short Ribs

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Growing up in New England, my husband and I have grown to love winter.  The crisp air, snowy days and any excuse to be cozy.   We live in beautiful New Jersey now, and while it has its amazing sights and frosty winters, I'm the crazy one who always says "I wish we had more snow!" 

With Valentine's Day approaching, I like to cook things that are cozy, warm and savory for my husband, but also superbly delicious.  Of course, I sought the guidance of my favorite chefs,  Anne Burrell and Scott Conant.  I made Anne Burrell inspired short ribs, with Scott Conant’s creamy polenta. 

Here’s your ingredient list for the ribs (serves 4or 2 with left-overs) :

Braised Ribs Ingredients

 

  • 3 large carrots, chopped  
  • 3 celery strips, chopped
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • Olive oil, 5 tablespoons
  • 6 lbs beef ribs 
  • 1 ½ cups tomato paste
  • 1 Cup Red wine (something you like to drink)
  • 2 Cups Water Fresh Bay Leaves (3)
  • One bunch of thyme
  • Kosher Salt

You'll need a heavy duty Dutch oven or equivalent pot to braise & slow cook.

Short ribs are kind of, shall we say, a luxury purchase.  So, I reserve this dinner for a special night. With a bit of help from my butcher (a.k.a the guy behind the glass at meat section of my local Foodtown)  I decided on 6 lbs of ribs.  When they are sliced up into roughly 3 inch sections there were about 12 ribs.  A lot for two, but the leftovers are gold!

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.  Generously salt the ribs, then with your Dutch oven on medium-high heat,  pour 3 tbsp of olive oil and sear the ribs in batches on all sides, about 2 minutes per side. Don't crowd the pain, otherwise nothing will brown.    (Of course, me being me, I set a timer for those 2 minutes per side)

Once all the meat is browned, I let the ribs sit for a while as I prepare the rest.

In your food processor,  chop the onion, celery, garlic and carrots.  Then, place in a strainer and press with a kitchen towel to drain all the juices out. 

Add 2 tbsp olive oil to the Dutch oven over medium heat and pour the drained vegetables into the pot.  Cook until it turns brown, about 10 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid over browning.  Add the paste, stir and lower to medium, for about 5 minutes. Add wine, cook another 5 minutes.

Return ribs to the pot, add water until it covers the ribs.  Add bay leaves and thyme.  Place the covered pot into the oven for about 2 hours and 45 minutes.

This dish is off-the-charts delicious and special.  The meat will fall away from the rib bones and the sauce is heavenly.   I made this dinner with Caramelized Shallot and Apple Brussels Sprouts.  (click here for the recipe).  McSweeney loves it so much that he asks for this as a first course to Thanksgiving, Christmas, his birthday, any given Sunday, etc.. Prepare for supreme yumminess!  

Your sweetheart will thank you for it!

Enjoy, xo Measure 

ribs