Braised Short Ribs

I realize this looks like a big sloppy mess and might not make your mouth water, but trust me, it's a super flavorful big sloppy mess that is scrumptious, in spite of it's lack of photogenicness (which may or may not be a word - I'm not sure). So just put this photo out of your mind and imagine the robust flavors dancing on your taste buds. They've always been there for you, I think they deserve this.

BRAISED SHORT RIBS

Yield:  8 servings

6 bone-in short ribs (about 5 3/4 pounds)

kosher salt
extra-virgin olive oil
1 large Spanish onion, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
2 ribs celery, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
2 carrots, peeled, cut in 1/2 lengthwise, then cut into 1/2-inch pieces
2 cloves garlic, smashed
1 1/2 cups tomato paste
2 to 3 cups hearty red wine
2 cups water
1 bunch fresh thyme, tied with kitchen string
2 bay leaves

1.      Season each short rib generously with salt. Coat a pot (large enough to accommodate all the meat and vegetables) with olive oil and bring to a high heat. Add the short ribs to the pan and brown very well, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Do not overcrowd pan. Cook in batches, if necessary.

2.      Preheat oven to 375º F.

3.      While the short ribs are browning, puree all the vegetables and garlic in the food processor until it forms a coarse paste. When the short ribs are very brown on all sides, remove them from the pan. Drain the fat, coat the bottom of same pan with fresh oil and add the pureed vegetables. Season the vegetables generously with salt and brown until they are very dark and a crud has formed on the bottom of the pan, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Scrape the crud and let it reform. Scrape the crud again and add the tomato paste. Brown the tomato paste for 4 to 5 minutes. Add the wine and scrape the bottom of the pan. Lower the heat if things start to burn. Reduce the mixture by half.

4.      Return the short ribs to the pan and add 2 cups water (or enough water to just about cover the meat). Add the thyme bundle and bay leaves. Cover the pan and place in the preheated oven for 3 hours. Check periodically during the cooking process and add more water, if needed. Turn the ribs over halfway through the cooking time. Remove the lid during the last 20 minutes of cooking to let things get nice and brown and to let the sauce reduce. When done the meat should be very tender but not falling apart. Serve with the braising liquid.

from Anne Burrell

raw short ribs

browned short ribs

vegetables in food processor

pureed vegetables in pot

"crud" on the bottom of the pan

adding tomato paste

Don't be afraid of using so much tomato paste.
I used the full amount and was very happy I did.

adding wine

tomato paste, wine and water mixed in

adding the short ribs back

submerging the short ribs

thyme and bay leaves added

about 90 minutes later

3 hours later (removing thyme)

removing short rib (fallen off the bone)

fat skimmed - braising liquid mixed

braised short rib on bone over roasted garlic mashed potatoes

braised short rib (pulled apart, with sauce)

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