Are you craving a melt-in-your-mouth, fall-apart tender short rib dish, but don't have any wine on hand? Don't worry! This incredibly flavorful recipe delivers all the richness and depth you expect from a classic short rib preparation, completely alcohol-free. It's a perfect example of how delicious and easy healthy meals can be, making it ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions. This recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of easy recipes and quick dinner ideas.
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs bone-in beef short ribs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Sear the Short Ribs
Pat the short ribs dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Sear the short ribs on all sides until deeply browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the short ribs from the pot and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and tomato paste and cook for another minute, stirring constantly, to prevent burning.
Step 3: Build the Flavor
Stir in the thyme, rosemary, and smoked paprika. Cook for 30 seconds, allowing the spices to bloom. This step adds a wonderful depth of flavor to your homemade cooking.
Step 4: Braise the Short Ribs
Return the short ribs to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and water. Add the bay leaves. Bring the liquid to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and braise for 2.5-3 hours, or until the short ribs are fork-tender. For even more tender short ribs, consider braising them for a longer period, up to 4 hours.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Once the short ribs are cooked, remove them from the pot and set aside. Skim any excess fat from the braising liquid. You can either serve the short ribs as is, or for a thicker sauce, you can simmer the liquid uncovered for 10-15 minutes until slightly reduced. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. These delicious dishes pair perfectly with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or polenta.
Tips for Success:
- Choose good quality short ribs: The flavor of your final dish heavily depends on the quality of your ingredients.
- Don't overcrowd the pot: Sear the short ribs in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning.
- Low and slow is key: Braising at a low temperature allows the collagen in the short ribs to break down, resulting in incredibly tender meat.
- Taste and adjust seasoning: Seasoning is crucial for delicious food recipes. Taste the braising liquid before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Variations:
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, potatoes, or parsnips to the braising liquid.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for a spicier kick.
- Make it a complete meal: Serve over mashed potatoes or creamy polenta for a hearty and satisfying dinner.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: Approximately 40g
- Fat: Approximately 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15g
This recipe is a testament to how simple delicious food can be. Enjoy your perfectly tender and flavorful short ribs! These best recipes are sure to become a family favorite.