Well, here's today's big adventure: Braised Short Ribs

Braised Short Ribs

Recipe courtesy Gourmet Magazine

6 pounds beef short ribs, cut into 1-rib pieces
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 medium onions, chopped
4 large garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 cups dry red wine
1 (28 to 32-ounce) can whole tomatoes including liquid coarsely pureed in a blender
1 1/2 cups beef broth
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
6 (3 by 1-inch) strips fresh orange zest removed with a vegetable peeler
2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary leaves or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crumbled
10 ounces pearl onions (about 2 cups), blanched in boiling water 2 minutes and peeled
1 (1-pound) bag peeled baby carrots
Finely chopped fresh parsley leaves, for garnish
Pat short ribs dry and season with salt and pepper. In a heavy 6-quart kettle, heat oil over moderately high heat, until hot but not smoking, and brown ribs in batches, transferring with tongs to a large bowl.

Add chopped onions to kettle and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until golden. Add garlic and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Add wine, tomatoes, broth, Worcestershire sauce, zest, rosemary, and salt and bring to a boil. Add ribs including any juices that have accumulated in bowl and simmer, covered, 30 minutes.

Add pearl onions and carrots, stirring and pushing down to make sure they are covered by liquid, and simmer, covered, 3 1/2 to 4 hours, or until meat is tender. Transfer meat, pearl onions, and carrots with a slotted spoon to a large bowl. Reduce braising liquid, if necessary. Return meat and vegetables to kettle and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Stew may be made 3 days ahead and cooled uncovered before chilling covered. Reheat stew, adding water as necessary to thin sauce. Serve stew sprinkled with parsley.

Wine suggestion: Californian Syrah - Edmunds St. John, California

Yield: 6 to 8 servings
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 5 hours
Difficulty: Medium