Slow Braised Short Ribs

Wolfgang Puck prepares slow braised short ribs

(Recipe courtesy Wolfgang Puck)

  1. Pour the wine into a large saucepan set over medium heat. When the wine is heated, carefully set it aflame. Let the flames die out, then increase the heat so that the wine boils; allow it to boil until it cooks down by half. Remove from the heat.
  2. Center a rack in the oven and preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  3. Heat the oil in a Dutch oven or large casserole, large enough to hold 6 ribs, over medium-high heat. Season the ribs all over with salt and the crushed pepper. Dust the ribs with about 2 tablespoons of flour and then when the oil is hot, slip the ribs into the pot and sear for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, until well browned.
  4. Transfer the browned ribs to a plate. Remove all but 1 tablespoon of fat from the pot; lower the heat to medium, and toss in the vegetables and herbs. Brown the vegetables lightly, 5 to 7 minutes, then stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to blend.
  5. Add the reduced wine, browned ribs, and stock to the pot. Bring to a boil; cover the pot tightly, and slide it into the oven to braise for about 2 ½ hours, or until the ribs are tender enough to be easily pierced with a fork. Every 30 minutes or so, lift the lid and skim and discard whatever fat may have bubbled up to the surface.
  6. Carefully transfer the meat to a heated serving platter with a lip and keep warm. Boil the pan liquid until it thickens and reduces to approximately 1 quart. Season with salt and pepper and pass through a fine-mesh strainer; discard the solids.

Presentation: Pour the sauce over the meat. Serve with vegetables of your choice.

Watch a video demonstration by Wolfgang Puck
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Ingredients

Yield: Serves 6

  • 1 bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 6 short ribs, trimmed
  • Salt
  • 1 teaspoon black peppercorns, crushed
  • Flour for dredging
  • 10 cloves garlic, peeled
  • 8 large shallots, peeled, trimmed, rinsed, split and dried
  • 2 medium organic carrots, peeled, trimmed and cut into 1-inch lengths
  • 2 stalks organic celery, peeled, trimmed and cut into 1-inch lengths
  • 1 medium leek, white and light green parts only, coarsely chopped
  • 6 sprigs Italian parsley
  • 2 sprigs thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 quarts unsalted organic beef stock or chicken stock
  • Freshly ground white pepper