Red Wine Braised Short Ribs — Ethan

Step 1

2 parts parsley

Step 2

1 part minced garlic

Step 3

1 part lemon zest

Step 4

400 g water

Step 5

5 g Salt

Step 6

100 g Polenta (yellow corn grits)

Step 7

30 g nonfat milk

Step 8

30 g Parmigiana Reggiano

Step 9

20 g Butter

Step 10

10 cranks Black pepper

Step 11

Pinch of gremolata (optional)

Step 12

Heavily salt the exterior of the short ribs. (optional) Let dry brine for at least 3 hours or overnight in the fridge.

Step 13

On the day of braising, preheat the oven to 275 F. Prep the mirepoix by dicing the white onion, carrot, and celery. It should roughly be 2 parts onion, 1 part carrot, 1 part celery.

Step 14

Set a dutch oven or braising pot over medium-high heat and add the oil. Once hot place the short ribs down and sear on all sides. Take your time to develop a nice crust on all sides. Once browned, set the ribs aside and turn the heat down to medium.

Step 15

Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery along with a big pinch of salt and cook while stirring for about 10 to 15 minutes until the onion is nicely browned.

Step 16

Add the tomato paste and cook just for about a minute until it turns a deep red. Pour in the wine and scrape the bottom of the pan to release any fond that has developed. Let cook for 2 minutes to slightly reduce the wine.

Step 17

Return the browned ribs to the pot and add enough stock or water to the pot so it comes 3/4 of the way up the ribs. Bring the liquid to a simmer then partially cover the lid and slide in the preheated 275 F oven.

Step 18

Let the ribs braise for roughly 4 hours which will allow enough time for the collagen to turn into gelatin making them fork tender. Once fork-tender, pull the pot out of the oven and let cool until the liquid reaches 140 F and the ribs are cool enough to handle.

Step 19

If desired, you can remove the bone and clean up the ribs before storing it. Move the ribs to an airtight container and store in the fridge. Strain the cooking liquid into a container and set it in the fridge overnight so the fat congeals to the top.

Step 20

Remove the fat from the cooled cooking liquid. Set a pan over medium-low heat and add the liquid to the pan, bring to a simmer and let slowly reduce while stirring for about 20 minutes. Be careful not to burn!

Step 21

Prepare the polenta by bringing the milk, water, and a big pinch of salt to a boil. While whisking, add the polenta and cooking for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat and cover for 10 minutes until thickened to your liking.

Step 22

Meanwhile, prepare the gremolata by mincing 2 parts parsley, 1 part garlic, and 1 part lemon zest.

Step 23

When the cooking liquid has reduced so it leaves a trail with a spatula, add in the short ribs and coat the exterior to bring them up to temperature. Turn the heat off and set a lid on top.

Step 24

Once the polenta is done, remove from the heat and stir in the butter, the parmesan, a few cranks of black pepper, and a pinch of the gremolata if you would like.

Step 25

To serve, spread the polenta onto a plate, add a spoonful or two of the reduced sauce, top with a short rib, and more sauce over the top. Garnish with the gremolata. Devour.