When the temperatures get cooler outside a slow cooked pot of beef short ribs and a side of polenta with a Barolo or Barbaresco makes for the perfect pairing.
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Keyword beef short ribs
Author adapted from "Urban Italian" by Andrew Carmellini and Gwen Hyman
Ingredients
for the short ribs
1/2cuppancetta, diced
2-1/2lbs.boneless beef short ribs, cut in half
1tablespoonKosher salt
1/2teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1smallonion, diced
2clovesgarlic, thinly sliced
1/8teaspoonPiment d'Espelette
228 oz. cansSan Marzano tomatoes with their juice, crushed
for the topping
1/4cuppine nuts, toasted
1tablespoonextra virgin olive oil
1/4cuppanko bread crumbs
2teaspoonsdried oregano
2tablespoonsItalian parsley, chopped
salt and pepper
2tablespoonsParmigiano-Reggiano, grated
Instructions
for the beef short ribs
Preheat the oven to 375 F
In a large Le Creuset dutch oven, sauté the pancetta over medium-high heat for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Season the beef short ribs on both sides with salt and pepper. Add them to the pot and brown the ribs on all sides.
Add the onion and cook until it begins to soften, about 2-3 minutes. Add the garlic slices and cook for another minute. Add the Piment d'Espelette and stir to combine. Add the crushed tomatoes with their juice and bring the mixture to a boil.
Remove the pot from the stove and transfer to the oven. Cook until the meat is super fork tender about 2-1/2 hours. Check the pot periodically, if it becomes too dry add a little water.
for the topping
In a medium sauté pan, add the toasted pine nuts, panko and olive oil. Mix well and cook over medium low heat stirring until mixture is golden brown.
Add the oregano and parsley, salt and pepper and mix. Warm for a few seconds. Remove from heat and add the Parmigiano-Reggiano. You do not want the cheese to melt into the mixture!
to serve
Remove the pot from the oven and take the beef short ribs out of the pot and transfer the ribs to a plate with tongs. Cover the ribs with foil to keep warm.
Using a large spoon, skim off any fat from the sauce. Add a 1/2 cup of water to the sauce and stir.
Place 3-4 pieces of meat on a plate with polenta on the side and top with a ladleful of sauce. Sprinkle the panko herb topping over the dish.