Indulge in the rich, savory flavors of Apple Brandy Braised Short Ribs—a dish that promises to warm your heart and impress your guests. This recipe combines tender beef short ribs with the sweet notes of apple brandy, creating a mouth-watering meal perfect for any occasion. Join our kitchen companion membership for more delicious recipes like this one!
Ingredients
For this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients to serve 4:
- Beef Short Ribs: 4 lbs (bone-in)
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Yellow Onions: 2, diced
- Carrots: 4, peeled and cut into chunks
- Celery: 3 stalks, cut into chunks
- Garlic: 6 cloves, minced
- Tomato Paste: 4 tablespoons
- Apple Cider or Juice: 3 cups
- Beef Broth: 2 cups
- Apple Brandy: 1 cup (such as Calvados)
- Fresh Thyme: 4 sprigs
- Rosemary: 2 sprigs
- Salt and Pepper: to taste
Grocery List
When shopping for this recipe, ensure you have:
- Beef short ribs (4 lbs)
- Olive oil
- Yellow onions (2)
- Carrots (4)
- Celery (3 stalks)
- Garlic (6 cloves)
- Tomato paste
- Apple cider or juice (3 cups)
- Beef broth (2 cups)
- Apple brandy (1 cup)
- Fresh thyme (4 sprigs)
- Fresh rosemary (2 sprigs)
- Salt and pepper
Cooking Instructions
- Preparation of Ribs:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Pat the short ribs dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Searing the Ribs:
- In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the short ribs in batches, browning them on all sides for about 3–5 minutes per side. Remove the ribs and set aside.
- Sautéing Vegetables:
- In the same pot, add onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté until the onions become translucent.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for an additional minute.
- Deglazing the Pot:
- Pour in the apple brandy to deglaze the pot, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom.
- Add apple cider and beef broth, stirring to combine.
- Braising:
- Return the short ribs to the pot along with thyme and rosemary.
- Cover with a lid and transfer to the oven. Braise for about 2.5 to 3 hours or until the meat is fork-tender.
- Finishing Touches:
- Once done, remove from oven and let rest for about 10 minutes before serving.
- Skim off any excess fat from the surface of the sauce before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delicious short ribs over creamy mashed potatoes or polenta, drizzled with the rich braising liquid. Garnish with fresh herbs for an added touch of flavor.
Tips & Notes
- For enhanced flavor, consider marinating the short ribs in apple brandy overnight before cooking.
- This dish can be made a day ahead; simply reheat gently before serving.
- Pair with a robust red wine or a crisp apple cider for a delightful meal experience.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of Apple Brandy Braised Short Ribs contains approximately:
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Protein: 45g
- Fat: 40g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
(Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients used.)
Cooking Time
The total cooking time is approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, including preparation and braising time.
Enjoy this hearty dish that brings together comforting flavors perfect for family gatherings or special occasions! Join our kitchen companion membership for more delicious recipes that will elevate your culinary adventures!