She Strengthens

Elevating Flavors: A Rich and Decadent Beef Short Ribs Recipe

A Culinary Journey Begins

After graduating from culinary school, I was inspired to experiment with bold flavors and ingredients. One of my favorite discoveries was the combination of mole, a chocolate-based sauce, with beef and chicken. But I wanted to take it to the next level – enter espresso, a game-changing addition that pairs perfectly with the richness of dark chocolate.

The Perfect Pairing

This recipe yields four servings and requires about three to four hours of cooking time, with one hour of active preparation. The result is a dish that’s both tender and flavorful, with the deep flavors of espresso and dark chocolate complementing the fall-off-the-bone beef short ribs.

Ingredients

• 3 pounds beef short ribs, bone-in, English-style, trimmed of fat and skin
• All-purpose flour for dusting
• Vegetable oil
• Onions, carrots, celery, and garlic
• Tomatoes, dry red wine, beef stock, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, and tomato paste
• 1/2 cup espresso
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate, chopped (shaved)

Braising Perfection

To begin, wrap each short rib individually with butcher’s twine to prevent them from falling apart during braising. Season with salt and pepper, then dust with flour. Heat oil in a large braising pan over high heat and brown the ribs on all sides. Transfer to a platter and reserve.

Aromatic Foundations

Reduce the heat to medium and cook the carrots and onions until golden. Add the celery and cook until soft, then add the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds. Stir in flour to coat the vegetables, then add the tomato, wine, stock, herbs, and paste. Bring to a boil, return the ribs to the pan, and cover.

Slow-Cooked to Perfection

Transfer the pan to the oven and simmer at 250°F for two to three hours, or until the ribs are tender. Remove the ribs, strain the braising liquid, and discard the solids. Degrease the liquid, then add the chocolate and espresso until the desired flavor is reached. Correct the seasoning and thicken as needed.

Finishing Touches

Return the ribs to the sauce and let them simmer for an additional 30 minutes, partially covered. Serve with your choice of starch and vegetables, such as wild mushroom risotto or mashed red bliss potatoes with bleu cheese.

Tips and Variations

For an added depth of flavor, use high-quality dark chocolate and espresso. You can also substitute the espresso with a coffee extract, although it won’t provide the same intense flavor. Experiment with different types of chocolate and coffee to find your perfect combination.