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Apple Cider Braised Short Ribs

Apple Cider Braised Short Ribs for Cozy Dinner Bliss

Discover the melt-in-your-mouth tenderness of Apple Cider Braised Short Ribs, a comforting dish perfect for cozy dinners.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Course Easy Dinners
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 650 kcal

Equipment

  • Dutch oven

Ingredients
  

For the Short Ribs

  • 4 pounds beef short ribs, bone-in Ensures rich flavor and tenderness during the long braising process.
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper Essential for seasoning; adjust to your taste.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil Ideal for searing the ribs, enhancing their flavor.

For the Aromatics

  • 1 large onion, diced Adds sweetness and depth to the braising liquid.
  • 2 carrots diced Offers a subtle earthiness that complements the beef.
  • 2 celery stalks diced Provides a light, fresh note to the dish.
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced Boosts the overall flavor with its aromatic intensity.
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste Deepens the sauce with its rich umami flavor.

For the Braising Liquid

  • 2 cups apple cider Adds a sweet and tangy twist, perfectly complementing the beef.
  • 1 cup beef broth Enhances the savory depth of the braise.
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar Balances the sweetness of the cider for a well-rounded taste.
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary Infuses the dish with aromatic herbal notes.
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme Adds a gentle earthiness and floral aroma.

For the Rosemary Mashed Sweet Potatoes

  • 2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed Brings natural sweetness and beautiful color to the plate.
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter Makes the mash rich and creamy.
  • ½ cup heavy cream Ensures a luxurious texture in the mashed sweet potatoes.
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped Elevates the dish with fragrant herbal flavors.
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper Season to taste for a perfectly balanced mash.

Instructions
 

Step-by-Step Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Season the beef short ribs generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on all sides.
  • In a large, oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the short ribs in batches until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Set aside.
  • In the same pot, lower heat slightly and sauté diced onion, carrots, and celery for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and tomato paste, stirring for another minute until fragrant.
  • Pour 2 cups of apple cider into the pot, scraping up browned bits. Bring to a simmer and stir in beef broth, apple cider vinegar, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaf.
  • Return the short ribs to the pot, ensuring they are submerged in liquid. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and transfer to the oven.
  • Braise the short ribs in the oven for 3 hours, ensuring they are tender. The sauce should be bubbling gently.
  • Peel and cube sweet potatoes. Boil in salted water for 15-20 minutes until tender. Drain and keep hot.
  • Mash sweet potatoes with butter, heavy cream, and chopped rosemary until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Remove ribs from the oven. Strain the braising liquid, discarding solid herbs. Simmer the liquid over medium heat for about 10 minutes to thicken.
  • Serve the ribs over rosemary mashed sweet potatoes, drizzling the thickened braising liquid on top.

Notes

Searing is key for rich flavor. Don’t rush braising; for optimal tenderness, cook for full 3 hours.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 650kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 45gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 900mgFiber: 5gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 2000IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 5mg
Keyword Apple Cider Braised Short Ribs, braised beef, comfort food, cozy dinner, mashed sweet potatoes, short ribs
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