Braised Short Rib Ragu

My favourite comfort food, this pasta is great for entertaining. You can make the sauce the night before and toss with fresh pasta when guests arrive.

Yield: 4 servings 

4 lbs beef short ribs 

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 cups red wine 

2 cups beef stock

5 cloves garlic rough chopped

2 white onions chopped 

5 basil leaves

200 grams canned Roma tomato peeled and chopped

200 grams pasata tomato sauce

500 grams pasta, your choice

1 cup grated parmesan

salt and pepper to taste 

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees.

2. Over medium high heat, preheat a large sauce pan add the olive oil. 

3. Generously season the ribs with salt and pepper. 

4. Once the oil is hot, add the short ribs to the pan, make sure the entire surface of the rib has contact with the surface of the hot pan. This will ensure even caramelization on the ribs, turn over to sear both sides. 

5. Once the ribs are seared transfer to a heat proof deep baking dish, set aside. 

6. In the same pan add the onions and garlic, sauté on medium heat for 5 minutes until the onions are transparent. 

7. Add the red wine simmer for 5 minutes then add the beef stock and canned tomatoes.

8. Return the short rubs to the pot.

9. Cover with tin foil or lid, transfer to oven and bake or 3 hours. 

10. Once the short ribs are done braising remove them from the braising liquid. Let them cool down, 

11. Using a fork or your hands separate the meat from the bones and tear the meat into small pieces.

12. Using a hand blender, blend the remaining onions and braising liquid, set aside.

13. In a large sauce pan on low heat add the blended braising liquid, pasata tomato sauce and basil simmer for 20 minutes. Season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. 

14. Add the short rib meat back to the reduced sauce and simmer on low for 15 minutes. check seasoning, add more salt and pepper if needed. 

15. Toss in the cooked pasta. (Pasta cooking instructions below)

16. Garnish with grated parmesan.

Pasta cooking instructions 

1. On high heat bring a large pot of water to a boil. 

2. Add 3 tablespoons of salt

3. Only once the water is at a rapid boil add the pasta and follow the cooking instructions on the pasta box. Times will vary depending on the shape and size of the pasta.