Name: Tuscan Braised Short Ribs with Spinach & Mushroom Farro Pilaf
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 30 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: Braised Ribs 3 1/2 lb (1.75 kg) Simmering Short Ribs (about 8 ribs); 2 tbsp oil; Salt and freshly ground black pepper; 2 carrots, scrubbed and finely chopped; 2 ribs celery, chopped; 1 onion, finely chopped; 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary; 1/2 tsp fennel seeds, crushed (optional); 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup dry red wine; 1 cup canned no salt added crushed tomatoes; 2 cups no salt added beef broth; 2 bay leaves; 2 tsp red wine vinegar; 1/4 cup chopped parsley; Pilaf 2 tbsp olive oil; 8 oz (250 g) sliced mushrooms; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 1/2 cup farro; Salt and freshly ground black pepper; 2 cups no salt added chicken broth; 4 cups baby spinach; 1 cup peas; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Low, slow cooking makes for delicious deep flavor and fall-off-the-bone goodness in this classic man-magnet dish served over a veggie-rich pilaf. Beef belongs in this plant-forward dinner as folks who eat meat are more likely to eat more fruit and veggies.

Ingredients

Braised Ribs 3 1/2 lb (1.75 kg) Simmering Short Ribs (about 8 ribs)2 tbsp oilSalt and freshly ground black pepper2 carrots, scrubbed and finely chopped2 ribs celery, chopped1 onion, finely chopped1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary1/2 tsp fennel seeds, crushed (optional)4 cloves garlic, minced1/2 cup dry red wine1 cup canned no salt added crushed tomatoes2 cups no salt added beef broth2 bay leaves2 tsp red wine vinegar1/4 cup chopped parsley Pilaf 2 tbsp olive oil8 oz (250 g) sliced mushrooms1 small onion, finely chopped1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme2 cloves garlic, minced1 1/2 cup farroSalt and freshly ground black pepper2 cups no salt added chicken broth4 cups baby spinach1 cup peas1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Directions

Braised Ribs

Preheat oven to 325°F (160C). Pat ribs dry; season all over with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven or saucepan set over medium-high heat. Cook ribs, in batches, until browned all over. Transfer to a plate.

Reduce heat to medium. Add carrots, celery, onion, rosemary and fennel seed (if using). Cook, stirring, for 5 minutes or until softened. Stir in wine, scraping up any cooked on browned bits; simmer until reduced by half. Stir in garlic. Add broth, tomatoes and bay leaves. Bring to a boil.

Return ribs to the pot, along with any accumulated juices. Cover and transfer to oven. Cook, turning every 45 minutes, for about 2 1/2 to 3 hours or until meat is very tender. Cook uncovered for the final 30 minutes. Discard bay leaves. Skim as much fat as possible off the top of sauce; discard.

Pilaf

Meanwhile, heat oil in a large saucepan set over medium heat. Cook mushrooms, onion and thyme for 7 to 10 minutes or until softened and lightly browned. Stir in farro and garlic. Season with salt and pepper.
Add broth; bring to a boil. Cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for 20 to 25 minutes or liquid is absorbed and farro is tender. Stir in spinach, peas and Parmesan. Let stand for 3 to 5 minutes or until wilted and heated through.

Divide pilaf evenly among eight plates. Top each serving with a short rib. Stir vinegar into sauce; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Spoon sauce over each rib. Sprinkle with parsley.

Tips

• Serve with 1 lb (500 g) trimmed and steamed green beans tossed with fresh lemon juice.
• Farro can be replaced with 1 cup brown rice or barley.
• Use a variety of mushrooms in the risotto, such as cremini, shiitake and king oyster.