Tuscan braised short ribs with spinach & mushroom farro pilaf

Tuscan Braised Short Ribs With Spinach & Mushroom Farro Pilaf

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.

Tip:

  • 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.

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

Instructions

Braised Ribs
  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160C). 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

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