Luxurious Chianti-Braised Short Ribs in a Slow Cooker
Indulge in the rich, comforting flavors of these Chianti-braised short ribs, perfect for a cozy dinner or an impressive gathering. This recipe combines tender beef short ribs with aromatic garlic, sweet onions, and robust Chianti wine, gently simmered to perfection in your slow cooker. The dish transforms into a mouthwatering centerpiece that pairs wonderfully with crispy fried polenta, enhancing the hearty experience. Ideal for lazy weekends when you want delicious home-cooked meals without the fuss, this dish is sure to delight your family and friends. Give it a try and relish the compliments!
4
Servings
550
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
beef short ribs
8 (on the bone)
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
vegetable oil
1 tablespoon
onion
1 (finely chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (finely chopped)
Chianti wine
2 cups
tomatoes
2 (seeded and chopped)
tomato paste
1 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Start by seasoning the beef short ribs generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
2
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3
Working in batches, add the short ribs to the skillet, browning them on all sides for about 7 to 10 minutes. Once browned, transfer the ribs to a large slow cooker.
4
After cooking the ribs, pour off all but 1 tablespoon of fat from the skillet. Add the finely chopped onion and garlic, cooking for approximately 4 minutes until they are softened and fragrant, while scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
5
Introduce the Chianti wine and chopped tomatoes to the skillet, bringing the mixture to a vigorous boil. This will help deglaze the pan and enhance the flavor.
6
Carefully pour the wine and tomato mixture over the browned ribs in the slow cooker.
7
Cover and set the slow cooker to low heat, allowing it to cook for about 6 hours, or until the ribs are fork-tender.
8
Once cooked, transfer the ribs to a warm platter, covering them to retain heat.
9
Strain the cooking liquid into a large measuring cup, allowing it to separate and skim off excess fat from the surface for a cleaner sauce.
10
Pour the strained liquid into a saucepan and bring it to a boil, reducing it to about 1 cup. This intensifies the flavors.
11
Whisk in the tomato paste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
12
Finally, drizzle the rich sauce over the short ribs before serving, and enjoy with fried polenta for an unforgettable meal.
Nutrition Information
37.5g
Fat
42.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in this recipe?
The recipe uses 8 beef short ribs on the bone.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What type of wine is best for this dish?
Chianti wine is used to provide the signature robust flavor.
How long do the ribs cook in the slow cooker?
The ribs should cook on low heat for approximately 6 hours.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 550 calories.
Do I need to brown the meat before slow cooking?
Yes, browning the ribs in vegetable oil for 7 to 10 minutes is recommended for flavor.
What side dish is suggested for serving?
The recipe suggests serving the ribs with crispy fried polenta.
How much Chianti wine is required?
You will need 2 cups of Chianti wine.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe calls for 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped.
How should the tomatoes be prepared?
The 2 tomatoes should be seeded and chopped.
What is the fat content per serving?
There is 37.5g of fat per serving.
How much protein is in this dish?
Each serving provides 42.5g of protein.
What is the purpose of the tomato paste?
One teaspoon of tomato paste is whisked into the reduced sauce to intensify flavor.
How do I prepare the cooking liquid after the ribs are done?
Strain the liquid, skim off the fat, and reduce it in a saucepan to about 1 cup.
Can I use a different type of oil?
The recipe specifies 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients in total.
How should the onion be chopped?
The onion should be finely chopped.
What temperature setting should I use on the slow cooker?
Set the slow cooker to the low heat setting.
How long do I cook the onion and garlic?
Cook them for approximately 4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
What do I do after browning the ribs?
Transfer the browned ribs to a large slow cooker.
How do I deglaze the pan?
Add the wine and tomatoes to the skillet and bring to a vigorous boil while scraping the bottom.
Should the ribs be seasoned?
Yes, season them generously with salt and pepper on all sides before browning.
Is the cooking liquid used for the sauce?
Yes, the liquid is strained, fat-skimmed, and reduced to create a rich sauce.
How many ribs are needed per person?
With 8 ribs and 4 servings, it averages 2 ribs per person.
What is the final step before serving?
Drizzle the reduced rich sauce over the short ribs.
Can the sauce be adjusted?
Yes, adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste after adding the tomato paste.
What makes this a 'cozy' meal?
The slow-simmered beef and rich wine sauce make it ideal for comforting family dinners.
Do I need to keep the ribs warm?
Yes, transfer them to a warm platter and cover them while you finish the sauce.
Is the fat removed from the sauce?
Yes, the recipe instructs to skim off excess fat from the surface of the strained liquid.
Are the ribs bone-in or boneless?
The recipe specifically calls for beef short ribs on the bone.