Short Rib Ragu over Gnocchi

If you are looking to stay in and cook something special for your Valentine tonight I have just the thing.

Braised Short Rib Ragu over fresh gnocchi.

It sounds complicated I know. Granted it does take a while to cook but it's really just prepping it and then leaving it on the oven to cook and get delicious. Not to mention make your house smell incredible!

Whether you make it for a special Valentines meal or just to warm your insides on a cold night, your company will definitely be impressed with the outcome. I can promise you that.

recipe below. 

What you'll need:

- 8 whole Beef Short Ribs

- Kosher salt & fresh pepper

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

- 1 medium onion, diced

- 3 carrots, diced

- 2 stalks celery, diced

- 1 shallot, diced

- 1 can tomato paste

- 2 cups red wine (I used pino noir)

- 2 cups low sodium beef broth 

- 2-3 springs fresh thyme

- Fresh grated Parmesan cheese

- Fresh gnocchi

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Salt and pepper the ribs liberally on both sides. 

Add olive oil to a large dutch oven over high heat. Add the short ribs and braise on both sides so they get a nice crust. It will take about 5 minutes per side. When they are done take them off and set aside.

Without cleaning the pan, add onions, carrots, celery and shallots and cook for about 5 minutes, until softened. Pour in the red wine and scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan that were left from the meat. Bring to a boil and cook for about 2 minutes. Add the can of tomato paste (stirring it in), beef broth, 1 teaspoon kosher salt and fresh black pepper. 

Add the ribs back to the liquid. Make sure they are pretty much completely submerged. 

Add the fresh springs of thyme to the liquid.

Put the lid on tightly and place in a 350 degree oven for 2 hours. After 2 hours decrease heat to 325 and cook an additional hour. 

The ribs should be fork-tender when they come out. Let the meat sit in the pan for about 20 minutes to rest. 

While meat is sitting bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the fresh gnocchi. Really try to get fresh gnocchi instead of the frozen package. It will make a huge difference.

The fresh gnocchi only take about 4 minutes to cook. 

Using a fork shred the meat. Place the meat back in pan. Mix in the cooked gnocchi.

Plate the short rib gnocchi and top with fresh grated Parmesan cheese. 

Serve immediately. 

Salt and Pepper the meat liberally on both sides

Place in a dutch oven with olive oil over high heat and let them get a good crust 

Turn over after about 5 minutes and crust the other side

Add in the diced veggies and cook till softened, about 5 minutes

This is what it will look like right before going into the oven.

The ribs are submerged under the yummy red wine sauce.

Now enjoy the house smelling divine while it cooks.

See you in 3 hours!

This is what the ribs look like when they come out.

You should be able to easily pull them apart with a fork.

And Wa-lah, the finished product!

Enjoy!

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!