Coffee-braised Short Ribs | Made by Meaghan Moineau
Title: "Savory Memories: The Art of Coffee-Braised Short Ribs"
Description: Dive into the rich, aromatic world of Coffee-Braised Short Ribs—a dish that combines the warmth of family gatherings with the robust flavors of a unique culinary masterpiece. Perfectly tender ribs, braised to perfection with a hint of coffee and a medley of spices, this main dish is your ticket to a memorable dining experience.
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Introduction
In the heart of every cherished family gathering lies a dish that brings everyone together, sparking joy and nostalgia with every bite. For my family, that dish has always been Coffee-Braised Short Ribs. The mere thought of it conjures images of bustling kitchens, cozy dining rooms, and laughter echoing through the house as we eagerly await the masterpiece emerging from the oven. In this blog post, I'll guide you through creating this heartwarming dish, sharing a piece of my family's history along the way.
A Family Memory
Growing up, Sunday afternoons were reserved for family dinners at my grandmother's house. The aroma of slow-cooked meals wafted through the air, promising a feast that would satisfy both the belly and the soul. My grandmother, a culinary magician in her own right, introduced us to Coffee-Braised Short Ribs one chilly autumn evening. The melding of savory and slightly sweet flavors, enriched by the depth of freshly brewed coffee, created a culinary symphony that left a lasting impression on all of us.
As we sat around the table, my grandmother regaled us with stories of her childhood, where she first learned to cook by her mother's side. Her eyes twinkled with a mix of nostalgia and pride as she recounted how this dish was a staple in their household—an ode to her heritage and a symbol of familial love. Each bite was a journey back in time, a connection to our roots, and a reminder of the warmth and comfort that family brings.
Recipe: Coffee-Braised Short Ribs
Ingredients:
- Short ribs
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 jalapeño, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon ancho chile powder
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 cup strong freshly brewed coffee
- 1 can diced tomatoes with juice
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Heat olive oil in a large heavy stockpot over medium-high heat.
3. Season the short ribs with salt and pepper. Add them to the pot in batches, browning each side for about 4 minutes. Transfer to a platter.
4. In the same pot, add onion, red bell pepper, and jalapeño. Reduce heat to medium, cover, and cook until the onion is tender, stirring occasionally (about 6 minutes).
5. Stir in garlic and sauté uncovered for 1 minute.
6. Add brown sugar, ancho chile powder, oregano, and cumin, stirring for 15 seconds.
7. Pour in the coffee, tomatoes with juice, and tomato paste, bringing the mixture to a boil while scraping up the browned bits.
8. Return the ribs and any juices to the pot, bring to a boil, then cover and bake in the oven until the meat is very tender, about 1 hour and 45 minutes.
9. Spoon off fat from the surface of the sauce. Season the sauce to taste with salt and pepper.
10. Transfer ribs to a platter and spoon the sauce over top. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro.
Conclusion
This Coffee-Braised Short Ribs recipe is more than just a meal; it's a journey through time, a celebration of family, and a testament to the power of food to connect us to our roots. With its deep, complex flavors and tender, succulent meat, this dish is sure to become a staple in your own family gatherings, creating new memories and traditions for years to come.
Difficulty Rating: 7/10
Classification: Main Dish
Whether you're creating new memories or revisiting old ones, this dish promises to be a highlight of any gathering. Enjoy, and may your home be filled with warmth, laughter, and the delightful aroma of Coffee-Braised Short Ribs.