| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 2 hrs – 2 hrs 30 mins | Difficulty: Intermediate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 751 | 41g | 20g | 29g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 5g | 5g | 59g | 1.9g |
Why I Love American Braised Short Ribs with Creamy Mashed Potatoes
With the sweet smell of rosemary and thyme wafting through my kitchen, I couldn’t help but feel a wave of nostalgia sweep over me as I put the finishing touches on this delectable dish: Braised Short Ribs with Creamy Mashed Potatoes. The memories of bustling around my mama’s kitchen in Charleston, where I developed my roots in Southern cooking, seemed to come alive with the sizzling sound of the ribs in the pan.
The Art of Braising
This recipe encapsulates the essence of slow cooking, a method I hold dear. Although my heart lies with Southern biscuits and fried chicken, the art of braising brings a grounded, hearty robustness that few other cooking techniques can achieve. I recall reading about Julia Child and her fascination with French food, but even she was said to appreciate a good, hearty American braised dish. Funnily enough, it was Child’s passion and love for food that inspired me to start cooking, and her influence is subtly present in this recipe.
Comfort on a Plate
Braised Short Ribs with Creamy Mashed Potatoes is like wrapping yourself in a soft, warm blanket on a chilly winter night. It’s pure comfort on a plate. The richness of the red-wine-braised ribs is balanced perfectly with the light creaminess of the mashed potatoes. Although this dish can be enjoyed as a standalone meal, it would pair beautifully with a crisp green salad garnished with bright vinaigrette, or perhaps a side of buttery cornbread, a nod to my Southern roots.
What I love the most about this recipe is how it transforms simple, humble ingredients into a meal that’s both comforting and sophisticated. It’s a similar principle to other beloved dishes, such as Beef Bourguignon or Osso Buco. Each uses the method of slow cooking to draw out deep, complex flavors from the meat, creating a rich, hearty meal that’s both satisfying and incredibly flavorful.
Clearly, the love for this Braised Short Ribs with Creamy Mashed Potatoes recipe transcends a love for food. It’s about tradition and warm memories. I hope that with each bite, you too can feel the comfort of home and the pure joy that a satisfying plate of food can bring.
What You’ll Need
- 3 lbs bone-in beef short ribs
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
- 1 medium-sized onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups red wine
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
- 4 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes
- 1 cup milk
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Salt and ground white pepper to taste
Method
Step One
Start by seasoning the short ribs with salt and pepper. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ribs and brown them on all sides, then remove them from the pot and set them aside.
Step Two
Keep the pot on the heat and add the diced onion, carrots, and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
Step Three
De-glaze the pot with the red wine, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon. Return the short ribs to the pot, and add the beef broth, chopped rosemary, and thyme. Bring the liquid to a simmer, cover the pot and lower the heat. Let it simmer for about 2 hours, or until the ribs are tender.
Step Four
While the ribs are braising, make the creamy mashed potatoes. Start by peeling the Yukon Gold potatoes and cutting them into chunks. Boil them in a large pot of salted water until they are tender.
Step Five
Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the milk, butter, sour cream, salt, and white pepper. Use a potato masher or a hand mixer to mash the potatoes until they are creamy and fluffy.
Step Six
After the ribs are tender, carefully remove them from the pot. Skim any fat from the top of the liquid. Continue to simmer the liquid until it is reduced by half. Taste for seasoning and adjust if necessary.
Step Seven
When you’re ready to serve, place a generous scoop of mashed potatoes on a plate, top it with a few short ribs, and ladle some of the reduced braising liquid over the top. Enjoy your Braised Short Ribs with Creamy Mashed Potatoes.
