Description
Succulent pomegranate braised short ribs showcase Mediterranean culinary magic, blending rich beef with tangy fruit notes. Slow-cooked elegance awaits when you savor these tender, glazed ribs that promise a memorable dining experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 4 bone-in short ribs
Cooking Fats and Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Liquid and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) pomegranate juice
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) beef broth
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) honey
Aromatics and Herbs:
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
Garnish:
- Pomegranate seeds
- Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme)
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350°F, preparing a spacious cooking environment for rich, tender meat.
- Generously coat short ribs with robust seasoning, ensuring even salt and pepper coverage.
- Select a heavy-bottomed, oven-safe pot and heat olive oil over medium-high temperature until shimmering.
- Carefully sear short ribs, developing a deep golden-brown crust on all surfaces, approximately 4-5 minutes per side.
- Transfer browned ribs to a temporary plate, preserving their caramelized exterior.
- In the same pot, sauté diced onions and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant, releasing their aromatic essence.
- Introduce pomegranate juice, beef broth, balsamic vinegar, honey, and fresh herb sprigs, creating a complex braising liquid.
- Nestle seared short ribs back into the liquid, ensuring complete submersion for maximum flavor absorption.
- Cover the pot securely and slide into the preheated oven for 2.5-3 hours, allowing slow, gentle cooking to transform meat into meltingly tender perfection.
- Carefully remove ribs once they effortlessly pull apart with minimal resistance.
- Concentrate remaining sauce over medium heat, reducing volume by half to intensify flavor profile.
- Plate short ribs, drizzle with reduced sauce, and garnish with vibrant pomegranate seeds and fresh herb sprinkles for visual and gustatory appeal.
Notes
- Meat Selection Matters: Choose well-marbled, bone-in short ribs for maximum tenderness and rich flavor that melts in your mouth.
- Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to ensure ribs reach an internal temperature of 195-205°F for perfect fall-apart texture.
- Liquid Depth Enhancement: Consider adding a splash of red wine or dark beer to intensify the braising liquid’s complexity and depth.
- Make-Ahead Magic: These short ribs taste even better the next day, so prepare in advance and reheat gently for an incredibly tender meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg