Friday, September 21, 2012

Balsamic Braised Short Ribs...To Die For!!!

I made this for dinner yesterday and it is definitely a dinner winner! Even Mr. Picky Pants (who was skeptical at first) gave it a two thumbs up. The original recipe comes from one of my favorite paleo cookbooks, Practical Paleo. I have modified it tad and am pleased as pie with the results. By the way,  if you don't already own this cookbook...GO BUY IT!!! I served this with roasted veg and sweet potatoes, but for my nonpaleo fans, I can so see this served on top of a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes!
I did this dish in a dutch oven and popped it in my oven (it has a slow cook mode). You can do this in the crockpot or pop your dutch oven in a 300 degree oven.



2 tbs Savory Spice blend ( see below for recipe)
3-4 lbs bone in beef short ribs
2 tbsp coconut oil (or olive oil)
1 15 oz can diced tomatoes (I used Glen Muir fire roasted)
1 6 oz can tomato sauce (Glen Muir again)
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
4 whole dried dates, pit removed
5 cloves garlic, smashed
1/2 sweet onion, thinly sliced
6 carrots, scrubbed and quartered

Rub the spice mixture into the ribs, pressing gently to adhere to meat.

Heat the oil in a  skillet over medium high heat. Sear ribs (in batches to keep from crowing pan) 2-3 minutes per side or until nicely browned. Remove from pan.

Place dates, garlic, onion and carrots in slow cooker. Add beef ribs. Pour diced tomatoes, tomato sauce and vinegar on top. Cover and slow cook on high 5-6 hours or until meat is tender.

When meat is tender, remove bones from pot and skim excess fat. Taste for seasoning and correct with salt and pepper if necessary.

Serve with mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes or whatever makes you happy!

Savory Spice Blend

2 tbsp Rosemary salt (2 tbsp kosher salt & 2 tbsp dried rosemary...mix together in a bowl...save remaining mix for another recipe)
1 tbsp Garlic Powder
1 tbsp Onion Powder
1/2 tbsp Paprika (sweet not hot kind)
1 tsp fresh ground pepper

Combine ingredients in a plastic container and stir to combine. You will have leftovers, try it on a flank steak, chicken breasts, pork chops, etc.