Borscht-Braised Beef Short Ribs

Ingredients

• 3 pounds beef short ribs , cut into 3-inch pieces
• kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 yellow onion , chopped
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 pound beets , peeled and cut into large pieces
• 1 cup cubed carrots
• 0.5 cups chopped celery
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt , or to taste
• 0.25 cups sour cream
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).

2. 2

   Generously season short ribs with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat vegetable oil over high heat in a heavy pot. Brown short ribs on all sides until they are dark brown, about 6 minutes; transfer to a bowl. Add onions and continue cooking over high heat until onions go from golden to dark brown, about 8 minutes; this will make a richer, darker sauce. Stir flour into the onion mixture; cook for about 1 minute. Pour in broth; add bay leaf, beets, carrots, and celery. Bring pot to a simmer. Place browned short ribs in pot, evenly distributing them among the vegetables.

3. 3

   Bake in preheated oven until meat is tender, about 2 hours. Transfer meat and vegetables to a serving platter.

4. 4

   Bring sauce to a fast simmer over high heat until it is reduced by half and slightly thickened, 5 to 10 minutes. Taste for seasoning and add more salt, if needed.

5. 5

   Serve in bowls topped with a dollop of sour cream and chopped fresh chives.