BRAISED SHORT RIBS WITH CHEESY GRITS (SLOW COOKER)

It was a perfect, relaxing week punctuated by some amazing meals at local restaurants. A couple of days into our week-long stay, we had dinner at a nearby resort and I chose their braised short ribs with smoked cheesy grits. I have literally day dreamed about that meal ever since… to say it was amazing is a gross understatement. It’s taken me seven months, but I’ve finally recreated it!

I was totally thrilled with how these short ribs turned out. By the time I pulled them out of the slow cooker, the meat was falling right off the bone. Amazing! That meal will always remind me of our wedding week, and now I can make it at home !

BRAISED SHORT RIBS WITH CHEESY GRITS RECIPE
Braised Short Ribs that have been marinated overnight in red wine and made in the slow cooker.

INGREDIENTS:

For the Short Ribs:

• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 5 pounds beef short ribs
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 carrots, peeled and cut into ¼-inch slices
• 4 stalks celery, cut into ¼-inch slices
• 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 5 thyme sprigs
• 4 cups chicken stock
• 4 cups dry red wine (example: cabernet sauvignon)

For the Cheesy Grits:

• 4 cups water
• 1 cup corn grits
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 6 ounces smoked cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 ounces smoked gouda cheese, shredded
• Salt and pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS:

1. Prepare the Short Ribs: Heat the vegetable oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Season the short ribs liberally with salt and pepper, then add half of the short ribs to the skillet until a brown crust forms on all sides, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Remove the short ribs to a 9×13-inch baking dish and repeat with the remaining short ribs. All of the short ribs should now be in the baking dish in a single layer.
2. Reduce the heat to low and add the onion, carrot, celery and garlic to the now-empty skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetable are very soft and lightly browned, about 20 minutes. Add the wine and thyme and bring to a boil over high heat. Pour the hot mixture over the short ribs and allow to cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate overnight, turning once.
3. The next morning, remove the short ribs from the marinade and place in a 6-quart slow cooker. Transfer the marinade to a medium saucepan, add the chicken stock, and bring to a boil over high heat. Pour over the short ribs, place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours.
4. Prepare the Grits: About 30 minutes before planning to eat, begin to prepare the grits. Bring the water to a boil, then slowly stir in grits. Reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, until thick and creamy, about 20 to 30 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the butter and shredded cheeses until both are melted and incorporated into the grits. Season with salt and pepper.

Recipe Adapted : BRAISED SHORT RIBS WITH CHEESY GRITS (SLOW COOKER) @ browneyedbaker