Step Up Your Pasta Game With This Short Rib Bolognese

If you’re looking to step up your culinary skills, look no further. This recipe is perfect to impress the roomies or the fam. Don’t be afraid to change up a few ingredients. Instead of short ribs, use pork spare ribs or even use ground meats such as lamb or sausages. Nonna will be impressed when she tastes your “Sunday Gravy.”

Short Rib Bolognese

• Step 1

  Place pot over medium-high heat. Add avocado oil or olive oil to the pot. Oil is hot when it starts to ripple or smoke.

  

• Step 2

  Cut onion, celery, carrots and shallots in small dice and set aside.

   

  

• Step 3

  Score the bottom of the roma tomatoes. “Score” is when you cut a little X at the bottom.

  

• Step 4

  Boil tomatoes for about a minute until skin starts to separate from the flesh.

  

• Step 5

  Peel tomatoes and set aside until needed.

  

• Step 6

  Crush and peel garlic cloves.

  #SpoonTip: You know the garlic is fresh when the skin sticks to your hands.

  

• Step 7

  Sprinkle garlic with salt and begin to mince and create a paste with your knife.

  

• Step 8

  Season short ribs with a lot of salt and freshly-ground black pepper.

  

• Step 9

  Sear short ribs on all sides. Usually takes 2 to 3 minutes per side.

   

  

• Step 10

  Remove short ribs from pot. Do not discard any remaining fat in the pot. This is used to sauté the veggies and add great flavor.

  

• Step 11

  Lower heat to medium. Add diced veggies and sauté for 8 minutes until soft and onions lightly caramelize.

  

• Step 12

  Add in garlic paste. Sauté for 2 additional minutes until garlic is fragrant.

   

  

• Step 13

  Add the small can of tomato paste. Sauté with the veggies for 5 minutes until it begins to darken in color.

  

• Step 14

  Add the red wine. Any kind will do, make sure you would drink it. Do not use a cooking wine, they are too salty and have an unpleasant flavor.

  

• Step 15

  Pour yourself a glass while you’re cooking.

  

• Step 16

  Add bay leaves and thyme sprigs.

  

• Step 17

  Add in the short ribs and any juices that collected.

  

• Step 18

  Chop and seed the tomatoes and add them to the pot. It’s okay if some seeds slip in.

  

• Step 19

  Add in crushed red pepper and dried basil. Stir and check for seasoning. May need to add more salt and pepper.

  

• Step 20

  Stir to combine and ensure short ribs are completely covered by liquid. Check for seasoning, add salt and pepper if needed.

  

• Step 21

  Reduce heat to low and allow it to simmer, cover pot for 4 hours. Stir occasionally. You want the liquid to reduce some during the cooking process.

  

• Step 22

  After waiting patiently, remove short ribs and begin to shred meat or chop into small pieces. The bone should slide right away from the meat.

  

• Step 23

  Add back to pot and simmer together uncovered for 10-15 minutes.

  

• Step 24

  During that time, boil your favorite pasta according to package directions. I prefer a long pasta such as bucatini, fettuccini or pappardelle.

  

• Step 25

  Lastly, top pasta with your short rib bolognese, sprinkle with shaved parmesan and chopped parsley.