Ingredients
- 8 beef short ribs, about 2 kg (4 lb 8 oz) in total, separated
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 onions, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled, cut in half lengthways and sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, chopped
- 125 ml (4 fl oz/½ cup) red wine
- 690 ml (24 fl oz) jar tomato passata (puréed tomatoes)
- 115 g (4 oz/⅓ cup) molasses
- 60 ml (2 fl oz/¼ cup) bourbon
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 3 thyme sprigs, plus extra, to garnish
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Molasses marinade
- 375 ml (13 fl oz/1½ cups) beer
- 60 ml (2 fl oz/¼ cup) molasses
- 5 thyme sprigs
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon chilli flakes
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 60 ml (2 fl oz/¼ cup) worcestershire sauce
Mixed tomato salad
- 1 tomato, cut into wedges
- 8 cherry tomatoes
- 8 yellow baby roma (plum) tomatoes, halved
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons white balsamic vinegar
- 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
Method
1. Place the molasses marinade ingredients in a small bowl and whisk to combine.
2. Arrange the ribs in a 30 × 25 cm (12 × 10 inch) rectangular dish in one layer. Pour the marinade over the ribs and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 24 hours, turning the ribs over after 12 hours.
3. Drain the ribs from the marinade and discard the marinade.
4. Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium–high heat. Add the ribs in batches and fry for 2–3 minutes on each side, or until browned on all sides, turning regularly.
5. Place the ribs in a slow cooker with the remaining ingredients. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours.
6. Meanwhile, near serving time, make the mixed tomato salad. Put all the tomatoes in a bowl and sprinkle with the thyme. Whisk together the olive oil, vinegar and garlic, then season to taste with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Drizzle the dressing over the tomatoes and gently mix together.
7. Skim any fat from the sauce in the slow cooker. Arrange the ribs on serving plates and drizzle generously with the sauce. Garnish with extra thyme and serve with the mixed tomato salad.
