Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 1/2 pounds short ribs with bone, in 6 pieces
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 cup chopped fennel bulb
  • 4 cloves garlic, sliced
  • 2 cups sliced red cabbage
  • Salt
  • freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 medium-size beets, peeled, in 1-inch dice
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 6 cups beef stock
  • Sour cream or plain yogurt
  • boiled potatoes, for serving

Method

  • Heat oil in a 4-quart pot with a cover.
  • Add short ribs and brown on all sides, then transfer to a plate.
  • Pour off all but a film of fat from pan.
  • Add onion, fennel and garlic and saute on medium until soft.
  • Add cabbage, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring, until cabbage starts to wilt.
  • Add beets, tomato paste, vinegar and celery seed.
  • Stir.
  • Return meat to pot.
  • Add bay leaves and stock, adjust heat to a simmer.
  • Cover and cook 1 1/2 hours, until meat is fork tender.
  • Remove meat.
  • Cut out bones and gristle and discard.
  • Dice meat and return to pot.
  • Reheat, check seasoning, and serve with sour cream or yogurt and potatoes on the side.