Ingredients

  • 7 pounds beef short ribs or 5 pounds flanken, cut in 4-inch portions
  • Salt
  • black pepper
  • 1/4 cup rendered duck fat or chicken fat, or canola oil
  • 1 large Spanish onion, diced
  • 3 large carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
  • 1 1-inch piece ginger, peeled and smashed
  • 2 cups ruby port
  • 2 cups red wine
  • 4 cups pitted prunes
  • 1 1/4 cup slivered almonds, lightly toasted
  • 4 ounces shiitake, crimini or other mushrooms, diced
  • 1/2 cup loosely packed chopped parsley
  • 4 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 stick cinnamon
  • 1 clove
  • 1 star anise
  • Zest of 1 orange, in strips
  • 4 cups veal, beef or chicken stock, or as needed

Method

  • Heat oven to 325 degrees.
  • Season short ribs or flanken with salt and pepper.
  • Place a heavy wide pan over medium-high heat.
  • Add the fat or oil and heat until shimmering.
  • Add beef and brown well on both sides.
  • Transfer to a plate.
  • Add onion, carrots, celery, garlic and ginger to the pan, and stir until the onions begin to brown, about 3 minutes.
  • Add port and wine, scraping the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon.
  • Simmer until reduced by half, about 10 minutes.
  • In a large Dutch oven or heavy braising pan, combine 2 cups of the prunes, 1 cup almonds, and the mushrooms.
  • In a piece of cheesecloth, tie up 1/4 cup of the parsley with the thyme, bay leaf, cinnamon, clove, star anise and orange zest, and add to the pot.
  • Add the meat, the vegetable mixture and enough stock to cover.
  • Place over high heat to bring to a boil, then transfer to the oven.
  • Cook, covered, until the meat is falling off the bones, about 2 1/2 hours.
  • Cool completely in the pan, then refrigerate overnight or until well chilled.
  • Skim the fat, then transfer beef to a large bowl, discarding any loose bones.
  • Discard the cheesecloth packet, and transfer remaining broth and vegetables to a food processor.
  • Puree, then return to a clean pan.
  • Add meat and remaining 2 cups whole prunes.
  • Place over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until gently reheated.
  • Garnish with remaining 1/4 cup parsley and 1/4 cup almonds.