Ingredients

  • 6 tablespoons finely chopped fresh thyme leaves (from about 1 1/2 bunches)
  • 1/4 cup minced garlic (from about 1 small head)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons freshly grated lemon zest (from about 2 medium lemons)
  • 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 4 pounds bison short ribs
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, large dice
  • 1 medium fennel head, large dice
  • 1 medium celery stalk, large dice
  • 3 fresh thyme sprigs
  • 1 medium bay leaf
  • 2 cups low-sodium beef broth

Method

  • Heat the oven to 300 degrees F and arrange a rack in the middle.
  • Place all ingredients in a medium bowl and mix until thoroughly combined; set aside.
  • Pat ribs dry with a paper towel and cover on both sides with thyme rub.
  • Let meat come to room temperature, about 20 minutes.
  • Once meat is ready, place a large, shallow pot with a tightfitting lid over medium heat and add oil.
  • When it starts to shimmer, add ribs and sear until well browned on both sides, about 4 minutes per side (you may have to do this in batches).
  • Remove ribs to a baking sheet and set aside.
  • Add onion, fennel, and celery to the pot and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  • Stir, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan.
  • Cook until vegetables are tender and browned, about 10 minutes.
  • Stir in thyme, bay leaf, and broth, then place ribs bone side up in the pot and bring mixture to a boil.
  • Once boiling, cover the pot and transfer it to the oven.
  • Cook ribs until meat falls apart when pierced with a fork, about 4 hours.