Savor the rich flavors of Italy tonight with a comforting dish that combines creamy ricotta and tender short ribs in a mouthwatering tomato sauce.
Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the short ribs and sear them on all sides until browned, about 8 to 10 minutes.
Remove the short ribs and set them aside. In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté them until they are soft and fragrant, about 3 to 5 minutes.
Return the short ribs to the pot, and pour in the 28 ounces of canned tomatoes along with the beef broth. Add the bay leaves, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of pepper.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the meat to become tender.
While the ribs are simmering, prepare the ricotta. In a bowl, add the ricotta and 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley, and mix well. Set aside.
Once the short ribs are tender, remove them from the pot and shred the meat, discarding any bones. Return the shredded meat to the pot and stir well.
To serve, ladle the short rib and tomato sauce into bowls, topped with dollops of the ricotta mixture and an extra sprinkle of parsley.
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This dish is rich in protein from the short ribs and calcium from the ricotta, providing a hearty and satisfying meal with a good balance of macronutrients.