Best Apricot Flanken Short Ribs In A Clay Pot Recipes

Apricot flanken short ribs in a clay pot is a savory and sweet dish that combines tender, juicy meat with tangy and sweet apricot flavors. The recipe is inspired by the traditional Jewish dish known as flanken, which is a cut of beef that is sliced across the bone, resulting in flat, long strips of meat that are perfect for braising. The clay pot used in this recipe adds an extra layer of depth and flavor to the dish, resulting in a tender and succulent meat that is sure to satisfy any craving.

Ingredients

• 4 pounds of beef flanken short ribs
• 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon of paprika
• 1 tablespoon of cumin
• 1 tablespoon of coriander
• 1 teaspoon of turmeric
• 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
• 2 cups of beef broth
• 1 cup of dried apricots
• 1/2 cup of honey
• 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar
• 2 teaspoons of cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons of cold water

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven

Before starting the recipe, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 2: Brown the short ribs

In a large Dutch oven or clay pot, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the short ribs and brown them on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the short ribs from the pot and set them aside.

Step 3: Saute the onion and garlic

Using the same pot, saute the diced onion and minced garlic until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Add the spices

Add 1 tablespoon of paprika, 1 tablespoon of cumin, 1 tablespoon of coriander, 1 teaspoon of turmeric, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper to the pot. Stir to combine.

Step 5: Add the liquids

Pour 2 cups of beef broth into the pot and stir to combine. Add 1 cup of dried apricots, 1/2 cup of honey, and 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar to the pot. Stir to combine.

Step 6: Braise the short ribs

Return the short ribs to the pot and cover them with the liquid. Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven. Cook the short ribs for 2-3 hours, or until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.

Step 7: Thicken the sauce

When the short ribs are fully cooked, remove them from the pot and set them aside. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 teaspoons of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Pour the mixture into the pot and stir to combine. Cook the sauce over medium heat until it thickens, about 5 minutes.

Step 8: Serve

Serve the short ribs with the thickened sauce and a garnish of chopped fresh parsley.

Conclusion

Apricot flanken short ribs in a clay pot is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy meal at home. The combination of savory and sweet flavors, along with the tender and juicy meat, makes this recipe an instant classic. Whether you are looking for a dish to impress guests or a wholesome and delicious meal for yourself, this recipe is sure to satisfy all your cravings.

Making apricot flanken short ribs in a clay pot is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a family dinner or special occasion. This recipe combines the juicy and tender flavors of flanken short ribs with the tang and sweetness of apricots, creating a unique and flavorful dish that is sure to please everyone's palate. However, cooking with clay pots can be a bit intimidating, especially for those who have never used one before. In this article, we will provide you with valuable tips on how to cook with clay pots and create the perfect apricot flanken short ribs.

Tip 1: Preparing the Clay Pot

Before using your clay pot for the first time, you will need to prepare it for cooking. This involves soaking the pot in water for at least 30 minutes before using it. Soaking the clay pot will prevent it from cracking or breaking during cooking and will also help to distribute heat evenly.

Tip 2: Choosing the Right Ingredients

When making apricot flanken short ribs in a clay pot, it is essential to choose high-quality ingredients that can enhance the flavors of the dish. Choose fresh apricots that are firm and ripe, as they will have the best flavor and sweetness. For the short ribs, choose meat that has a good amount of marbling, as it will be more tender and juicy.

Tip 3: Searing the Meat

One of the key steps in making apricot flanken short ribs is searing the meat in a hot skillet before adding it to the clay pot. This step will help to lock in the flavors of the meat and create a crispy crust that will add depth and texture to the dish. Be sure to sear the meat on all sides for about 2-3 minutes per side until it is golden brown.

Tip 4: Layering the Ingredients

When adding the ingredients to the clay pot, it is important to layer them properly in order to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution. Start by placing a layer of sliced onions at the bottom of the pot, followed by a layer of seasoned short ribs. Next, add a layer of diced apricots and a layer of chopped vegetables, such as carrots and celery. Repeat the layers until all the ingredients have been used up.

Tip 5: Using the Right Cooking Time and Temperature

Cooking in a clay pot requires a longer cooking time and lower temperature than other cooking methods. Typically, you will need to cook the apricot flanken short ribs in the clay pot for at least 3-4 hours at a temperature of around 325-350 degrees Fahrenheit. During this time, the meat will become tender and juicy, and the flavors of the ingredients will meld together perfectly.

Tip 6: Adding Flavorful Seasonings

To enhance the flavor of the apricot flanken short ribs, be sure to add flavorful seasonings such as garlic, thyme, and bay leaves. These seasonings will add depth and complexity to the dish and will help to bring out the natural flavors of the meat and vegetables.

Tip 7: Adding Liquid to the Clay Pot

In order to prevent the apricot flanken short ribs from drying out, it is important to add a sufficient amount of liquid to the clay pot. This can be in the form of beef broth, red wine, or a combination of the two. Be sure to add enough liquid to cover the meat and vegetables completely, but not so much that the dish becomes too soupy.

Tip 8: Checking the Meat for Doneness

After cooking the apricot flanken short ribs for several hours, it is important to check the meat for doneness. The best way to do this is by using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meat. It should read around 145-160 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on your desired level of doneness. Alternatively, you can check the meat by piercing it with a fork or knife to see if it is tender and falls apart easily.

Tip 9: Letting the Dish Rest

After cooking the apricot flanken short ribs in the clay pot, it is important to let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender and flavorful. It will also give you time to prepare any side dishes or garnishes you want to serve with the dish.

Conclusion

Cooking apricot flanken short ribs in a clay pot is a delicious and satisfying way to create a memorable and flavorful dish. By following these valuable tips, you can ensure that your dish turns out perfectly every time. So, go ahead and give this recipe a try the next time you want to impress your family or guests with a show-stopping meal!