Guinness Short Ribs with Polenta

Every March I get out my "Guinness File" and start making some of my favorite things to celebrate all things Irish. Here's to Arthur Guinness! 

Guinness Short Ribs


Ingredients


1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
1 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon curry powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons black pepper
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon dry mustard
4 to 4 1/4 lb beef short ribs, cut into 4 inch pieces
4 medium leeks (white and pale green parts only) chopped (2 cups)
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 carrots, chopped (2 cups) into medium size pieces
3 celery ribs, chopped (1.5 cups) into medium size pieces
2 bay leaves
1/4 cup chopped garlic (5 to 6 large cloves)
1 3/4 cups beef broth (14 oz)
1 440 ml can of Guinness
2 (14 to 15 oz) cans diced tomatoes

Method:
1. Preheat oven to 375F with rack in lower third of oven.
2. Combine brown sugar, paprika, curry powder, cumin, pepper, salt.

3. Pat ribs dry and arrange in 1 layer in a shallow baking pan or a shallow dish, then generously coat all sides of ribs with spice mixture.

4. Wash leeks in a bowl of cold water and drain completely.
5. Heat oil in pot over high heat until hot but not smoking and quickly brown ribs on all 3 meaty sides (but not bone side) without crowding, in batches if necessary, about 1 minute per side.
6. Transfer meat to a large plate, then add leeks, carrots, celery, and bay leaves to pot and cook over moderately low heat, stirring occasionally until vegetables begin to soften (about 3 mins). Add garlic and cook, stirring, 1 minute.
7. Add broth, beer and tomatoes with their juice, then add ribs with any juices and remaining spices accumulated on plate and bring liquid to a boil, uncovered.

8. Cover pot and transfer to oven, then braise until meat is very tender, 2 to 2.5 hours. Skim off excess fat from surface of sauce. Remove and discard bay leaves.

Short ribs improve in flavour if braised 1 day ahead and cooled completely, uncovered, then chilled, covered. Reheat, covered, in a 350F oven until hot (1 to 1.5 hours).