Succulent Short Ribs Slow-Cooked in Cola with Creamy Parmesan Risotto

Succulent Short Ribs Slow-Cooked in Cola with Creamy Parmesan Risotto Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Short Ribs:
  • 3 lbs (1.4 kg) bone-in beef short ribs
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 large onion (sliced)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 cup cola (regular, not diet)
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme)
• For the Parmesan Risotto:
  • 1 cup Arborio rice
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 1 small onion (finely chopped)
  • 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth (warm)
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

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Instructions:

For the Short Ribs:

1. Brown the Ribs: Season the short ribs with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the ribs on all sides until browned. Transfer to a slow cooker.
2. Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant. Stir in cola, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika. Bring to a simmer and pour over the short ribs in the slow cooker. Add thyme.
3. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the ribs are tender and the meat falls off the bone. Skim excess fat from the sauce before serving.

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For the Parmesan Risotto:

1. Sauté Aromatics: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened.
2. Toast Rice: Stir in Arborio rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, ensuring the grains are coated in butter.
3. Cook Risotto:
   • Add white wine and stir until absorbed.
   • Gradually add warm broth, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring frequently. Allow each addition to absorb before adding the next.
   • Continue until the rice is creamy and tender (about 20 minutes).
4. Finish with Parmesan: Stir in Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.

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To Serve:

• Plate the risotto and top with the tender short ribs. Drizzle with the cola sauce from the slow cooker and garnish with fresh parsley.

This indulgent meal combines the rich, savory flavors of slow-cooked ribs with the creamy luxury of risotto—a perfect dish for special occasions!