Beef & Mushroom Ragu

Very good

• Ready In: 3 hrs 15 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1  cup hot water
• 2  cups porcini mushrooms, dried (about 2 ounces)
• 3⁄4 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
• 1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 1⁄2 lbs  beef short ribs, trimmed
• 1  tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 2  teaspoons olive oil
• 4  cups cremini mushrooms, thinly sliced (about 8 ounces)
• 2  cups  thinly sliced onions (about 1 medium)
• 1  tablespoon tomato paste
• 1  teaspoon  chopped fresh thyme
• 4  garlic cloves, crushed
• 1  cup dry red wine
• 1  cup nonfat beef broth

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Combine 1 cup hot water and porcini mushrooms in a small bowl; let stand 10 minutes.
2. Drain mushrooms through a fine sieve into a bowl, reserving liquid. Chop mushrooms; set aside.
3. Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper over ribs; dredge ribs in flour. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ribs to pan; cook 12 minutes, browning on all sides. Remove ribs from pan. Add porcini mushrooms, cremini mushrooms, and next 4 ingredients (through garlic) to pan; cook 12 minutes or until mushrooms are tender. Add wine, scraping pan to loosen brown bits. Add mushroom liquid and broth; bring to a boil. Add ribs to pan; cover. Place pan in oven; bake at 350° for 2 1/2 hours or until ribs are tender. Let stand 10 minutes. Remove meat from bones; discard bones, fat, and gristle. Shred meat with 2 forks; return meat to pan.
4. Stir in remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cool completely. Place mixture in an airtight container or heavy-duty zip-top plastic bag; freeze.
5. Thaw meat mixture overnight in refrigerator. Place mixture in a large saucepan over medium heat; cook until thoroughly heated, stirring frequently.