Serve healthy beef short ribs for a winning dinner

Here’s a healthy beef short ribs slow-cooker recipe you can prepare for dinner guests. Serve the dish with mashed celeriac or mashed potatoes and steamed green beans.

SLOW-COOKER BALSAMIC SHORT RIBS

Makes: 6 servings

Active time: 30 minutes

Total time: 4 ½ to8 ½ hours

6 bone-in beef short ribs (about 3 ¼ pounds)

¾ teaspoon salt, divided

½ teaspoon ground pepper

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided

1 medium onion, sliced

2 tablespoons tomato paste

2 cloves garlic, chopped

1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme

1 cup balsamic vinegar

½ cup low-sodium beef broth

2 tablespoons cornstarch

¼ cup water

Chopped fresh parsley (optional)

1. Sprinkle ribs with ½ teaspoon salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ribs and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes total. Transfer to a 6-quart or larger slow cooker.

2. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil and the onion to the pan; cook, stirring occasionally, until starting to brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in tomato paste, garlic and thyme; cook, stirring, for 1 minute.

3. Add vinegar and cook, scraping up any browned bits, until the liquid is mostly reduced, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer to the slow cooker and add broth. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours.

4. Transfer the ribs to a serving platter. Transfer the liquid to a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Whisk cornstarch and water in a small bowl and add to the boiling liquid. Cook, whisking, until thickened, about 2 minutes. Stir in the remaining ¼ teaspoon salt. Serve the ribs with the gravy and sprinkled with parsley, if desired. Recipe nutrition per serving: 281 calories, total fat: 15 g, saturated fat: 5 g, cholesterol: 59 mg, carbohydrates: 13 g, fiber: 1 g, total sugars: 8 g, added sugars: 0 g, protein: 20 g, sodium: 416 mg, potassium: 513 mg, folate: 10 mcg, calcium: 30 mg

TNS This short rib dish is wonderful any time of year.