Braised Short Ribs

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon salt, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
• 4 1/2 pounds beef short ribs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 carrot, diced
• 2 celery ribs, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper
• Garnishes: lemon slices, celery leaves

Preparation

1. Combine flour, 2 teaspoons salt, and ground peppers; dredge ribs in flour mixture, and set aside.
2. Brown half of ribs in hot oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Remove ribs, reserving drippings in skillet. Repeat procedure with remaining ribs.
3. Add remaining 1 teaspoon salt, diced onion, and next 3 ingredients to skillet; sauté 10 minutes or until tender. Stir in crushed tomatoes and next 6 ingredients. Add ribs, cover, and simmer 1 hour and 30 minutes or until ribs are tender. Skim fat from mixture, and garnish, if desired.