Short Rib Marbella is a modern twist on the classic Chicken Marbella, featuring tender, bone-in short ribs instead of chicken. The rich beef flavor pairs beautifully with a sweet and savory sauce made from California prunes, green olives, capers, and red wine. This dish is perfect for a hearty and flavorful meal, and is sure to impress your guests with its depth of flavor and sophisticated ingredients.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Short Ribs:

• 2 lbs bone-in short ribs (about 4 pieces)

• 1 cup red wine

• ½ cup red wine vinegar

• 1 cup leeks, diced (white bulb)

• 1 ½ cups California prunes (pitted and halved)

• 1 cup ripe green olives (pitted)

• ¼ cup capers

• 2 tbsp caper brine

• 6 cloves garlic (pressed or minced)

• 2 bay leaves

• 2 tsp dried oregano

• ⅓ cup brown sugar

• Salt and black pepper (to taste)

• 2 tbsp butter (for the sauce)

Directions

1. Prepare the Short Ribs: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Season the short ribs generously with salt and pepper. Heat a Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add oil, and sear the ribs on all sides until golden brown. Remove the short ribs and set aside.

2. Cook the Aromatics: In the same Dutch oven, sauté the diced leeks and prunes until the prunes start to caramelize. Add red wine and red wine vinegar to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Let it simmer for a few minutes until it reduces slightly.

3. Add the Flavorings: Stir in the olives, capers, caper brine, minced garlic, bay leaves, oregano, and brown sugar. Mix well.

4. Braise the Ribs: Return the short ribs to the Dutch oven, bone-side down. Cover with a lid and transfer to the preheated oven. Braise for 2-2.5 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily pulls away from the bone.

5. Make the Sauce: Once the ribs are done, remove them and keep warm. Strain the braising liquid, reserving the broth. Return the liquid to the Dutch oven and simmer over low heat. Add butter to emulsify the sauce, stirring until it becomes glossy. Reintroduce the olives, leeks, and capers into the sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.

6. Serve: Drizzle the sauce over the short ribs and serve.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 715 kcal

• Fat: 24.6g

• Carbohydrates: 70g

  • Sugar: 17.1g

• Protein: 48.8g

• Cholesterol: 181.3mg

• Sodium: 1365.6mg

Why Short Ribs?

Short ribs are the perfect choice for this dish because of their rich, marbled texture that becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender when braised. Unlike leaner cuts of beef, short ribs have a higher fat content, which gives the meat its flavor and moisture during the slow cooking process. The braising method allows the short ribs to absorb the flavors of the sauce while becoming incredibly tender. As the short ribs cook low and slow in the Dutch oven, they release collagen, which breaks down into gelatin, making the meat even more succulent.

The Sweet and Savory Sauce

The heart of Short Rib Marbella lies in the sauce, which is a beautiful balance of sweet and savory elements. The California prunes provide natural sweetness and richness, which is offset by the tangy acidity of red wine vinegar. Green olives and capers introduce briny, salty notes that complement the sweetness of the prunes and balance the richness of the short ribs. The addition of garlic and oregano imparts an aromatic depth to the sauce, while the brown sugar enhances the overall sweetness and caramelization. This sauce creates a unique flavor profile that coats the short ribs perfectly, making each bite savory, slightly tangy, and wonderfully complex.

The Role of Aromatics: Leeks and Garlic

Leeks and garlic serve as the foundation of the flavor in this dish. Leeks, when sautéed, offer a milder, sweeter alternative to onions, creating a soft and aromatic base. As the leeks cook, they caramelize slightly, adding a rich depth to the sauce. Garlic, pressed or minced, enhances the fragrance of the dish and provides a savory kick that complements the other ingredients. Together, these aromatics create a base that infuses the short ribs with flavor while building the complexity of the braising liquid.

Braising the Short Ribs

Braising is the cooking technique that allows the short ribs to become incredibly tender while infusing them with the flavors of the sauce. After searing the ribs to develop a rich, brown crust, the short ribs are slowly cooked in the oven with the flavorful sauce. As the meat braises, it absorbs the liquid, becoming tender and juicy while the sauce thickens. The braising process locks in the flavors of the wine, prunes, olives, and capers, creating a deep, savory-sweet sauce that coats the ribs.

Making the Sauce: The Final Touch

Once the short ribs are tender and ready to be served, the final step involves making the sauce. After removing the short ribs, the braising liquid is strained to remove the solid ingredients, leaving behind a flavorful broth. This broth is then simmered and emulsified with butter, which adds richness and a glossy sheen to the sauce. The olives, leeks, and capers are added back to the sauce for texture and flavor. This silky, flavorful sauce is drizzled over the short ribs just before serving, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor.

Serving Short Rib Marbella

Short Rib Marbella is best served with a side that can complement its rich flavors. Consider pairing it with mashed potatoes, polenta, or a crusty loaf of bread to soak up the savory sauce. Roasted vegetables or a light salad with a tangy vinaigrette would also pair well, balancing the richness of the dish with some freshness and acidity. For a complete meal, serve with a glass of full-bodied red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, which pairs beautifully with the deep flavors of the short ribs.

Nutritional Profile

Each serving of Short Rib Marbella provides a balanced profile of protein, fat, and carbohydrates. With approximately 715 calories per serving, the dish is rich and satisfying, thanks to the protein-packed short ribs and the flavorful sauce. The fat content, primarily from the short ribs and butter, contributes to the dish’s richness, while the prunes, olives, and capers add complexity to the flavor. Although the dish is higher in sodium due to the olives, capers, and seasoning, it’s a delicious indulgence for special occasions.

Conclusion: A Modern Twist on a Classic Dish

In conclusion, Short Rib Marbella is a modern take on the classic Chicken Marbella that is perfect for those seeking a hearty, flavorful dish. The tender, braised short ribs paired with the sweet and savory sauce of prunes, olives, capers, and red wine create a sophisticated, comforting meal. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner, this dish is sure to impress with its rich flavors and elegant presentation. The combination of tender meat, aromatic sauce, and complex flavors makes Short Rib Marbella a standout choice for any dinner table.