Short Rib Marbella is a luxurious dish that combines the richness of slow-cooked beef with the tangy, salty flavors of olives and capers, complemented by the sweetness of brown sugar and the complexity of red wine. The tender short ribs fall off the bone, making it a perfect main dish for special occasions or cozy dinners.
The bold and savory flavors of this dish pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or a crisp green salad. It’s a simple yet impressive meal that’s sure to satisfy anyone craving comforting and hearty food. Whether served for a weeknight dinner or a holiday feast, Short Rib Marbella will never disappoint.
Full Recipe:
- 4 bone-in short ribs
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup pitted green olives, halved
- 1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives, halved
- 1/4 cup capers, drained
- 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup red wine
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Season the short ribs with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe pot over medium-high heat. Brown the short ribs on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the short ribs and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the sliced onion and garlic. Cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Add the olives, capers, red wine vinegar, red wine, chicken broth, brown sugar, oregano, cinnamon, allspice, and cloves to the pot. Stir to combine.
- Return the short ribs to the pot and spoon some of the sauce over them.
- Cover the pot and transfer to the oven. Bake for 2-2.5 hours, or until the ribs are tender and falling off the bone.
- Remove the short ribs from the pot and set aside. If the sauce is too thin, bring it to a simmer over medium heat and cook until slightly thickened.
- Serve the short ribs with the sauce, garnished with additional fresh oregano if desired.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 2.5 hours | Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Kcal: 420 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Short Rib Marbella: A Modern Twist on a Classic
Short Rib Marbella offers a unique, modern spin on the beloved Chicken Marbella recipe. Inspired by the flavors of the original dish made famous by the Silver Palate Cookbook in the 1980s, this version takes the familiar combination of prunes, olives, capers, and garlic, but swaps out chicken for rich, tender beef short ribs. The result is a dish that not only reinvents a classic but elevates it, creating a flavorful and sophisticated meal perfect for special occasions or holiday dinners.
What Are Short Ribs?
Short ribs are a cut of beef that originates from the brisket, chuck, plate, or rib areas of the cow. Known for their rich, beefy flavor and tender texture when cooked properly, short ribs are a favorite among chefs and home cooks alike. These cuts are typically braised or slow-cooked, as this method allows the connective tissue and fat to break down, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth meat.
Short ribs are a versatile ingredient that pairs beautifully with a variety of seasonings and cooking techniques. When selecting short ribs for your recipe, look for cuts with good marbling. The fat within the meat adds flavor and moisture, ensuring the ribs stay tender and juicy. The meat should also be vibrant red, signaling its freshness.
Why Choose Short Ribs Over Chicken?
Chicken Marbella became a household name after its debut in the 1982 Silver Palate Cookbook. This dish, featuring chicken marinated in a flavorful combination of prunes, olives, capers, garlic, and herbs, became an iconic recipe that many people still turn to today. However, in this updated version, short ribs replace the chicken, offering a richer, more complex flavor profile.
The change to short ribs allows for a slower cooking process, which is perfect for this dish. While chicken cooks quickly, short ribs need to be braised for several hours to achieve their signature tenderness. This slow braising process infuses the meat with the flavors of the marinade, creating a deliciously savory and slightly sweet dish.
The Role of California Prunes
California prunes play a key role in the success of this dish. A significant percentage of the world’s prunes come from California, and they are known for their high quality and unique flavor. Prunes add a natural sweetness to the dish, balancing the savory elements of the olives, capers, and red wine. Not only do prunes contribute flavor, but their natural moisture also helps tenderize the meat, creating a juicy and flavorful result.
In addition to their sweetness, prunes are incredibly versatile. They pair well with a variety of ingredients, from espresso and chocolate to spices like chili and cinnamon. In this recipe, they work beautifully with the rich flavors of the short ribs, creating a harmonious balance of savory, sweet, and tangy notes.
Crafting the Perfect Short Rib Marbella
The key to making Short Rib Marbella is achieving the perfect balance of flavors. The slow braising process allows the beef short ribs to absorb the flavors of the marinade, which includes red wine, vinegar, garlic, oregano, and, of course, the prunes, olives, and capers. These ingredients come together to create a sauce that is both rich and complex, with a savory depth and a subtle sweetness that perfectly complements the beef.
One of the most important steps in making this dish is searing the short ribs before braising. This step helps to develop a deep, caramelized crust on the meat, adding richness to the final dish. After searing, the short ribs are simmered in the marinade mixture and then slow-cooked in the oven until the meat becomes tender and falls off the bone.
Pairing Suggestions
Short Rib Marbella is a dish that can stand on its own, but pairing it with the right side dishes and drinks can elevate the entire meal. A glass of red wine is an ideal accompaniment, as it complements the rich flavors of the braised short ribs and the tangy, savory sauce. Choose a full-bodied red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, which will enhance the deep flavors of the dish.
When it comes to side dishes, roasted sweet potatoes are a perfect match. The natural sweetness of the potatoes complements the prunes in the Short Rib Marbella, while their soft, tender texture contrasts nicely with the rich, beefy short ribs. Alternatively, oven-roasted potatoes are another excellent side, offering a crispy exterior and creamy interior that pairs wonderfully with the savory sauce.
The Braising Process: A Labor of Love
Braising short ribs is an art form. While it may take several hours to prepare, the result is a dish that’s worth every minute. The process involves first searing the short ribs to develop a deep, flavorful crust, followed by a long simmer in a liquid made up of wine, vinegar, prunes, olives, capers, and other seasonings. The dish is then transferred to the oven, where it slow-cooks until the meat is tender and easily pulls away from the bone.
While the short ribs are braising, the flavors meld together to create a complex sauce that is both tangy and savory. Once the ribs are done, the sauce is further enriched with butter, which adds a glossy, smooth finish. The final result is a dish that feels luxurious and comforting at the same time.
Conclusion
Short Rib Marbella is a perfect example of how a traditional recipe can be transformed into something new and exciting. By swapping out chicken for short ribs and adding the natural sweetness of California prunes, this dish offers a rich and complex flavor profile that is both satisfying and indulgent. Whether you’re hosting a special dinner or simply looking to try something different, Short Rib Marbella is sure to impress. Pair it with your favorite red wine and a side of roasted sweet potatoes or potatoes for a truly memorable meal.
PrintShort Rib Marbella
- Total Time: 0 hours
Description
Short Rib Marbella is a luxurious dish that combines the richness of slow-cooked beef with the tangy, salty flavors of olives and capers, complemented by the sweetness of brown sugar and the complexity of red wine. The tender short ribs fall off the bone, making it a perfect main dish for special occasions or cozy dinners.
The bold and savory flavors of this dish pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or a crisp green salad. It’s a simple yet impressive meal that’s sure to satisfy anyone craving comforting and hearty food. Whether served for a weeknight dinner or a holiday feast, Short Rib Marbella will never disappoint.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in short ribs
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup pitted green olives, halved
- 1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives, halved
- 1/4 cup capers, drained
- 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup red wine
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Season the short ribs with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe pot over medium-high heat. Brown the short ribs on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the short ribs and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the sliced onion and garlic. Cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Add the olives, capers, red wine vinegar, red wine, chicken broth, brown sugar, oregano, cinnamon, allspice, and cloves to the pot. Stir to combine.
- Return the short ribs to the pot and spoon some of the sauce over them.
- Cover the pot and transfer to the oven. Bake for 2-2.5 hours, or until the ribs are tender and falling off the bone.
- Remove the short ribs from the pot and set aside. If the sauce is too thin, bring it to a simmer over medium heat and cook until slightly thickened.
- Serve the short ribs with the sauce, garnished with additional fresh oregano if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2.5 hours