It’s been so hot this spring, we’ve already used our grill more times in a month than we did all last summer. Cooking over coals (and whatever flavored woods you like to add) makes just about anything delicious; there’s less clean-up; and dinner’s usually ready fast, too. But here’s a recipe for short ribs with some spice that’s a long, slow-cooked alternative. It’s from Douglas Rodriguez’s book, Latin Flavors on the Grill (Ten Speed Press), which is a trove of terrific recipes with a little kick. (If it’s not in your local bookstore, you can find it on Amazon.) Rodriguez is a Cuban-American chef, credited with inventing what’s called Nuevo Latino cuisine. He used to live in Sleepy Hollow, although he appears to have flown south. My Cuban friend loves to make this dish. I spoke to him to see if he had any extra info to share, but his only comment was that I should refer to him as “my fabulous Cuban friend.” (I’ll add that he’s a terrific cook.)
Anyway, don’t be daunted by the length of the recipe — it’s easy, and after the initial browning of the ribs, you can wander off and lie in the hammock or whatever while the dish slowly cooks itself. Just make sure the coals aren’t too hot at the outset.
Boneless Beef Short Ribs with Opal Basil Chimichurri
Serves 4
2 lbs. boneless beef short ribs, trimmed and cut into 3-inch lengths
1 cup Barbecue Spice Rub (see below)
¼ cup canola oil
1 qt. beef stock
1 cup red wine
3 celery stalks, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
2 onions, chopped
2 Tbs. minced fresh thyme
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
Opal Basil Chimichurri
¼ cup red wine vinegar
2 cloves garlic
1 jalapeño
2 dried bay leaves, crumbled
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
¼ cup chopped opal basil leaves (regular basil works just as well)
½ cup olive oil
Barbecue Spice Rub
Makes about 3½ cups
1 cup Spanish paprika
½ cup ground ancho chile
½ cup kosher salt
¼ cup ground chipotle chile
¼ cup firmly packed light brown sugar
¼ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup granulated garlic
¼ cup granulated onion
¼ cup freshly ground black pepper
2 Tbs. ground cumin
As the spice rub keeps so well, you can make a larger amount and use it another time. And, of course, you can braise the ribs on your stove top, or in the oven, but the grill adds a nice, smoky flavor. The longer you let the ribs cook, the smokier they get. My fabulous Cuban friend likes to serve them with warm, soft flour tortillas and a big salad.