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1
Preheat oven to 325F.
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2
Heat 3 tablespoons oil in heavy large ovenproof pot over medium-high heat.
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3
Add onions and saute until brown, about 20 minutes.
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4
Using slotted spoon, transfer onions to large bowl.
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5
Season short ribs with salt and pepper.
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6
Add 1 tablespoon oil to same pot.
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7
Add 8 short ribs and brown on all sides, about 10 minutes.
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8
Transfer ribs to bowl with onions.
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9
Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil to pot.
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10
Add remaining 8 ribs and brown on all sides, about 10 minutes.
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11
Transfer ribs to same bowl
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12
Whisk flour into drippings in pot.
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13
Whisk in 2 cups broth.
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14
Bring to boil, scraping up browned bits.
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15
Mix in remaining 2 cups broth, wine, prune juice, tomato paste and spices.
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16
Return ribs to pot, arranging close together on their sides in single layer if possible.
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17
Add dates and pears; add onions and any juices.
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18
Bring liquid to boil; cover pot.
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19
Place pot in oven and bake until ribs are tender, about;1 hour 45 minutes.
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20
Using tongs, transfer ribs to large bowl.
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21
Strain cooking liquid into medium bowl, pressing on contents of strainer.
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22
Freeze liquid until fat rises to top, about 30 minutes.
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23
Spoon off fat.
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24
Return liquid to pot.
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25
Add honey; boil until sauce is thick enough to coat spoon and is reduced to 3 cups, about 12 minutes.
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26
Season with salt and pepper.
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27
Return ribs to pot, spooning sauce over to coat.
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28
(Short ribs can be made 2 days ahead.
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29
Refrigerate until cold; then cover and keep chilled.)
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30
Rewarm ribs over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
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31
Mound ribs on platter.
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32
Top with squash; garnish with parsley.