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1
In a large nonreactive mixing bowl, combine short ribs, carrots, celery, thyme, bay leaves and peppercorns.
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2
Cut 4 of the onions into 1-inch chunks, and add to bowl.
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3
Cut 2 heads of garlic (with peel) in half crosswise, and add to bowl.
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4
Pour wine over all, and mix well.
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5
Cover, and refrigerate overnight.
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6
Remove short ribs from marinade, and drain well.
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7
Pat dry with paper towels, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
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8
Set aside.
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9
Strain marinade into a clean bowl, reserving vegetables.
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10
Remove thyme, bay leaves and peppercorns, and reserve.
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11
In a large casserole over high heat, heat 2 tablespoons of duck fat, and add short ribs.
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12
Sear short ribs until well browned on all sides, about 10 minutes.
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13
Remove short ribs, and set aside.
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14
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
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15
Add 1 tablespoon of duck fat to casserole, then add the reserved vegetables.
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16
Saute, stirring constantly, until lightly browned, about 10 minutes.
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17
Add reserved marinade, and stir well.
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18
Boil marinade until reduced by half, about 15 minutes.
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19
Add veal stock, short ribs and reserved thyme, bay leaves and peppercorns.
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20
Cover, and braise in oven until ribs are very tender, about 2 1/2 hours.
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21
Remove short ribs from casserole, and set aside.
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22
Pour vegetables and liquid through a fine strainer into a large bowl.
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23
Discard all solids, and return liquid to a clean casserole.
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24
Bring the liquid to a boil over high heat, and reduce by half, about 10 minutes.
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25
Remove from heat, and set aside.
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26
Cut remaining 3 onions into large dice.
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27
Separate the cloves of the remaining head of garlic, and peel and thinly slice.
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28
In a large saute pan over medium-low heat, add remaining 1 tablespoon duck fat.
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29
Add mushrooms, and saute until lightly browned.
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30
Remove from pan, and set aside.
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31
Add diced onions to pan, and saute until translucent, about 5 minutes.
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32
Add sliced garlic to onions, and saute for 1 minute.
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33
Add mushrooms and prunes, and saute just until heated.
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34
Add sauteed onion, garlic, prunes and mushrooms to the casserole containing the reduced wine mixture.
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35
Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
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36
Add short ribs, and mix gently.
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37
Place over medium-low heat, and simmer just until thoroughly heated.
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38
Serve immediately.