Sesame Root Beer Braised Short Ribs with Sweet Potatoes

Misc. Sources

Makes 8 servings

    3 pounds boneless beef short ribs cut 1-in pieces              
    1/4 cup flour                                                  
    2 tablespoons vegetable oil                                    
    6 cloves garlic                                                
    2 stalks celery 1/2-in pieces                                  
    2 onions 1 1/2-in chunks                                       
    2 parsnips 1 1/2-in chunks                                     
    12 ounces root beer                                            
    1/2 cup water                                                  
    2 beef bouillon cubes                                          
    2 tablespoons tomato paste                                     
    2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar                                 
    2 bay leaves                                                   
    1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds                              
    1 tablespoon salt                                              
    2 pounds sweet potatoes peel, 1 1/2-in chunks                  

Coat short ribs with flour. Heat 1 tbsp. oil in 5 qt. Dutch oven on med-high heat. Add 1/2 of short ribs; cook 5-10 min or until browned. Remove from Dutch oven. Repeat with remaining ribs.

Heat 1 tbsp. oil in Dutch oven on med-high heat. Add garlic, celery, onions and parsnips. Cook and stir 3 minutes or until lightly browned. Add root beer, water, boullon, tomato paste, vinegar, bay leaves, 2 tsp sesame seeds, salt and pepper. BRing to a boil, stirring to loosen browned bits. Return short ribs to Dutch oven, stirring to partially cover short ribs in liquid. Cover.

Braise in preheated 300F oven 2 hours. Add sweet potatoes; cover and braise 1 hour or until ribs and potatoes are tender. Skim fat from liquid. Divide short ribs and veg among bowls and top with sauce. Sprinkle with remaining 1 tsp of seeds.