Delicate Angel Hair Pasta with Tender Braised Short Ribs, Crispy Shallots, and Refreshing Radler Beer Pairing

Indulge in a culinary delight with this exquisite recipe for Delicate Angel Hair Pasta accompanied by Tender Braised Short Ribs and Crispy Shallots. This dish is a perfect marriage of flavors and textures, and when paired with a refreshing Radler beer, it transforms into a meal to remember.

Ingredients

For the Braised Short Ribs

• 2 lbs beef short ribs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup red wine (like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon)
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Angel Hair Pasta

• 12 oz angel hair pasta
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt to taste

For the Crispy Shallots

• 2 shallots, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup flour
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Salt to taste

For Serving

• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Chilled Radler beer

Cooking Instructions

Braising the Short Ribs

1. Sear the Ribs: In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the short ribs generously with salt and pepper. Brown them on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from the pot and set aside.

2. Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

3. Deglaze and Braise: Pour in the red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Allow it to simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in the beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, and bay leaf. Return the short ribs to the pot. Bring to a simmer, then cover and reduce heat to low. Braise for about 2.5 to 3 hours, until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.

Preparing the Angel Hair Pasta

1. Cook the Pasta: About 10 minutes before the short ribs are done, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the angel hair pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and return to the pot.

2. Toss with Butter: Add the unsalted butter and chopped parsley to the warm pasta. Toss gently to coat. Season with salt to taste.

Making Crispy Shallots

1. Prepare Shallots: Rinse the thinly sliced shallots in cold water, then pat dry. Dredge them in flour, shaking off excess.

2. Fry: In a frying pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Fry the shallots in batches until golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with salt immediately.

Plating

1. Serve: On each plate, place a nest of angel hair pasta topped with a generous portion of braised short ribs. Garnish with crispy shallots and freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

2. Pair with Radler: Serve chilled Radler beer alongside to cut through the richness of the dish and refresh the palate.

Cooking Tips

• Meat Selection: Choose bone-in short ribs for added flavor. Look for well-marbled meat for the best results.
• Pasta Cooking: Be careful not to overcook the angel hair; it should retain a slight firmness.
• Shallots: For extra crunch, ensure the oil is hot before frying shallots. You can also try using a combination of regular onions and shallots for a different flavor profile.

Variations

• For a lighter option, substitute the short ribs with braised chicken thighs.
• Use whole wheat or gluten-free angel hair pasta for a healthier variation.

This Delicate Angel Hair Pasta with Tender Braised Short Ribs and Crispy Shallots is a dish that celebrates comfort food with an elegant twist. The combination of tender meat, buttery pasta, and crispy shallots creates a symphony of flavors that will impress your guests and tantalize your taste buds.

For those looking to expand their culinary repertoire, consider reading more about pasta types and their uses here.

Try this recipe, enjoy your meal, and don’t forget to share your culinary creations with friends and family!