Short Ribs with Mixed Greens: A Delicious Way to Avoid Food Waste

Have you ever found yourself with a bag of wilting mixed greens? Don’t toss them out just yet! This hearty and flavorful short-rib stew is the perfect solution to breathe new life into your forgotten produce.

Why This Recipe Works

• Savory and Satisfying: The rich, tender short ribs pair beautifully with the vibrant mix of greens.
• Easy to Make: A slow cooker or Dutch oven does most of the work.
• Versatile: Customize with your favorite vegetables and spices.

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients for your Short Ribs with Mixed Greens recipe:

Main Ingredients:

• Beef Short Ribs: These are large, meaty cuts of beef with plenty of bone and connective tissue, which break down into tender, flavorful meat during slow cooking.
• Mixed Greens: A variety of leafy greens, such as spinach, romaine, and arugula, add a fresh, slightly bitter flavor to the stew.
• Watercress: A peppery, slightly bitter green that adds a unique flavor and texture to the dish.
• Green Cut Beans: A versatile vegetable that adds color, texture, and a mild flavor to the stew.
• Red Wine: A Cabernet Sauvignon Demi Sec wine adds depth of flavor and helps tenderize the meat.

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables and browning the meat.
• Garlic: A pungent, flavorful ingredient that adds depth to the dish.
• Parsley: A fragrant herb that adds a bright, fresh flavor.
• Scallion: A mild onion that adds a subtle onion flavor.
• Red Onion: A sweet onion that adds a touch of sweetness and a sharp flavor.
• Celery: A crunchy vegetable that adds a subtle flavor and texture.
• Beef Bouillon: A concentrated beef flavoring that adds depth to the broth.
• Pikliz: A Haitian hot sauce made with cabbage, carrots, and peppers, which adds a spicy kick.
• Ground Cumin: A warm, earthy spice that complements the other flavors in the dish.
• Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance the flavor.

Turning Wilted Greens into a Feast: A Guide to Reducing Food Waste

Mixed Greens and Food Waste: A Common Culprit

Mixed greens, a convenient staple in many refrigerators, can quickly turn from fresh to forlorn. But fear not! These wilting leaves are not destined for the compost bin. With a bit of creativity, you can transform them into delicious dishes.

Recipe Ideas for Wilted Greens:

1. Hearty Green Stew:
   • Base: Start with a flavorful broth, whether vegetable, chicken, or beef.
   • Add-ins: Toss in your wilted greens along with other vegetables like carrots, celery, and potatoes.
   • Protein: Incorporate a protein source like beans, lentils, or meat for a complete meal.
   • Haitian Flavor Twist: Add Haitian legumes like djon djon or black-eyed peas for a unique twist. These legumes are packed with protein and fiber and complement the earthy flavors of the stew.
2. Sautéed Greens:
   • Simple and Delicious: Sauté your wilted greens in a bit of olive oil with minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
   • Flavorful Additions: Experiment with different spices like red pepper flakes, cumin, or curry powder.
   • Side Dish or Topping: Serve as a side dish or top your favorite pizza or pasta.

Tips for Using Wilted Greens:

• Wash Thoroughly: Even though they may look a bit tired, it’s essential to wash your greens to remove any dirt or debris.
• Choose the Right Recipe: Consider the type of greens you have on hand. Heartier greens like kale or spinach can withstand longer cooking times, while delicate lettuces are best suited for quick sautéing.
• Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment: Get creative with your recipes! Try adding wilted greens to soups, stir-fries, or even smoothies.

By embracing these tips and recipes, you can reduce food waste and enjoy delicious meals made from ingredients that might otherwise be discarded.

Tips for the Short Ribs with Mixed Greens Recipe

Here are some tips to elevate your Short Ribs with Mixed Greens recipe:

Short Rib Tips:

• Browning: Ensure a deep, rich flavor by thoroughly browning the short ribs on all sides before adding them to the pot.
• Slow and Low: Cook the short ribs slowly over low heat to allow the connective tissues to break down and the meat to become tender.
• Wine Selection: Choose a full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to enhance the flavor of the dish.

Vegetable Tips:

• Freshness: While wilted greens can be used, fresher greens will result in a more vibrant flavor.
• Variety: Experiment with different types of greens, such as spinach, kale, or arugula.
• Texture: Consider adding root vegetables like carrots or parsnips for a contrasting texture and additional sweetness.

Flavor Tips:

• Herbs and Spices: Enhance the flavor profile with herbs like thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves.
• Acid Balance: A squeeze of lemon or lime juice can brighten the flavors and cut through the richness of the meat.
• Heat Level: Adjust the heat level with chili peppers, Pikliz or hot sauce to suit your taste.

By following these tips, you can create a truly delicious and satisfying Short Ribs with Mixed Greens dish.

 By transforming wilted greens into a hearty stew, you’re not only reducing food waste but also creating a delicious and satisfying meal. This Short Ribs with Mixed Greens recipe is a testament to the versatility of simple ingredients and the power of creative cooking. So, next time you find yourself with a bag of forgotten greens, don’t let them go to waste. Embrace the opportunity to create a culinary masterpiece.

Short Ribs with Mixed Greens

A hearty and flavorful stew that transforms wilted greens into a delicious meal. Tender short ribs simmered in a rich broth with a medley of vegetables, including mixed greens, watercress, and green beans. Perfect for a cozy winter night.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 3 hours hrs

Course Main Course, Main Dishes

Cuisine Caribbean Fusion

Servings 4

Calories 202 kcal

Equipment

• Bowl
• Dutch Oven Pot

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Ingredients

  

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• 4 beef short ribs trimmed of fat
• 1 lime or lemon
• 2 tablespoons olive oil a good one
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
• 1 stalk scallion chopped
• ½ cup red onions chopped
• 1 stalk celery chopped
• 2 cups mixed greens salad washed and dried
• 1 cup watercress roughly chopped
• 1 cup green cut beans thawed
• 2 cups red wine a good Cabernet Sauvignon Demi Sec wine
• 2 tablespoons beef bouillon
• 2 tablespoons pikliz see recipe or notes
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• kosher salt to taste
• freshly ground black pepper to taste

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Instructions

 

• Prep the Short Ribs: Clean the short ribs with lime or lemon, rinse with cold water, pat dry, and set aside.
• Sear the Meat: Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the short ribs on all sides until browned.
• Sauté the Aromatics: Add garlic, scallion, parsley, celery, and onion to the pot. Sauté for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Combine Ingredients: Add mixed greens, watercress, green beans, pikliz, beef bouillon, cumin, and wine to the pot. Stir to combine.
• Slow Cook: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2-2.5 hours, or until the meat is tender and falls off the bone.
• Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve over rice or mashed potatoes.

Notes

• Don’t Add Water: The vegetables will release their own juices during cooking. Only add water if necessary.
• Customize: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, parsnips, or potatoes.
• Wine Choice: A bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon complements the rich flavors of the dish.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gramsCalories: 202kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 2gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 49mgPotassium: 379mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 837IUVitamin C: 21mgCalcium: 65mgIron: 2mg

Please keep in mind that nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary greatly based on the products used.

Keyword Beef Stew Recipe, mixed greens salad, short ribs, slow cook recipes

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Nutrition info is automatically generated and provided as a courtesy and as an estimate only.

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 Originally published on November 10, 2014. Revised and updated.