Name: Short Ribs Braised in Ancho Chile Sauce
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 4 1/2 hr
Yield: Makes 6 servings
Ingredients: 4 dried ancho chiles, stemmed, seeded, and ribs discarded; 2 cups boiling-hot water; 1 medium onion, quartered; 3 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped; 2 tablespoons finely chopped canned chipotle chiles in adobo plus 2 teaspoons adobo sauce; 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup; 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice; 1 tablespoon salt; 6 lb beef short ribs or flanken; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1/2 cup brewed coffee

Inspired by chef Robert Del Grande of Cafe Annie, in Houston, we combine the succulence of short ribs with the bitter undertones of coffee and the mellow heat of two kinds of chiles, along with maple syrup and lime juice to cut the spiciness. We recommend serving these meltingly tender ribs over soft polenta.

Cooks' note:

Ribs improve in flavor if braised 2 days ahead. Cool completely, uncovered, then chill, ribs covered directly with parchment or wax paper and roasting pan covered with foil. Remove any solidified fat before reheating.

Recipe notes

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Okonomiyaki Tater Tots

Crispy tots topped with savory-sweet sauce, mayonnaise, furikake, scallion, and katsuobushi.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

Sheet-Pan Chicken Souvlaki

Tender, juicy chicken skewers are possible in the oven—especially when roasted alongside spiced chickpeas and finished with fresh tomatoes and salty feta.

Mascarpone Cheesecake

An extra-silky filling (no water bath needed!) and a smooth sour cream topping make this the ultimate cheesecake.

Crispy Salmon With Avocado Sauce

You’ll want to put this creamy (but dairy-free) green sauce on everything and it’s particularly sublime under crispy-skinned salmon.