Healthy Short Ribs with Eggplant and Oat Crust
What Started it all:
Short ribs, Eggplant, oats, frying pan
This hearty and healthy dish combines tender short ribs with a crispy oat-crusted eggplant, perfect for a family meal. It's a great way to enjoy a nutritious dinner together, using fresh and seasonal ingredients.
Ingredients
- 4 short ribs (about 1.5 lbs)
- 2 medium eggplants
- 1 cup oats
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Season the short ribs with salt and pepper. Heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Sear the short ribs on all sides until browned, about 4-5 minutes per side. Transfer the short ribs to a baking dish.
- In the same frying pan, add the garlic, rosemary, and thyme. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the beef broth, balsamic vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard. Stir well to combine. Pour the sauce over the short ribs in the baking dish.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the short ribs are tender and the meat is falling off the bone.
- While the short ribs are baking, slice the eggplants into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Season the eggplant slices with salt and let them sit for 15 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Pat dry with paper towels. Place the oats in a food processor and pulse until they resemble coarse breadcrumbs. Coat each eggplant slice with the oat mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add a bit of olive oil. Cook the eggplant slices in batches, about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the pan and keep warm.
- Place the oat-crusted eggplant slices on a serving platter. Arrange the tender short ribs on top and drizzle with the remaining sauce from the baking dish.
Enjoy this nutritious and delicious meal with your family! The tender short ribs and crispy oat-crusted eggplant make for a perfect combination that’s both satisfying and healthy. Happy cooking and eating together!