Sautéed Beef Ribs with Ras El Hanout

This delectable dish of sautéed beef ribs infused with the aromatic and spicy Ras El Hanout is an exquisite fusion of taste and tradition. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this recipe creates a symphony of flavors with tender beef ribs complemented by a rich blend of spices. If you love exploring the culinary tapestry of North African flavors, this recipe will transport your taste buds to exotic destinations. The combination of cumin, coriander, and paprika enhances the savory ribs with a warm and comforting depth. The addition of chickpeas, olives, and a hint of lemon peel offers a delightful balance, making each bite a flavorful experience. Served with a spicy green harissa sauce, this dish is both hearty and sophisticated. The preparation may take some time, but the result is a spectacular dish that will impress both family and friends. Serve it with toasted bread for a perfect meal that's both filling and flavorful.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 6 small beef ribs (~0.5 kg)
• 2 tbsp grapeseed oil
• 2 chopped onions
• 1 tbsp finely chopped garlic
• 1 cup/s chickpeas (pre-soaked if dried)
• 1 cup/s green olives (halved)
• 1 tsp finely chopped lemon peel
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cup/s beef broth
• 1 cup/s water
• 1/4 cup/s finely chopped parsley
• 3 slices toasted bread

Spices

• 1 tbsp white pepper
• 2 tbsp Ras El Hanout spice mix
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tbsp toasted and crushed cumin seeds
• 1 tsp toasted and crushed coriander seeds

For the Green Harissa Sauce

• 3 finely chopped green peppers
• 1 bunch fresh, finely chopped coriander
• 1 pinch dried red pepper flakes
• 1/2 cup/s olive oil

Preparation Time

• Total: 120 minutes (includes prep and cooking time)

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Heat a large pot: Ideally, use a cast iron pot for uniform heating. Add grapeseed oil and heat over medium-high heat.
2. Season the ribs: Rub the ribs generously with white pepper, Ras El Hanout, paprika, cumin, and coriander seeds.
3. Brown the ribs: Quickly sear the ribs in the hot oil until they are golden brown. Reduce the heat to low.
4. Add onions: Toss in the chopped onions and stir until they turn golden, blending with the ribs.
5. Incorporate garlic and spices: Add the garlic and spice mix, cover, and let it simmer briefly until the aroma blooms.
6. Add liquids and chickpeas: Pour in the water and beef broth, ensuring two-thirds of the ribs are submerged. If using dried chickpeas, add them now.
7. Simmer and soften: Cover the pot and let it cook until the meat and chickpeas are tender.
8. Add final ingredients: Stir in the lemon peel, green olives, and parsley. If using canned chickpeas, add them at this stage too.
9. Prepare the harissa sauce: Mix all the sauce ingredients together and allow them to sit for 30 minutes to meld the flavors.
10. Serve: Transfer the ribs to a serving dish, pour the chickpea stew over them, and garnish with the green harissa. Top with toasted bread crumbles for a delightful crunch.

Tips

• Substitution: If you can't find Ras El Hanout, a mix of ground cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, and a pinch of cayenne pepper can be used.
• Toasting spices: Toasting the cumin and coriander seeds enhances their flavors, providing depth to the dish.
• Tenderness: Allow enough simmering time for the ribs to become fall-off-the-bone tender.

Nutritions

• Calories: 600 kcal (per serving)
• Protein: 40g
• Fats: 35g
• Carbs: 30g

Variations

• Dietary Adaptation: Substitute beef with tofu for a vegetarian version, making the chickpea stew the star of the dish.
• Flavor Twist: Add a touch of saffron in the broth for an added layer of luxury and aroma.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a side salad of fresh greens and a lemon vinaigrette to complement the rich flavors.
• Serve alongside a side of couscous or quinoa for a complete meal.

Best Places

1. Babel House - Known for its authentic North African ambiance and flavorful menu. Location: 11-12 Mount St, Mayfair, London, UK.
2. Chez Omar - A Parisian favorite for Moroccan cuisine. Location: 47 Rue de Bretagne, Paris, France.
3. Le Tire-Bouchon - Offers a cozy setting and traditional dishes. Location: 19 Rue de Saint-Louis, Montreal, Canada.
4. The Tabouleh Lebanese Café - Renowned for its wide variety of Middle Eastern dishes. Location: 10th Street, Richmond, Virginia, USA.
5. Tagine - Offers a splendid mix of Moroccan dishes. Location: 537 9th Avenue, New York, USA.
6. Nomad - Known for its eclectic ambience and exotic flavors. Location: 730 Howard St, San Francisco, USA.
7. Al Fassia - A must-visit for enthusiasts of Moroccan food. Location: Boulevard Mohamed 5, Marrakech, Morocco.
8. Maxim's - Offers a unique mix of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. Location: 2a Marnixstraat, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
9. Mosaic Restaurant - Perfect for those seeking a unique dining experience. Location: Timbali Technology Park, Pretoria, South Africa.
10. La Sultana - A luxury dining resort with exquisite traditional dishes. Location: 403 Dar el Bacha, Marrakech, Morocco.