4 1/2 pounds bone-in short ribs, cut into 4-inch pieces
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup canola oil
2 medium carrots, roughly chopped
2 celery ribs, sliced
2 medium onions, roughly chopped
4 cloves garlic, sliced
6 sprigs fresh thyme
2 bay leaves
2 sprigs fresh rosemary
Two 12-ounce bottles dark stout beer, such as Guinness
One 14.5-ounce can low-sodium beef broth
One 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes
1 cup pearl barley
1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
Directions
Set a large pot or Dutch oven over high heat. Sprinkle the short ribs all over with a generous amount of salt and some pepper (no flour required here!). Add the oil to the pot and brown the short ribs well on each of the 3 meaty sides, about 15 minutes total. Work in batches so as to not overcrowd the pot. You want a deep brown color on the meat as this will give the stew its rich flavor and color when braising. Remove the ribs and set aside.
Add the carrots, celery and onions to the pot. Saute the vegetables until caramelized and wilted, 8 to 10 minutes. Add the garlic and toss to combine and heat through. Return the ribs to the pot and nestle in amongst the vegetables. Add the thyme, bay leaves, rosemary, stout beer, broth and tomatoes. Season lightly with salt and pepper, then stir and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover with a lid and simmer the ribs 2 1/2 hours. Periodically skim any excess fat on the surface and discard.
After 2 1/2 hours, mix in the pearl barley and dry mustard powder, then cover once more and cook 45 more minutes. When done, remove the bay leaf, thyme and rosemary stems. Taste and season the braise with salt and pepper and serve.
