Tender & Healthy Slow-Cooked Veal Ribs
Nutritional value per serving
Calories450kcal
Carbs15gram
Fat20gram
Protein40gram
Ingredients
- Veal ribs (choose fresh, well-marbled ribs)1.5 kg
- Carrots (fresh, firm)2 pieces
- Celery stalks (crisp)2 pieces
- Onion (medium, firm)1 piece
- Garlic cloves (fresh)4 pieces
- Low sodium chicken broth500 ml
- Tomato paste (no added sugar)2 tbsp
- Rosemary (fresh, if possible)2 sprigs
- Olive oil (extra virgin)2 tbsp
- Salt (preferably sea salt)to taste n/a
- Black pepper (fresh ground)to taste n/a
This healthy slow-cooked veal rib recipe is perfect for those seeking tender, flavorful ribs with the ease of a slow cooker. Featuring simple, wholesome ingredients, this recipe ensures your ribs are cooked safely and retain their juiciness, making them perfect for family dinners. The total ingredient cost is approximately $18 / €17 / £14 / ₹1500, and the dish offers about 450 calories per serving. It fits well into a balanced diet. Cooking is straightforward with medium complexity and takes about 6 hours including preparation. Enjoy a delicious, nutritious meal with minimal hands-on time!
Preparation instructions
Prepare the Vegetables
1Wash and peel the carrots, then cut into chunks about 2 cm thick. Wash the celery and cut into similar-sized pieces. Peel the onion and cut into quarters. Peel the garlic cloves and smash them lightly; this helps release flavor during cooking. This step ensures the vegetables will infuse the veal with great flavor.
Season the Veal Ribs
2Pat the veal ribs dry with paper towels to help browning. Rub the ribs evenly with olive oil, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Proper seasoning enhances the meat's natural flavor and helps develop a beautiful crust during browning.
Brown the Veal Ribs
3Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ribs and brown on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Browning sears in flavor and improves the final texture but is optional if you prefer a more hands-off approach.
Arrange Ingredients in Slow Cooker
4Place the chopped vegetables at the bottom of your slow cooker to create a flavor base. Lay the browned veal ribs on top. Add the garlic cloves and rosemary sprigs.
Add Liquids and Tomato Paste
5Mix the chicken broth and tomato paste together until smooth. Pour this mixture over the ribs and vegetables. The liquid keeps the meat moist and helps tenderize it during slow cooking.
Slow Cook the Veal Ribs
6Set the slow cooker to low heat. Cover and cook for approximately 5 to 6 hours. Check for tenderness by ensuring the meat pulls away easily from the bone. The internal temperature should reach at least 71 degrees Celsius (160 degrees Fahrenheit) for safety and optimal texture. Use a meat thermometer to verify.
Rest and Serve
7Carefully remove the ribs from the slow cooker and let them rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicier, more flavorful meat. Serve with the cooked vegetables and a side of your choice.
Cooking Tips
1Ensure your slow cooker is set to low to achieve the best tenderness without drying out the meat.
2Avoid cross-contamination by washing hands and utensils thoroughly after handling raw veal ribs.
3Use a digital meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the ribs to check doneness safely.
4For added flavor, consider marinating the ribs in herbs and olive oil for a few hours before cooking.
5Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently to maintain tenderness.
Equipment Needed
- Slow cooker
- Large skillet/frying pan
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Meat thermometer
- Measuring spoons
- Spoon for mixing
- Tongs or spatula
Shopping List
- [ ] Veal ribs (~$14): Choose fresh, firm ribs with good marbling for flavor and tenderness.
- [ ] Carrots (~$0.50): Pick firm, brightly colored carrots without cracks.
- [ ] Celery (~$0.75): Select crisp, green stalks without blemishes.
- [ ] Onion (~$0.50): Choose a firm, dry-skinned onion.
- [ ] Garlic (~$0.30): Fresh, plump garlic cloves give better flavor.
- [ ] Low sodium chicken broth (~$2): Helps control salt content and adds richness.
- [ ] Tomato paste (~$0.50): Opt for pure tomato paste with no added sugar.
- [ ] Fresh rosemary (~$1): Fresh sprigs enhance aroma and flavor.
- [ ] Olive oil (~$1): Use extra virgin for best taste.
- [ ] Salt and pepper (pantry items): If needed, use quality sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Total approximate cost: $20
These prices are estimates and may vary by location; look for fresh and high-quality ingredients for best results.
FAQ
How do I know when the veal ribs are fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the ribs; they should reach an internal temperature of at least 71°C (160°F). The meat should also be tender and easily pull away from the bone.
Can I use beef ribs instead of veal ribs?
Yes, beef ribs can be used but keep in mind they may require a longer cooking time due to being larger and tougher.
Is it necessary to brown the ribs before slow cooking?
While browning adds extra flavor and a nice color to the ribs, you can skip this step if you're short on time; however, the final dish may be less complex in flavor.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain tenderness.