Grilled Cheese and Braised Short Rib Sandwich with Pickled Caramelized Onions

 
 

I don't even have it in my to write a witty post about this awesome sandwich because another 1-2' of snow is currently being dumped on my doorstep.  Except, I don't have a doorstep, so I guess I'll just say... sidewalk?

The odd thing is that it doesn't actually seem to be snowing as much in Manhattan as it is in say, Long Island and New Jersey. NYC will prepare for huge storms by spreading copious amounts of salt on the already crumbling city streets in preparation for SNOWMAGGEDON or SNOWPOCALYPSE (gotta love media sensationalism), but instead the storms skirt the island of Manhattan and cover New Jersey and Long Island in a 1-2' tall blanket of white snow leaving Manhattan with, as my friend put it, "more salt than snow on the ground."

So I guess I shouldn't really be complaining. I stare angrily outside my window at snowflakes the size of plums furiously fall, but at the same time I am thrilled with the snow because Jack has a snow day and will be staying home with me today (although I won't really be able to speak to him because he will be furiously working from home, which is hard for me not to speak to him because he is so cute. I know. Gag.).  But it doesn't change the fact that I hate it, and have decided not to leave my apartment until the weather is a consistent 45 degrees and sunny. I know in August, I will be sitting here at my computer, complaining of the wretched heat wishing for this day of snow, but until then, let me complain about the snow.

WAH.

As I lock myself inside, I will be indulging in some leftovers.  Some incredibly tasty leftovers.  

The other night, I made Jack some braised short ribs with polenta.  Now, I love making braised short ribs because they are incredibly simple to make.  Sear the meat, toss it in a pot with some aromatics and wine and let cook for a few hours. Done.  It also yields a high amount of leftovers.  He thoroughly enjoyed the hearty meal, but what he enjoyed even more were the leftovers. Tender braised short ribs that melt in your mouth topped with gooey, spicy pepper jack cheese, sweet pickled caramelized onions, and fresh peppery arugula sandwiched between to pieces of buttery, crisp bread. 

My mouth is watering even as I write that.

What is funny is that as I am writing this post, Jack just requested this sandwich for breakfast.  See?  This sandwich is good at any time of the day, any time of the year.

Side Note:  Did you know that this is the first year in recorded history that it has snowed in every state in the United States? Even Hawaii.

Snowpocalypse, indeed.

Grilled Cheese and Braised Short Rib Sandwich with Pickled Caramelized Onions adapted from Bon Appetit

INGREDIENTS

SHORT RIBS

• 5 pounds beef short ribs
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 large carrots, peeled, coarsely chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 1/4 cups dry red wine
• 1/2 cup low-salt beef broth
• 1/3 cup medium-dry Sherry
• 2 garlic cloves, peeled
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 large fresh thyme sprig

PICKLED CARAMELIZED ONIONS

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 large red onions, halved, thinly sliced crosswise (about 6 cups)
• 4 1/2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar

ASSEMBLY

• Butter, room temperature
• 16 slices country-style crusty white bread
• 12 ounces Pepper Jack cheese, sliced
• 4 cups baby arugula

PREPARATION

SHORT RIBS

• Sprinkle beef with salt and pepper. Melt butter in large wide pot over medium-high heat. Working in 2 batches, cook beef until browned, about 6 minutes per batch. Transfer to large rimmed baking sheet. Add celery, carrots, and onion to pot and sauté until beginning to soften and brown, stirring often, about 5 minutes. Add wine, broth, Sherry, garlic, bay leaves, and thyme sprig; bring to boil, scraping up browned bits. Season with salt and pepper. Return ribs to pot, propping up on sides and arranging in single layer. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer 1 hour.

• Using tongs, turn ribs over in pot. Cover and simmer until ribs are tender and sauce is very thick, occasionally rearranging ribs in pot to prevent sticking, about 1 1/2 hours longer. Uncover and cool 30 minutes.

• Transfer ribs to work surface. Discard bay leaves and thyme sprig. Spoon off fat from sauce in pot. Remove meat from bones; discard bones. Cut meat into 3/4- to 1-inch pieces, trimming any fat. Return meat to pot. DO AHEAD Can be made 2 days ahead. Chill until cold; cover and keep chilled. Rewarm just until lukewarm before using.

PICKLED CARAMELIZED ONIONS

• Melt butter in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions, sprinkle with salt, and sauté until beginning to brown, stirring frequently, about 10 minutes. Add vinegar and sugar and cook until almost all vinegar is absorbed, about 1 minute. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to microwave-safe bowl; cool. DO AHEAD Can be made 2 days ahead. Cover; chill. Microwave in 15-second intervals until lukewarm before using.

ASSEMBLY

• Line 2 large rimmed baking sheets with waxed paper. Butter 8 bread slices; place 4 slices, buttered side down, on each prepared sheet. Divide short rib mixture among bread slices, about 1/2 cup for each. Divide cheese among sandwiches. Spoon about 1/4 cup onions over each sandwich. Place large handful of arugula atop onions. Top with remaining 8 bread slices. Spread bread with butter. DO AHEAD Can be prepared 1 hour ahead. Cover with plastic wrap and store at room temperature.

• Heat griddle or 2 large skillets over medium heat. Working in batches, cook sandwiches until bread is golden brown and cheese melts, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer to work surface. Cut each in half on diagonal. Transfer to plates and serve.

Comments

[Account Deleted]

Quiet time can really make a difference in your life.The most reasonable price, best quality, best service for your heart, got it HH
http://www.timberland21s.com/
http://www.uggsgroup.com/
http://www.cheapsuprashoes2u.org/
http://www.cheapmonclervest2.com/
http://www.jordanshua.com/

[Account Deleted]

Its interesting. I would like to know more about this…I really wanted to know how this works can you please help me out…….Thanks for sharing.
http://www.cheapsupra3.org/
http://www.cheapviviennewestwood.org/
http://www.cheapugg2.org/

[Cheap Moncler Jackets]

I would like to know more about this…I really wanted to know how this works can you please help me out…

[Vivienne Westwood]

Thanks for sharing. This website is to I too have to help. Very good.
http://www.belstaffjacketstime.org/
http://www.progoldaudiophileinearspeakers.com/
http://www.cheapviviennewestwood.org/
http://www.coolearphone.com/
http://www.timberlandshoeshua.com/
http://www.cheapugg3.org/
http://www.cheapjerseys2.org/

[Vivienne Westwood]

I'm still waiting for some interesting thoughts from your side in your next post thanks.Thank you for taking the time to publish this information very useful!
http://www.micomarket.com/
http://www.21timberland.com/
http://www.cheapugg2.org/
http://www.todsspa.com
http://www.viviennewestwoodswear.com/
http://www.cheapsupra3.org/
http://www.newjerseyssales.com/
http://www.cheapsupra4.org/

[belstaff jackets]

Find true love and be a true lover as well.May you find a love which is not only strong as death, but to leave to a truly for feeling life.http://www.belstaffjacketzone.com http://www.cheapmoncler2.org/

[dr dre studio black]

i love this post,waiting for you update your blog soon,see you later,haha

[wholesale new era hat]

Happiness lies for those who cry, those who hurt, those who have searched, and those who have tried, for only they can appreciate the importance of people who have touched their lives.

[jerseyshome]

It is a good article ,and the information is very useful ,I like it very much.And here is the other good website , http://www.jerseyshome.net/.
it offer many quality jerseys,you would find the one you want ，I am sure!

[cheap nfl jerseys]

Hey, friends, if you are confused to the all kinds of items href={cheap">http://www.wejerseys.us>{cheap jerseys} either on the real store or on website when you choose, http://www.salewe.com/products/Women-Jerseys-c195_p1.html it is time for you to get rid of it, welcome to my zone, you will enjoy a unusual feelings.

[fatloss4idiots--reviews.blogspot.com]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on Braised. Regards

[Paleo Burn Review]

Thanks , I have recently been searching for information about this topic for ages and yours is the greatest I've discovered so far. But, what concerning the bottom line? Are you sure about the supply?