French Onion Short Ribs (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Base

01 - 6 tablespoons salted butter
02 - 4 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
03 - 1/2 cup dry white wine (Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
04 - Freshly ground black pepper
05 - 2 shallots, sliced
06 - 4 cloves garlic, chopped
07 - 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
08 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
09 - Chili flakes, to taste

→ Broth & Protein

10 - 6-8 cups low sodium chicken broth
11 - 1/2 cup low sodium tamari or soy sauce
12 - 4 pounds bone-in beef short ribs
13 - 2 bay leaves
14 - 1 star anise (optional)
15 - 2 cups baby carrots

→ Topping

16 - 6 slices French bread
17 - 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese

# Instructions:

01 - In a large oven-safe Dutch oven over high heat, melt butter with thinly sliced onions. Cook for 5 minutes until softened. Add white wine, season with black pepper, and continue cooking for 5-8 minutes until wine evaporates and onions turn lightly golden.
02 - Add sliced shallots, chopped garlic, fresh thyme leaves, chopped sage, and chili flakes to the onions. Stir to combine all aromatics.
03 - Place short ribs into the Dutch oven. Pour in 6 cups of chicken broth, tamari, and add bay leaves and star anise (if using). Cover the Dutch oven with its lid.
04 - Roast covered in a preheated 325°F (163°C) oven for 2½ to 3 hours until short ribs are tender and falling off the bone. Add baby carrots during the last 1-2 hours of cooking.
05 - Remove bay leaves and star anise. Discard bones and excess fatty pieces. Lightly shred the meat and season with salt if needed. Keep warm over low heat.
06 - Switch oven to 425°F (218°C). Arrange bread slices on a baking sheet and toast for 10 minutes until very dry. Switch to broil, top bread with shredded Gruyère, and broil for 2-3 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
07 - Ladle the soup into bowls. Top each serving with a slice of cheesy toast, freshly ground black pepper, and a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves.

# Notes:

01 - For slow cooker method, prepare onion mixture on stovetop first, then transfer to crockpot with remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 5-6 hours.
02 - The star anise adds a subtle depth of flavor but can be omitted if unavailable.
03 - For a richer broth, you can substitute beef broth for the chicken broth.