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Tamarind-Braised Short Ribs with Truffle Sunchoke Purée, Watercress Purée, and Glazed Chanterelle Mushrooms

These tamarind-braised short ribs offer an sophisticated balance of deep, savoury notes and bright, tangy undertones. By slow-cooking the beef in a rich infusion of balsamic vinegar, tamarind, and aromatic spices, the meat becomes exceptionally tender while developing a complex glaze. This high-protein dish is elevated further by a silky sunchoke purée, enriched with earthy black truffles and a vibrant, peppery watercress oil that cut through the richness of the beef.

Designed for a truly special occasion, this recipe brings restaurant-quality techniques into the home kitchen. The addition of buttery glazed chanterelle mushrooms provides a delicate woody flavour that complements the sweetness of the sunchokes perfectly. Whether you are hosting a formal dinner party or looking for a comforting yet luxurious weekend project, these braised ribs deliver a layers of flavour that are sure to impress your guests.

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Ingredients for Tamarind-Braised Short Ribs with Truffle Sunchoke Purée, Watercress Purée, and Glazed Chanterelle Mushrooms

  • 4 (230g) boneless beef short ribs

  • Fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

  • 60ml olive oil

  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and thinly sliced

  • 2 celery stalks, thinly sliced

  • 1/2 medium onion, thinly sliced

  • 4 cloves garlic, crushed

  • 1 (2-inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled and minced

  • 1 jalapeño, sliced

  • 2 dried bay leaves

  • 1/8 teaspoons whole black peppercorns

  • 1/8 teaspoons whole cloves

  • 475ml balsamic vinegar

  • 60ml tamarind paste

  • 60ml molasses

  • 5 anchovy fillets

  • 0.9L beef stock or low-sodium beef broth

  • 475ml veal demi-glace

  • 450g sunchokes, peeled and thinly sliced

  • 950ml double cream

  • 60ml unsalted butter

  • 2 tablespoons chopped black truffles

  • Fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

  • 1 bunch fresh watercress (thin stems and leaves only)

  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

  • Fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

  • Zest of 1 lemon

  • 45ml olive oil

  • 450g fresh chanterelle mushrooms, cleaned and trimmed (halved or quartered if large)

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 60ml vegetable stock

  • Fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

  • Food processor or blender

Season the short ribs generously on all sides with salt and pepper.

In a large skillet over moderately high heat, warm 2 tablespoons of the oil until hot but not smoking. Add the short ribs and sear until browned on all sides. Transfer short ribs to a plate and set aside.

In a large saucepan over moderate heat, warm the remaining 2 tablespoons oil until hot but not smoking. Add the carrots, celery, onion, garlic, ginger, jalapeño, bay leaves, peppercorns, and cloves and sauté, stirring occasionally, until caramelized, about 5 minutes.

Add the vinegar, tamarind paste, molasses, and anchovies and simmer, stirring occasionally, until reduced by about 1/3. Add the beef stock and demi-glace. Add the seared short ribs and bring to a boil. Lower the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and simmer until the meat is fork-tender, about 3 hours. Transfer the short ribs to a plate. Pour the braising liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl and discard the solids. Return the strained braising liquid and the short ribs to the large saucepan, cover, and keep warm until ready to serve.

In a medium saucepan over moderate heat, combine the sunchokes, cream, and butter and bring to a boil. Lower the heat to a simmer and continue simmering until the sunchokes are tender. Transfer the sunchokes, reserving the cooking liquid, to a blender or food processor, and process, adding the liquid as necessary, until completely smooth. Transfer the to a bowl, stir in the truffles, and season with salt and pepper.

Reserve a couple of watercress leaves for garnish.

In a medium pot of boiling water, blanch the remaining watercress. Transfer to a blender or food processor, add 2 tablespoons of the olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and process until smooth. With the blender or food processor on low, slowly add the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil and continue to process until smooth and fully incorporated. Transfer to a small bowl and stir in the lemon zest.

In a large skillet over high heat, warm the oil until hot but not smoking. Add the mushrooms and sauté, stirring occasionally, until browned, about 6 minutes. Add the butter and let it melt, stirring occasionally. Add the vegetable stock and simmer, stirring occasionally, to glaze the mushrooms. Season with salt and pepper.

Divide the sunchoke purée among 4 large plates. Top each with 1 short rib then divide the mushrooms among the plates, arranging them around the short ribs. Drizzle the plate with the braising liquid and the watercress purée and garnish with the reserved watercress leaves.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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