Braised short ribs with polenta crisps

Method

1. For the polenta crisps: bring the stock to the boil in a deep saucepan. Add the parmesan rinds, rosemary and garlic, remove from the heat and leave to infuse for 10 minutes.

2. Strain the liquid into a new saucepan and bring back to the boil. Pour in the polenta and stir over a low heat for about 5 minutes until it thickens and comes away from the sides of the pan.

3. Stir in the double cream, beaten egg yolk and grated parmesan and stir well.

4. Pour into a shallow tray lined with cling film and transfer to the fridge to set firm, for at least 2 hours.

5. For the short ribs: preheat the oven to 160C/gas 3.

6. Put the chopped onion in the bottom of a heavy-based casserole with a good fitting lid. Add the ribs, thyme, garlic, bay leaves, wine, vinegar and stock. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, cover and bake in the oven for about 2 hours or until almost tender. Remove the casserole from the oven and baste the ribs with the juices from the pan.

7. Remove the lid, return the casserole to the oven and continue to cook, basting the ribs frequently with the sauce until they are tender and the sauce has started to go sticky.

8. To finish the polenta crisps, heat the oil for deep-frying to 180C in a pot or wok. Remove the polenta from the tray and cut into chunky diamonds.

9. Put the flour on one plate, the remaining beaten eggs on another and the extra uncooked polenta on a third. Dip each polenta diamond into flour, egg and polenta, then deep-fry until golden. Drain well.

10. Serve the melting ribs with the onion and sauce, along with the hot polenta crisps and steamed brussels tops.