Serves6
                    
                
                
                    
                        
                            - Active Time:35 min
- Start to Finish:4 1/2 hr
 
            
            
                
                
                
    
      
          
          
          
              
              
              
          
          
          
          
          
              
              
              January 2007
            
          
          
      
  
                
                
            
            
            
                Stout and brown sugar give these tender ribs a hint of sweetness.Watch this Diary of a Foodie episode and view its accompanying recipes.  Plus, explore all episodes and more recipes from the show. 
            
            
            
            
            
                
                    
                    
                    
                        
                            
                            
                            
                                
                                    
                                        - 
                                            1/4
                                            cup
                                            packed dark brown sugar
                                            
                                        
- 
                                            1
                                            tablespoon
                                            paprika (not hot)
                                            
                                        
- 
                                            1
                                            tablespoon
                                            curry powder (preferably Madras)
                                            
                                        
- 
                                            2
                                            teaspoons
                                            ground cumin
                                            
                                        
- 
                                            2
                                            teaspoons
                                            black pepper
                                            
                                        
- 
                                            2
                                            teaspoons
                                            salt
                                            
                                        
- 
                                            1
                                            teaspoon
                                            dry mustard
                                            
                                        
- 
                                            4 to 4 1/2
                                            lb
                                            beef short ribs, cut into 4-inch pieces
                                            
                                        
- 
                                            4
                                            
                                            medium leeks (white and pale green parts only), chopped (2 cups)
                                            
                                        
- 
                                            3
                                            tablespoons
                                            olive oil
                                            
                                        
- 
                                            4
                                            
                                            medium carrots, chopped (2 cups)
                                            
                                        
- 
                                            3
                                            
                                            celery ribs, chopped (1 1/2 cups)
                                            
                                        
- 
                                            2
                                            
                                            Turkish bay leaves or 1 California
                                            
                                        
- 
                                            1/4
                                            cup
                                            chopped garlic (5 to 6 large cloves)
                                            
                                        
- 
                                            1 3/4
                                            cups
                                            beef broth (14 oz)
                                            
                                        
- 
                                            2
                                            
                                            (12-oz) bottles stout such as Mackeson or Guinness
                                            
                                        
- 
                                            2
                                            
                                            (14- to 15-oz) cans diced tomatoes
                                            
                                        
 
                    
                 
            
            
            
            
            
                
            
            
            
            
                
                    
                    
                    
                        
                            
                                
                                
                                
                                    
                                        - 
                                            
                                            Put oven rack in lower third of oven and preheat oven to 375°F. 
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                                            Stir together brown sugar, paprika, curry powder, cumin, pepper, salt, and mustard in a small bowl until combined. 
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                                            Pat ribs dry and arrange in 1 layer in a shallow baking pan or a shallow dish, then generously coat all sides of ribs with spice mixture. Marinate, uncovered and chilled, 1 hour. 
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                                            Wash leeks in a bowl of cold water, agitating water, then lift out leeks and drain in a colander. 
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                                            Heat oil in pot over high heat until hot but not smoking and quickly brown ribs on all 3 meaty sides (but not bone side) without crowding, in batches if necessary, about 1 minute per side. Transfer meat to a large plate, then add leeks, carrots, celery, and bay leaves to pot and cook over moderately low heat, stirring occasionally, until vegetables begin to soften, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring, 1 minute. 
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                                            Add broth, beer, and tomatoes with their juice, then add ribs with any juices and remaining spices accumulated on plate and bring liquid to a boil, uncovered. Cover pot and transfer to oven, then braise until meat is very tender, 2 to 2 1/2 hours. 
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                                            Skim off excess fat from surface of sauce. Discard bay leaves. 
 
                        
                    
                    Cooks’ note: Short ribs improve in flavor if braised 1 day ahead and cooled completely, uncovered, then chilled, covered. Reheat, covered, in a 350°F oven until hot, 1 to 1 1/2 hours.