Pizza & Wine Pairing
Recipe Date: June 20th, 2023
Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
Measurements: Imperial (US)
The Best Pizza & Wine Pairings
The inseparable duo of pizza and wine, an exquisite combination that tantalizes the senses and seduces the palate. Optimal wine pairings often align harmoniously with ingredients hailing from the very regions where the grapes themselves have flourished. And when it comes to pizza, the toppings are like a canvas for regional flavors that can truly complement the wine.
Nestled within the walls of our magnificent castle, built-in fire stone ovens are an essential part of our event experience. We pay homage to the modern birthplace of pizza in the southwestern Italian region of Campania, home to the vibrant city of Naples. It is here a story of culinary ingenuity and national pride. Legend has it that on June 11, 1889, the Neapolitan pizza maker Raffaele Esposito crafted a pizza fit for a queen, Margherita of Savoy, to honor her visit. This “Pizza Margherita” was adorned with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, representing the colors of the Italian flag. While recent research casts doubt on this legend, the story persists, and the pizza itself has become an icon of Italian cuisine.
In the world of pizza, and countless variations have emerged to tantalize our taste buds. In Naples, the birthplace of pizza, you can find renowned pizzerias such as Da Michele, Port’Alba, Brandi, Di Matteo, Sorbillo, Trianon, and Umberto, each adhering to even stricter standards than the specified rules. The pizza bases in Naples are soft and pliable, offering a delightful contrast to the thin and crispy Roman style. And let us not forget the “pizza al taglio,” baked in rectangular trays with a wide variety of toppings and sold by weight, offering a whole new world of flavors.
No doubt Pizza has become a global phenomenon, and its popularity has no limits. In fact, an astounding 350 slices are devoured every second, while 40% of Americans indulge in pizza at least once a week. The magic of pizza lies in its universal appeal, a taste that transcends borders and cultures. It traveled across the Atlantic with the wave of Italian immigrants who made up a significant portion of the influx of people to the United States between 1880 and 1920. They brought with them not only their dreams but also their culinary traditions. Today, pizza reigns supreme as one of the most popular foods in the world, with approximately 5 billion pizzas consumed each year.
Finding the perfect pairing can be a delightful challenge. With its myriad of styles, flavors, and qualities, pizza provides endless choices. At Castello di Amorosa we have curated an extraordinary Wine & Pizza guide that will transport you to new heights of culinary bliss. We’ve sought inspiration from the Italian masters themselves, crafting pairings that will make your taste buds dance with joy.
Barbera The Pizza Wine
When it comes to pairing wine with pizza, one versatile option stand out: Barbera. This medium-bodied, fruity Italian varietal complements the flavors of pizza, especially those with herbal and tomato elements. Its smooth, easy-drinking nature and moderate tannins make it an excellent companion for the savory richness of pizza, particularly when topped with salty meats like prosciutto or pepperoni.
What makes Barbera special is its ability to bridge the gap between different wine preferences. It strikes a balance between light and heavy red wines, making it an ideal choice for a diverse group of wine enthusiasts. For the perfect wine and pizza pairing, consider the key elements of the pizza itself: the thickness of the crust, the charcoaling, the type of sauce (whether delicate, hearty, or something different like pesto), the cheese (mozzarella, burrata, or goat cheese), and the meat toppings (prosciutto, pepperoni, or sausage).
Barbera shines particularly bright because its high acidity complements the acidity of tomato-based sauces, creating a harmonious pairing. They offer good acidity, low tannins, and a fruit-forward profile that embraces the flavors of pizza rather than overpowering them.
Classic Tomato Pizza & Wine Pairings
These classic Pizza & Wine pairings, lend a helping hand to help balance tomato sauce based pizza.
- Barbera with Classic Pepperoni: Barbera is a red wine known for its high acidity and fruity flavors. Classic pepperoni pizza, with its slightly spicy and savory pepperoni toppings, pairs well with Barbera. The wine’s acidity cuts through the richness of the pepperoni and complements its flavors, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the meal.
- Sangiovese with Italian Sausage and/or Pepperoni: Sangiovese is a red wine with medium to high acidity. The acidity helps cut through the richness of Italian sausage and pepperoni, which can be fatty and savory. The acidity in Sangiovese refreshes the palate and balances the flavors, making it a great pairing. It pairs exceptionally well with herbal and tomato flavors, making it an ideal match for pizza.
- Chardonnay with Quattro Formaggio: Chardonnay is a full-bodied white wine with a rich and buttery profile. Quattro Formaggio (Four Cheese) pizza usually features a combination of creamy and flavorful cheeses. The richness of the Chardonnay complements the creamy cheeses and enhances their flavors, creating a harmonious pairing.
- Vermentino or Dry Gewürztraminer with Canadian Bacon, Pineapple, and Jalapeño: Vermentino and Dry Gewürztraminer are both white wines with vibrant acidity. The combination of Canadian bacon, pineapple, and jalapeño on a pizza creates a balance of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors. The acidity in Vermentino or Dry Gewürztraminer helps refresh the palate and enhances the contrasting flavors, making it an enjoyable pairing.
- Gioia Rosé with Margherita Pizza: Rosé is a versatile wine that can pair well with a variety of dishes. Margherita pizza typically features simple and fresh flavors, including tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella. The light and fruity characteristics of a Rosé complement the lightness of the pizza and its tomato-based sauce, creating a refreshing and harmonious pairing.
- Gioia Rosé with BBQ Chicken Pizza: Its refreshing nature acts as a palate cleanser, balancing the savory elements. Versatile and adaptable, Gioia enhances the overall balance and depth of flavors in BBQ chicken pizza, creating a delightful and well-rounded pairing experience.
- Pinot Noir with Mushroom Pizza: The earthy, nuanced flavors of a mushroom pizza find their match in a well-balanced Pinot Noir. The fruity notes of the wine harmonize with the earthy mushrooms, while the bright acidity cuts through any richness, providing a delightful pairing.
White Pizza & Wine Pairings
These Pizza pairings contain white sauces, like Alfredo, Garlic and more.
- Pinot Bianco or Pinot Grigio with Chicken, Spinach, and Mushroom with Alfredo Sauce: Bianco or Pinot Grigio are typically light-bodied white wines with crisp acidity. They pair well with dishes that have creamy and rich sauces, such as Alfredo sauce. The wine’s acidity cuts through the richness of the sauce, while its lighter body complements the flavors of chicken, spinach, and mushroom without overpowering them.
- Simpatica Riesling with Thai Chicken Pizza: The off-dry sweetness and vibrant acidity of Riesling balance the spiciness of a Thai chicken pizza, creating a harmonious fusion of flavors.
- Spumante Brut with Prosciutto and Arugula Pizza: The crisp and effervescent Spumante cuts through the richness of prosciutto and pairs beautifully with the peppery arugula, adding a refreshing touch.
- Spumante Rosé with Spinach and Feta Pizza: The vibrant acidity and delicate bubbles of Spumante Rosé enhance the flavors of spinach and feta cheese, creating a refreshing and tangy pairing.
- Il Passito – Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc with Pear Gorgonzola Pizza: The luscious sweetness and honeyed notes of Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc complement the combination of ripe pears and creamy Gorgonzola on a pizza.
- Cabernet Sauvignon with Sirloin Steak and Gorgonzola with White Sauce: Cabernet Sauvignon is a bold and full-bodied red wine with high tannins. The richness and intensity of the wine make it an excellent match for the robust flavors of sirloin steak. The tannins in Cabernet Sauvignon also help cut through the richness of the steak and pair well with the tangy and pungent flavors of Gorgonzola cheese.
Linguine allo scoglio
Recipe Date: February 8th, 2023
Difficulty: Easy
Measurements: Imperial (US)
Linguine Allo Scoglio Recipe
From cucineditalia
As the warmer months inch closer on the calendar, a rich seafood dish could be exactly what you’re missing. Look no further than this Italian seafood pasta recipe known as Linguine allo scoglio, linguine pasta cooked al dente in a tomato-based sauce with mussels, clams, and shrimp. The ideal accompaniment to this dish is a medium-bodied soft rosé, such as the Italian Rosato Gioia, a wine capable of balancing out the slight acidity of the tomato sauce. Dry white wines are a wonderful pairing as well. The best white wine with this traditional Italian seafood pasta is our Vermentino from Temecula Valley. A lively and crisp white wine with tropical aromas of white peach, and citrus complemented by a bright acidity and subtle minerality make it the perfect pairing for this seafood dish.
- 350 g (12 oz) of Spaghetti
- 1 kg (2 pound) of Clams with shells
- 1 kg (2 pound) of Mussels with shells
- 300 grams (2/3 pound) of Squid
- 300 g (2/3 pound) of Shrimps
- 200 g (1/2 pound) of ripe Cherry Tomatoes
- 1 Fresh hot chilli pepper
- 2 Cloves of garlic
- 5 Tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- 150 ml (1/2 cup ) of dry white wine
- Bunch (1/3 cup) of fresh parsley
- Salt to taste
Directions
1) Rinse clams under running water and then let them soak in plenty of cold water with a handful of coarse salt. The clams should remain in the cold water for at least an hour, preferably two, to purge. Keep this time in mind when you decide to make this recipe. Place the clams in a pan and cook over high heat covered with a lid. Wait for them to open, this will take about 3 minutes.
2) Now strain the clam sauce with a fine strainer but DO NOT throw away their water, keep it aside. Finally shell the clams, keeping some clams with their shells that you will use for the final decoration of the dish.
3)Clean the mussels by scraping off any impurities with the blade of a small knife. Tear off the byssus, that is the bearded part that comes out of the shell. Then, with the help of a stainless steel sponge, clean well their shells. Place the mussels in a pan and cook over high heat, cover with lid. Wait for them to open, this will take about 3 minutes. We prefer to cook clams and mussels separately in case the clams release a lot of sand.
4) Now strain the mussels sauce with a fine strainer. Finally shell the mussels, keeping some of them with their shells: you will use them for the final decoration of the dish.
5) Wash the squid under running water, then remove the entrails, the eyes, the central beak and the internal bone. Finally remove the skin and cut them into rings. Set aside.
6) Clean the shrimps, taking care to remove the dark filament, all the shell and the heads. Set aside. Wash and chop the cherry tomatoes then chop the parsley. Set aside.
7) In a large saucepan, sauté the peeled garlic cloves in the extra virgin olive oil. Add the red hot chili pepper and the squid. Cook for about 2 minutes over medium heat.
8) Then raise the heat and add the white wine. Stir and allow the alcohol to evaporate. Finally add the mussels and clams and lower the heat. Add a ladle of clams water and then the chopped tomatoes. Mix and cook over high heat for about 10 minutes.
9) Finally, add the shrimp and chopped parsley. Cook over medium heat for about 3 minutes (shrimp have very short cooking times). Italian seafood sauce is ready. Remove the garlic cloves and chili pepper (see note below).
10) Now cook the pasta. Bring plenty of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the cooking times described on their packaging. Using a slotted spoon, drain the spaghetti 3 minutes before the end of cooking time.
11) Place them directly in the pan with the seafood sauce. Stir and finish cooking the spaghetti in the pan for another 3 minutes over high heat. This way they will better absorb the flavor of the seafood sauce. Stir well and transfer the best Spaghetti allo Scoglio you have ever eaten to a serving dish. Garnish with the shells kept aside and serve.
Notes
Garlic & Chilli Peppers: We chose to leave the garlic and hot chili pepper whole. This way you can easily remove them from the sauce. If you prefer, though, you can chop them up and leave them in the sauce, depending on your taste.
Pair w/ Our Vermentino, Enjoy and cheers!
Wine Pairing – Vermentino
Semolina Cake w/ Herb and Citrus Syrup
Recipe Date: March 8th, 2021
Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
Measurements: Imperial (US)
Semolina Cake with Herb and Citrus Syrup
Adapted with changes from Azlin Bloor, Lins Food
Italian semolina cakes are traditionally desserts made with a rich cornmeal or grain created for celebrations like Carnival. This moist dense cake incorporates a touch of sweetness when it is adorned with an infused simple syrup of perfume-y lemons or citrus. With our semolina cake, we used fresh-picked Castello rosemary and lemons to create a dynamic flavor profile pairable with our Pinot Bianco and Chardonnay – a perfect treat for anytime of day!
Cake Batter
220g (7 4/5oz) fine semolina (semolina flour)
120g (4 1/5oz) ground almonds (almond flour)
1 tsp baking powder
240g (8 2/5oz) salted butter
240g (8 2/5oz) caster or granulated sugar
3 large eggs
80g (1/4 cup) Lemon Curd
Rosemary and Lemon Syrup
125ml (1/2 cup) water
100g (1/2 cup) white sugar
1 lemon – rind and juice
3 sprigs rosemary
2 Tbsp limoncello (optional)
Method
- Preheat the oven to 180˚C/160˚C Fan/350˚F.
- You will need a 20cm (8″) round cake tin. Grease and line it as required. Mine doesn’t need lining, just greasing. Set aside.
- Place the semolina, ground almonds and baking powder in a large bowl, mix and set aside.
- Cream the butter and sugar for 1 whole minute until pale and light in texture. Depending on the speed of your mixer, you can reduce the time.
- Add the eggs one at a time, along with a tablespoon of the semolina mix with each egg. Beat at high speed for a good 30 seconds between each addition. Adding flour with your egg, or in this instance, semolina and almonds, will stop the eggs from curdling. I do this for all my cakes. If your batter does curdle, it doesn’t matter, your cake will still be fine, if just marginally different in texture.
- Fold in the lemon curd, then the semolina and almond mix. Fold in or beat on the lowest setting.
- Pour your cake batter into your prepared tin and bake for 1 hour. If your oven runs hot, check it at the 55 min mark.
- Side note: If you notice your cake browning at the top darker than you prefer, take some foil to cover the edges and top about 30-35 minutes into baking.
- Take it out of the oven and pour half the syrup all over. Leave to cool slightly before taking out of the tin and serving. Folks with a sweet tooth, can add their more syrup to the individual slices.
Rosemary Syrup
- Use a vegetable peeler and peel long strips off the lemon, then slice these strips thinly.
- We peeled (2) lemons for extra flavor!
- Place the lemon strips, water and sugar in a saucepan on low heat and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5 minutes.
- Take it off the heat and add the lemon juice and rosemary sprigs. Leave to cool for 5 minutes, then strain and stir in the limoncello if using. Keep the syrup aside until needed. You can hang on to the lemon peel and rosemary for garnish
Notes:
Yield: 12 servings
Prep & Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Salute!
Wine Pairing – Pinot Bianco
Ziti Rigati w/ Pesto Guanciale & Romano
Recipe Date: March 1st, 2021
Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
Measurements: Imperial (US)
Ziti Rigati with Fava Bean Pesto Guanciale & Pecorino Romano
From Amy Gulick Italy Magazine
When asked to create an Italian-inspired dish using Castello products, Executive Chef of Oak Avenue Catering, Shannon Kelly delivered! “My inspiration for our pasta dish is simply SPRING! In the middle of Winter I crave the warmth and sunshine of springtime. Fava beans express to me the essence of spring and I feel this dish utilizes these simple but flavorful ingredients to capture springtime on a plate.” Footage of the chef recreating the dish coming soon!
Oak Avenue Catering Fava Bean Pesto
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh or frozen fava beans
- ¼ – 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup Castello Basil Grape Seed Oil
- 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
- Grated zest of 1 lemon and juice
- Salt to taste and a pinch of red pepper flakes
Directions
Put favas into the bowl of your food processor along with the cheese, zest, juice, salt and red pepper flakes and pulse a few times. Add the oil and continue to pulse until you have a somewhat chunky but
amalgamated pesto. Taste the pesto and season. Process longer if you want a smoother consistency.
Ziti Rigati with Fava Bean Pesto Guanciale & Pecorino Roman
Ingredients
- 4 ounces guanciale or pancetta, cut into thin strips
- 1 pound of Castello-imported Ziti Rigati Pasta
- Castello Basil Grape seed Oil
- Salt for cooking pasta
Directions
Cook your pasta al dente in plenty of salted water, and in the meantime cook thin strips of guanciale/pancetta in grape seed oil until just turning crisp. When the pasta is ready add it to the guanciale/pancetta along with several scoops of your pesto, some grated pecorino Romano and freshly ground black pepper. Add a small amount of pasta water to make a creamy sauce. Sprinkle some more grated Romano cheese and drizzle some basil grape seed oil over the top and serve with a glass of Castello Vermentino!
Notes
Yield: 6 servings | Prep & Cook Time: 1 Hour
Enjoy and cheers!
March 2021 Competition
The entry rules are as followed:
- Recreate Chef Kelly’s Fava Bean Pesto and Pasta recipe!
- Extra points if you purchase the Castello Fava Bean Pesto Pasta ingredients Pack and a bottle of Vermentino!
- Click here to purchase Fava Bean Pesto and Pasta pack
- Post a photo of your completed dish on Instagram with a bottle of Castle wine and a beautiful Spring –inspired tablespace
- Tag @thecastello #thecastellorecipes in your caption
- And DM us your completed post to our @thecastello account with your name and email to secure your submission!
- The competition ends March 22nd and we will announce the winner on Instagram Wednesday, March 24th, 2021!
Call Wine Club with any questions at 7079676274!
Wine Pairing – Vermentino
Italian Flourless Chocolate Cake
Recipe Date: February 1st, 2021
Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
Measurements: Imperial (US)
Torta Tenerina—Italian Flourless Chocolate Cake Recipe
From Our Sweet Adventures
The Origin of the Torta Tenerina: A Love Story
Torta Tenerina translates to “very tender cake.” This decadent and traditional Italian flourless chocolate cake, with its’ crispy edges and melting chocolate center, hails from Ferrara of northern Italy. In 1896, King Vittorio Emanuele III of Italy Met Elena Petrovich of Montenegro at the Teatro La Fenice in Venice during the International Art Exhibition. History states it was love at first sight and the couple soon wedded on October 24,1896. The two had a loving marriage and ascended to the throne in 1900. queen Elena became known as “the bride with the tender heart.” The people named the Tenerina cake after her and often referred to it as the Torta Montenegrin or Torta Regina del Montenegro as well.
Ingredients
- 7 tablespoons butter (at room temperature)
- 1 1/2 cups (283 grams) of grated 70%
- chocolate bars
- 4 eggs (separated)
- 3/4 Cups granulated sugar (separated into 1/2 cup and 1/4 cup)
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- Pinch of salt
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan.
In a double boiler, melt the chocolate slowly by stirring constantly. Then add the butter in increments until a silky-smooth mixture forms.
Whisk the egg yolks and 1/2 cup of sugar on medium-high speed until the mixture turns pale yellow and begins ribbon stage.
Slowly add the melted chocolate mixture into the egg yolk mixture and mix thoroughly. Then add the cornstarch and a pinch of salt into the batter until combined. At this point, the batter will be thick and paste-like. Set aside.
In another bowl, create a meringue by whisking together the egg whites with the remaining sugar until medium-stiff peaks form.
Carefully fold the meringue into the chocolate mixture in three increments. You do not want to over mix or you will lose air in the batter.
Pour the cake batter into the greased springform pan. Level it out evenly. Then bake at 350° for 30 to 35 minutes. You will know when the cake is finished baking when it feels firm to the touch.
Note: To compliment the rich flavors of this Torta Tenerina cake, pair it with a glass of La Fantasia or our La Castellana
Notes
Yield: 8 servings | Prep & Cook Time: 50 minutes
Enjoy and cheers!
Wine Pairing – La Castellana or La Fantasia
Florentine-Style Steak
Recipe Date: February 1st, 2021
Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
Measurements: Imperial (US)
Bistecca Alla Fiorentina (Florentine-Style Beef Steak)
From Flapper Press
In the 16th Century, the Piazza San Lorenzo served as an international crossroads in Florance, Italy. When the English knights visited the Piazza, they would express their appreciation of the Florentine Streak shouting “beef steak,” influencing the Florentines naming the meat “bistecca.” This Florentine beef steak, typically the T-Bone of a cow, is grilled over charcoal for a caramelized outside with a rare and juicy inside.*
Ingredients
- 1 Porterhouse steak, cut 2-3 inches thick, 3-3.5 pounds
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Coarse salt and ground black pepper, to taste
- 2-4 sprigs of rosemary (optional, for serving)
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
Directions
Prepare your grill, with coals or wood embers. Using an electric grill or cast-iron griddle would work as well.
Heat the surface of the grill. Place the Porterhouse steak standing on the bone to warm the interior and soften the fat fiber. Continue for about 15 minutes.
Now heat the grill to a very high temperature. Place the steak on its’ side for 5 minutes without moving the meat. The meat should roast without burning and come away with beautiful grill markings.
Final Touches
When the meat is done to your liking, remove it from the grill and let it rest for about 15 minutes in a warm place for the juices to settle.
Carve the filet and strip the steaks off the bone. Slice each steak against the grain and place on a serving platter with lemons, rosemary, and salt.
Notes
Serves: 3-4 People | Cook Time: 25 min
Enjoy and cheers!
Wine Pairing – Il Barone or Cabernet Sauvignon
Cacio e Pepe
Recipe Date: December 2nd, 2020
Difficulty: Easy
Measurements: Imperial (US)
Cacio e Pepe
From Laura in The Kitchen
The Cacio e pepe pasta, an incredible dish of the ancient Roman Sheppards’ dating back to the 5th century. This remains a simple dish for the everyday people that is now quite famous in Italian cuisine. We are pairing this pasta with our Pinot Noir that gives a complimenting spice when paired together. The recipe below is by Laura Vitale of the Laura in the Kitchen Youtube channel. She began cooking in the kitchen of her Grandmother in Naples, Italy and brought her love of creating “food that feeds the soul” to the United States.
Ingredients
- 8oz of Spaghetti
-
3oz of Finely Shredded Pecorino (see notes below)
-
1-1/2 tsp of Freshly Ground Black Pepper
- Salt
Directions
• Fill a pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt (not too much) and bring to a boil, add the pasta and cook 2 minutes shy of package instructions.
• In a large skillet (I prefer a non-stick heavy duty skillet here) add the ground black pepper, toast for about a minute, meanwhile reserve a couple of cups of starchy cooking water and set aside while you drain your pasta.
• Add 1/2 cup of the starchy water to the bowl of shredded cheese, stir and set aside.
• Add an additional 1/2 cup of the starchy water to the skillet with the pepper, then add the spaghetti (make sure the heat is on low) and start adding your cheese mixture, constantly stirring until Emulsified and adding any additional cooking water if needed. Continue the process until your sauce comes together.
Notes
This dish is one you need to practice, so many things can create a clumpy split mess so I hope these tips help avoid that. Make sure your cheese is grated finely using a Microplane and make sure it’s at room temperature. Keep an eye on the heat level, you might need to remove the pan completely from the burner to avoid overheating the cheese. Avoid using a thin metal pan, it gets way too hot and heats unevenly, most of the time I’ve tried making this dish in anything besides my heavy duty all clad non-stick skillet, it turned out a mess. Don’t over-salt your water, I know it looks like I added a lot of salt in the video but keep in mind I don’t use fine table salt, I use coarse kosher salt so it’s technically triple the size of a regular fine salt. This is a dish that needs to be eaten HOT, right off the stove and traditionally it should be served on warm plates to keep the sauce from setting and hardening the second it hits a cold surface. Use the best (imported if possible) pecorino Romano you can find, if you use a cheaper version or pre-shredded I can guarantee you it will clump in a second! I also use a bit more cheese but it’s easier to start with 3oz and once you have the technique down you can add another ounce. I hope these tips help, for such a simple dish it’s the technique that really matters and it does take some trial and error.
Enjoy and cheers!
Wine Pairing – Pinot Noir, Il Rubino
Sangiovese-Braised Short Ribs
Recipe Date: February 16th, 2012
Difficulty: Easy
Serving Size: 2
Cook Time: 03:30
Measurements: Imperial (US)
Sangiovese Wine-Braised Short Ribs with Cranberries and Onions
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs. (4) Bone-in short ribs
- 1 tbsp. Grapeseed Oil
- 1 tbsp. Coarse Sea Salt
- 1 tsp. Cocoa powder
- 1 tsp. Paprika
- 1 tsp. ground ancho chili
- 1 tbsp. grape seed flour
- 1 cup brown onions, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 2 cups Sangiovese wine
- 1/4 cup aged balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
Directions
Preheat oven at 375°F.
Season short ribs with cocoa powder, paprika, ancho chili, salt, and pepper; rub all over using your hands and let stand at room temperature for 20-30 minutes.
Heat 2 tbsp. of grape seed oil over medium-high heat in a Dutch oven; sear ribs until golden and crispy, about 4 minutes on each side. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
Return pot to heat and sauté onions for a couple of minutes, then add cranberries and sauté for 1 more minute. Sprinkle grape seed flour and stir with wooden spoon. Return ribs to pot and add wine, balsamic vinegar, and water. Stir and make sure to scrape any bits from the bottom of the pot. Cover and transfer to oven; cook for 3 hours. Remove from oven and allow to rest for 5 minutes, uncovered, before serving.
Serve two wine-braised short ribs on each plate and top with cranberries and onions. Spoon some of the Sangiovese sauce and garnish with green onions.