Celebrity Chef Reuben Riffel is renowned for his culinary expertise and innovative recipes. This winter, he has created a mouth-watering dish that combines the warmth of comfort food with the sophistication of a fine wine pairing. Let's delve into the details of his Curry Mac & Cheese with Smoky Beef Short Rib recipe paired to perfection with the Stellenzicht Tristone Cabernet Sauvignon.

What makes this recipe perfect for winter?

Winter calls for hearty, comforting meals that warm you from the inside out. Chef Reuben's Curry Mac & Cheese with Smoky Beef Short Rib ticks all the boxes with its rich, creamy macaroni and cheese infused with aromatic curry flavors, paired with tender, smoky beef short rib.

How does the curry enhance the mac & cheese?

What wine would complement this dish?

To complete the dining experience, Chef Reuben recommends pairing his Curry Mac & Cheese with Smoky Beef Short Rib with a full-bodied red wine, such as a the Tristone Cabernet Sauvignon. The robust yet balanced flavors of the wine will complement the richness of the dish, creating a perfect harmony of tastes.

The Recipe

Feeds: 4-6
Prep Time: 20 min
Cooking Time: 40 min

Ingredients:

Beef Short Rib:

600g beef short rib (about 6 pieces)
300ml chicken stock
150ml smoky BBQ sauce
1 tsp cumin seeds, dry toasted and ground
1 tsp coriander seeds, dry toasted and ground
1 tsp black pepper, dry toasted and ground
½ cup Stellenzicht Tristone Cabernet Sauvignon
1 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp flour
Mac and Cheese:
100g unsalted butter
2 tbsp flour
1 tsp curry powder
1 cup milk
1 cup cream
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
A few dashes of Worcestershire sauce
50g parmesan cheese, grated
50g comté cheese, grated
50g mature cheddar cheese, grated
Fresh parsley
3 cups cooked macaroni

Method:

Beef Short Rib:

1. Season the short ribs with salt and pepper.
2. Sear in a medium-hot pan till browned.
3. Add the toasted spices and deglaze the pan with the wine.
4. Add the chicken stock and BBQ sauce, then place everything into a pressure cooker.
5. Cook on high for 30 minutes.
6. Remove the short ribs from the pressure cooker.
7. Strain the sauce and remove as much of the oil layer as possible.
8. In a pan, thicken the sauce by stirring in the butter and flour mixture (optional).
9. Add the hot short ribs to the sauce and stir through.

Mac and Cheese:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. In a pot, melt the butter and add the curry powder.
3. Add the flour and stir to combine. Cook for a few minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
4. Add the milk and cream, whisking until it starts to thicken.
5. Stir in the mustard and Worcestershire sauce.
6. Add the grated cheeses and stir until melted.
7. Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked macaroni and chopped parsley.
8. Place the mixture into a baking dish, sprinkle with more cheese, and bake in the oven for
20 minutes.

To Serve:

Serve the smoky beef short rib with the mac & cheese. Enjoy with a beautiful glass of Stellenzicht Tristone Cabernet Sauvignon.

Next time you're looking for a cozy winter meal that combines comfort and sophistication, give Chef Reuben Riffel's Curry Mac & Cheese with Smoky Beef Short Rib recipe a try. Your taste buds will thank you!