Photograph by Charles Schiller

Coffee is a fantastic meat tenderizer and flavor enhancer. This was a popular dish in my house last winter. It’s great as a part of a Succot meal.

2 tablespoons olive oil
5 pounds 1-inch-thick flanken-style short ribs
1 large onion, chopped
1 large red bell pepper, chopped
1 large jalapeno, seeded, finely chopped
6 garlic cloves, chopped
2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
1-1/2 tablespoons ancho-chili powder (available in the spice aisle of the in most national markets)
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1-1/4 teaspoons ground cumin
2 cups strong freshly brewed coffee (not espresso or dark roast)
1 (14-1/2-ounce) can diced tomatoes in juice
1 tablespoon tomato paste
Chopped fresh cilantro

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Heat oil in heavy large pot over medium-high heat. Sprinkle short ribs with salt and pepper. Working in batches, add ribs to pot and cook until browned, about 4 minutes per side. Transfer to platter.

Add onion, red bell pepper, and jalapeño to drippings in pot. Reduce heat to medium, cover, and cook until onion is tender, stirring occasionally, about 6 minutes. Stir in garlic and sauté uncovered 1 minute. Add brown sugar, ancho chile powder, oregano, and cumin; stir 15 seconds. Stir in coffee, tomatoes with juice, and tomato paste. Bring to boil, scraping up browned bits. Return ribs and any juices to pot; bring to boil.

Cover and bake until meat is very tender, about 1 hour 45 minutes. Spoon fat from surface of sauce. Season sauce to taste with salt and pepper.

Transfer ribs to platter. Spoon sauce over and sprinkle with chopped cilantro.