Sake-Marinated Beef Ribs

8 Servings

8 meaty beef short ribs (8 pounds), cut crosswise into 2-inch lengths
3 cups sake (rice wine)
2 large onions, thinly sliced
2 medium carrots, finely chopped
1 celery rib, finely chopped
24 green olives, pitted
1 tablespoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon finely grated ginger
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon curry powder
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Pinch of saffron threads
Salt and freshly ground white pepper
2 cups short-grain rice (about 14 ounces)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon mascarpone cheese
2 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley

1. Spread the ribs in an even layer in a large glass or ceramic baking dish. Pour 2 cups of the sake over the ribs, cover and let marinate overnight in the refrigerator.

2. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Drain the ribs. In a large roasting pan, toss the ribs with the onions, carrots, celery, olives, coriander, garlic, ginger, turmeric, curry powder, cayenne, saffron and the remaining 1 cup of sake; season with salt and white pepper. Cover with foil and roast, turning the ribs halfway through cooking, for about 3 hours, or until the meat is very tender; skim the fat occasionally. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Meanwhile, bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add the rice and boil over moderate heat until tender, about 17 minutes. Drain the rice and return it to the saucepan. Stir in the soy sauce and mascarpone.

4. Spoon the rice into 4 bowls. Spoon the short ribs and sauce over the rice, garnish with the parsley and serve.