Braised Chile-Spiced Short Ribs with Black Beans

Preparation

1. Quick-soak beans:

   Step 1

   Put beans in a 4-to 5-quart heavy pot with enough water to cover by 2 inches.

   Step 2

   Bring to a boil and boil 2 minutes, then remove from heat and let stand, covered, 1 hour.

2. Make chile purée:

   Step 3

   Wipe anchos clean, then stem and seed. Discard ribs and tear anchos into pieces.

   Step 4

   Soak anchos in boiling-hot water until softened, about 20 minutes. Transfer anchos to a blender, reserving soaking liquid.

   Step 5

   Purée anchos with onion, garlic, chipotles with sauce, tomato paste, molasses, cumin, cloves, 1/3 cup water, and 1 teaspoon salt.

3. Braise short ribs:

   Step 6

   Pat ribs dry and season with 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon pepper (total). Heat oil in a wide 6-to 8-quart heavy pot over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Brown ribs in batches, about 6 minutes per batch. Transfer as browned to a platter. Discard fat from pot.

   Step 7

   Preheat oven to 350°F with rack in middle.

   Step 8

   Cook bacon in pot over medium heat until browned, then transfer with a slotted spoon to platter.

   Step 9

   Stir chile purée into fat in pot (it may spatter). Cook, stirring frequently, 6 minutes. Stir in reserved chile-soaking liquid, remaining 2 cups water, and cinnamon stick and bring to a boil. Return ribs and bacon to pot and braise, covered, in oven until ribs are very tender, 3 to 3 1/4 hours. Skim fat from sauce.

4. Cook beans while ribs braise:

   Step 10

   Drain beans, then return to pot and add fresh water (8 cups), bay leaf, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, until beans are just tender, 1 1/4 to 2 hours (depending on age of beans). Drain just before serving.

   Step 11

   Serve short ribs with beans.