If I had to pick one of my favorite things to eat, it would be short ribs. If it's on a menu, I am ordering it! It reminds me of Sunday lunches as a child. My mom would often make a slow cooked roast that would fall apart, and this is reminiscent of that but with a little more sophistication. What I also love is that with a few key herbs and seasonings, this dish becomes a meal packed with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and gut healing benefits.

I'd also offer; as I journeyed through reversing my gut issues, eating slow cooked, braised meats was very beneficial to my healing. Slow braising meats helps to break down the meat and release all of its gut healing properties. We hear a lot about eating raw, and I believe in some cases that is valid. However, for someone who has severe gut issues, it is tough for the gut to break down raw foods. I found slow cooking my meats with lots of veggies not only helped these dishes taste better but made them easier on my digestion and aided my gut healing. Of course, this dish also contains lots of homemade bone broth that is so healing for the gut as well!

Serve this over sprouted rice, mashed cauliflower, or zoodles and top with fresh cilantro and Asian kraut for a probiotic punch.

Photography by Beth Morgan