Chef Big DA decadent marriage of 12-hour hickory-smoked beef short ribs and hand-rolled agnolotti, finished in a glossy bone marrow and red wine reduction.
Season the short ribs aggressively with salt and pepper. Prepare your offset smoker with hickory wood to a steady 250°F.
Ensure the meat is at room temperature before it hits the grates for an even bark.
Place ribs in the smoker and cook until an internal temperature of 203°F is reached and the bark is set. Remove, wrap in butcher paper, and rest.
The rest is non-negotiable; it allows the collagen to fully transform into silk.
On a clean work surface, mound the flour and create a well. Add egg yolks and slowly incorporate until a supple dough forms. Knead for 10 minutes, then wrap and rest for 30 minutes.
If the dough is too dry, add a teaspoon of water at a time. It should feel like an earlobe.
Shred the rested short rib meat, discarding bones and excess fat. Roll the pasta dough into thin sheets and pipe small mounds of beef onto the sheets. Fold and cut into agnolotti shapes.
Dust with semolina to prevent sticking.
In a large saucier, reduce the red wine by half. Whisk in the roasted bone marrow until melted. Lower heat and emulsify the cold butter one cube at a time until the sauce is glossy.
Do not let the sauce boil once the butter is added or it will break.
Boil the agnolotti in salted water for 3-4 minutes until they float. Transfer directly into the sauce and toss gently to coat. Plate immediately with a touch of smoked sea salt.
A splash of pasta water will help the sauce cling to the dough.
The key to this dish is the emulsion. If your butter is too cold, it won't incorporate; too hot, and it will break. Aim for that perfect velvet viscosity. For the short ribs, ensure you have a clean bone pull—that's the sign of a master pitmaster. Serve with a crisp Gavi or a light-bodied Nebbiolo to cut through the richness.
Nutrition data is estimated and may not be fully accurate. This is not medical advice — consult a registered dietitian or healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
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