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Provençal Short Ribs with Olives and Herbs

This sophisticated Provençal short ribs recipe brings the robust, sun-drenched flavours of Southern France to your kitchen. By slow-braising the beef in a rich base of full-bodied red wine, balsamic vinegar, and aromatic herbs, the meat becomes exceptionally tender, effectively falling away from the bone. The addition of salty Kalamata olives and a bright hit of fresh orange zest provides a perfect counterpoint to the deep, savoury notes of the sauce.

As a high-protein main course, these ribs are ideal for weekend entertaining or a comforting family Sunday lunch. The dish is naturally gluten-free if you swap the flour for a suitable alternative, and it pairs beautifully with creamy polenta or buttery mashed potatoes to soak up the luxurious gravy. It is a true one-pot wonder that improves in flavour if made a day in advance.

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Ingredients for Provençal Short Ribs with Olives and Herbs

  • 40g plain flour

  • Salt

  • Freshly ground black pepper

  • 2.3kg short ribs (not cross-cut flanken)

  • 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided

  • 2 medium red onions, cut into 1-inch pieces

  • 2 carrots, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

  • 1 celery rib, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

  • 3 large garlic cloves, chopped

  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary

  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves

  • 2 cups full-bodied red wine, such as Côtes du Rhône or Bordeaux

  • 475ml low-sodium chicken broth

  • 1 (425g) can whole peeled tomatoes in juice

  • 180ml balsamic vinegar

  • 160ml (100g) pitted kalamata olives, rinsed and patted dry

  • 1 navel orange

  • Polenta, noodles, or potatoes

  • A wide 6- to 8-quart heavy pot with a tight-fitting lid (for an alternative, )

Heat oven to 177°C with rack in lower third.

Stir together flour with 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoons pepper in a bowl. Pat ribs dry and lightly dredge in flour mixture, knocking off excess.

Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a wide 6- to 8-quart heavy pot over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Brown ribs in 3 batches, about 8 minutes per batch. Transfer as browned to a platter. Discard fat from pot.

Cook onions, carrots, and celery in remaining 2 tablespoons oil with 1/2 teaspoons salt over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until just softened and beginning to brown, 8 to 10 minutes.

Add garlic and herbs and cook, stirring frequently, until garlic is softened and fragrant, 2 minutes.

Add wine and boil until reduced by half, about 8 minutes, then stir in broth, tomatoes with juice, and vinegar and bring to a simmer.

Return ribs to pot. Cover with the lid, then place in oven, and braise until ribs are fork-tender, 3 to 3 1/4 hours.

Transfer ribs with a slotted spoon to a bowl. Let cooking liquid stand briefly, then skim fat from top. Stir in olives. Adjust seasoning to taste, if necessary.

Return meat to pot. Grate zest from orange over top just before serving.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

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UK recipe editors

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UK recipe editors

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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