Luscious Oven-Braised Short Ribs

INGREDIENTS

• 1 onion, finely sliced
• 4 garlic cloves, smashed
• 1 leek, cleaned and finely chopped
• 1 carrot, finely chopped
• 4 sprigs of fresh thyme, or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 cup red wine
• 1/2 cup soy sauce or tamari
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 3 1/2 pounds short ribs
• 2 to 3 Idaho potatoes, peeled and cut in quarters (optional)
• 1 stalk celery, finely chopped