Horseradish-and-Herb-Crusted Beef Rib Roast

• Recipe by John Besh

The inspiration for this delicious roast comes from chef John Besh’s father-in-law, Pat Berrigan, who serves it every Christmas with horseradish sauce on the side. Besh opts to smear the roast with a horseradish, garlic and herb butter, which bakes to form an irresistible crust.

Ingredients

1. 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
2. 1 head of garlic, cloves coarsely chopped
3. 1 cup prepared horseradish
4. 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons chopped thyme
5. 3 tablespoons chopped rosemary
6. 3 tablespoons chopped sage
7. One 16-pound rib roast of beef
8. Salt and freshly ground pepper

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°. In a food processor, combine the butter with the garlic, horseradish, thyme, rosemary and sage and process to a paste.
2. Stand the roast in a very large roasting pan. Season generously all over with salt and pepper and set it fatty side up. Spread the horseradish-herb butter all over the top. Bake for about 3 1/2 hours, until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center registers 125° for medium rare. Transfer the roast to a carving board to rest for at least 20 minutes or for up to 1 hour before serving.

Make Ahead

The horseradish-herb butter can be refrigerated overnight. Let the butter soften before using.

Notes

If making Pat’s Popovers, reserve 3 tablespoons of the beef fat from the roasting pan.