1) Wash the short ribs and pat them dry with paper towels. Place the short ribs, 8 cups of water, onions, green peppers, celery, salt, and pepper in a heavy 6-quart pot. Heat over medium-high heat until boiling. Reduce the heat to simmering and simmer until the short ribs are tender, about 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Remove the short ribs to a bowl and keep warm.