Braised Beef with whites

2 tablespoons black peppercorns , cracked 8 beef short ribs (approx 5 1/4 lb.) 6 fresh thyme sprigs 1 tablespoon kosher salt 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 cup[...]

1 lb beef shank (2 slices, each about 1 1/2-inch thick) kosher salt 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 small onion , diced 1 medium carrot , diced 1 small leek , sliced[...]