Mexican-style chilli ribs

Contains pork – recipe is for non-Muslims only
Serve these sticky chipotle pork ribs come rain or shine- they can be finished by grill or barbecue

Prep:15 mins
Cook:2 hrs 15 mins
plus marinating

Serves 4
Easy

Nutrition per serving

kcal 414
fat 17g
saturates 5g
carbs 23g
sugars 21g
fibre 1g
protein 44g
salt 1g

Ingredients

1½ kg pork spare rib - the meatier the better (3 per person)
1 tbsp ground cumin
1 tsp hot smoked paprika
1 tbsp ground coriander
2 tsp dried oregano, or 2 tbsp fresh leaves, chopped
1 heaped tbsp dark soft brown sugar
1 lime, zested then cut into wedges, to serve
1 tbsp olive oil
2 fat garlic clove, crushed
2 tbsp tomato purée
3 tbsp dark soft brown sugar
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
2 tsp chipotle paste
juice 1 lime

Method

Mix the dry rub ingredients with ½ tsp flaky sea salt, then massage into the meat. Marinate for at least 1 hr, or ideally up to 1 day in the fridge.
To make the sauce, heat the oil in a small saucepan and soften the garlic for 1 min. Stir in the rest of the ingredients, plus 2 tbsp water and simmer for a few secs until the sugar melts. Season with salt and set aside.
Heat oven to 160C/140C fan/gas 3. Put the ribs in a roasting tin in 1 fairly snug layer. Pour in 100ml hot water, cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 2 hrs until the meat pulls easily from the bones. Drain off any fat. The ribs can be cooled and kept in the fridge for up to 2 days.
For the final stage of cooking, get the barbecue ready and wait until the coals are glowing white and grey. Cook the ribs for 4-5 mins on each side until dark golden and hot through – use tongs to turn them carefully. Brush with some of the chipotle sauce and give the ribs 1 min more to char here and there. Serve on a platter with the rest of the sauce for spooning, lime wedges, plus a big bowl of Smoky corn & avocado salsa (see related recipes, right).