Slow-Cooked Pork Ribs With Sweet and Sour Sauce

Jamie is the executive chef of Jamie Kennedy’s Wine Bar and Restaurant in Toronto. These ribs were his choice of favourite comfort foods from 10 top Canadian chefs. Recipe adapted by the Chatelaine Test Kitchen. I like to add the grated rind of an orange to the sauce mixture. Prep time does not include marinating overnight.

• Ready In: 2 hrs 25 mins
• Serves: 6-8

Ingredients

• 2 (398 ml) cans tomato sauce
• 1  cup  orange juice
• 1  onion, finely chopped
• 1  celery, finely chopped
• 1⁄4 cup cider vinegar
• 3  tablespoons honey or 3  tablespoons maple syrup
• 2  tablespoons  chopped fresh ginger
• 6  lbs  pork back ribs or 6  lbs  side  pork ribs
• 1  head garlic
• 2  jalapenos or 2  chili peppers, with seeds, finely chopped
• 3  tablespoons  vegetable oil
• 2  tablespoons  regular paprika or 2  tablespoons  smoked paprika
• 1  tablespoon salt

Directions

1. At least a day before serving, in a large saucepan, stir tomato sauce with orange juice, onion, celery, vinegar, honey and ginger.
2. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally, over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally to develop flavour, about 1 hour.
3. Stir often near end of cooking. Cool slightly then puree.
4. Working in batches, purée in a blender and pour into bowl or jar.
5. Cover and refrigerate at least overnight or up to 3 days.
6. Meanwhile, slice pork into four-rib portions and place in a very large bowl.
7. Finely chop or mince garlic. Finely chop jalapeño including seeds.
8. Place garlic and jalapeños in a small bowl.
9. Stir in oil, paprika and salt. Rub over ribs. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
10. About 3 hours before serving, preheat oven to 375F (190C).
11. Place ribs in a very large roasting pan. Pour sauce overtop. Turn to evenly coat. It’s ok if ribs overlap.
12. Cover tightly with foil. Bake in centre of oven for 1 1/2 hours. Remove and discard foil. Turn ribs, spooning sauce overtop. Continue baking, turning ribs occasionally and basting, until very tender, from 1 to 11/2 hours.
13. Remove pan to a heatproof surface. Place ribs on a platter. Spoon sauce in pan over ribs.
14. For the ultimate comfort dinner, serve with baked or mashed potatoes and corn.