GLAZED AGRODOLCE RIBS

GLAZED AGRODOLCE RIBS image

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 14

Two 4-pound racks of pork spareribs, membranes removed
1 1/2 tablespoons fennel seeds, crushed
1 1/2 tablespoons finely chopped thyme
2 teaspoons crushed red pepper
2 teaspoons finely chopped rosemary
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 small red onion, coarsely grated
3 garlic cloves, finely grated
1 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup white distilled vinegar
1 cup ketchup
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 325Â°. Line 2 large rimmed baking sheets with foil and set the ribs on them, meaty side up. In a mortar, crush the fennel seeds with the thyme, crushed red pepper, rosemary, 1 1/2 tablespoons salt and 2 teaspoons black pepper. Rub the spice mix all over the ribs and roast for about 2 hours, until the meat is tender. Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil. Add the onion, garlic and a generous pinch of salt and cook over moderately high heat, stirring, until the onion is softened, 3 to 5 minutes. Add both vinegars along with the ketchup and brown sugar and bring to a boil. Simmer over moderate heat, stirring frequently, until the sauce is thick and reduced to 2 cups, about 15 minutes. Remove the ribs from the oven and turn on the broiler. Brush the underside of the racks with some of the sauce. Broil 1 sheet of ribs 8 inches from the heat until browned. Flip the ribs and repeat on the other side. Move the ribs to the bottom rack of the oven to keep warm while you glaze the rest. Transfer the racks to a work surface. Cut in between the bones to form individual ribs and mound on a platter. Pass the remaining sauce at the table. MAKE AHEAD The sauce can be refrigerated for up to 1 week. SUGGESTED PAIRING These perfect ribs have a little sweetness and a little tang, best with a juicy, fruit-forward red wine rather than something big and tannic. I added some dijion mustard to the sauce, with the drippings from the ribs and some mustard seed.