SLOW COOKER COUNTRY-STYLE PORK RIBS

 

This slow cooker country-style pork ribs dish is a family favorite. These have basic and rustic tastes. Its rich flavor, herb scent, and lovely amber color combine to create a wonderful and soothing meal. These delicate ribs go wonderfully with rice, mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a dish of pasta.

 

Ingredients

4 lbs country-style pork ribs

 

2 Tbsp cooking oil

3 yellow onions quartered and sliced about 1/4-inch thick

4 garlic cloves finely chopped

1 1/2 tsp kosher salt plus more to taste

1/2 tsp ground black pepper

1/2 tsp ground ginger

A pinch of ground allspice

1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

1/2 tsp dried marjoram

3 cups water

 

For thickening:

3 Tbsp cornstarch

3 Tbsp cold water

 

Directions

If necessary, trim any extra fat from the ribs. Set aside after seasoning with salt and pepper.

In a nonstick skillet, heat the cooking oil over medium-high heat. Sear half of the ribs for 4 minutes. Continue searing for 4 minutes more, or until well browned. Return the browned ribs to the slow cooker and brown the remaining half of the ribs. Place in the slow cooker.

In the same skillet, add the onions. If there isn't enough oil and fat left in the pan, add another tablespoon of oil. Cook, stirring regularly, until deep golden brown, approximately 3-5 minutes. Cook for another 30 seconds after adding the garlic.

Combine the water, salt, pepper, and the remaining ingredients in a mixing bowl. Bring to a boil. Tweak the salt to taste. The liquid should be perfectly seasoned.

Pour the contents of the pan over the ribs in the slow cooker. Stir to properly distribute the ingredients.

Set the slow cooker to low and cook the pork ribs for 4-5 hours, or until fork-tender. You may alternatively cook the beef for 2-3 hours on high.

Check for salt and spices again after the meat is tender and adjust as required. If you wish to thicken the liquid, now is the time to do it. Remove the ribs from the slow cooker with care and put them aside. In three tablespoons of cold water, dissolve three teaspoons of cornstarch. Stir in the cornstarch in the slow cooker. Allow to boil for around 20 minutes, or until the desired thickness is reached. Add extra cornstarch if necessary.

Return the ribs to the slow cooker and set the temperature to 'warm' until ready to serve.

Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, potato pancakes, spaghetti, or your other side dish.