Glazed Agrodolce Ribs

Name: Glazed Agrodolce Ribs
Total time: 165 min
Ingredients: 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

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These tender, juicy ribs are seasoned with Tuscan flavors—garlic, fennel seeds and fresh herbs—and quickly glazed under the broiler with a sweet and tangy balsamic-laced barbecue sauce.

By

Justin Chapple

Updated on August 1, 2015

Glazed Agrodolce Ribs — Photo: © Con Poulos

Active Time:

45 mins

Total Time:

2 hrs 45 mins

Yield:

8

Ingredients

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

Directions

Preheat the oven to 325°. 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.