12 January 2024

Sticky Lamb Spare Ribs

WRITER and Photography: NICOLA GALLOWAY

Kāuta Taiwhenua. Provincial Kitchen.

I like to use the lesser-used cuts of meat when possible. They are often cheaper, and if attached to the bone (like these spare ribs) they have so much flavour. I prefer to use lamb, but pork spare ribs also work in this recipe. I use this same recipe for slow-roasted lamb shoulder or leg.

Pomegranate molasses is a more obscure ingredient, so I have included a variation in the recipe in case it is unavailable. This thick treacle-like condiment is prepared by boiling and reducing pomegranate juice. It has a unique sweet, sour and astringent flavour. Find it at specialty food stores and some supermarkets. It keeps well in the pantry and can be used in sweet and savoury dishes.

Sticky Lamb Spare Ribs on a serving dish

INGREDIENTS

Serves 4

about 1 kilogram lamb or pork spare ribs, separated into individual ribs

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari

1 tablespoon pomegranate molasses (or use 1 teaspoon honey + two teaspoons balsamic vinegar)

1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey

1 tablespoon olive oil

3-centimetre piece ginger root, finely grated

1 teaspoon ground coriander

½ teaspoon chilli flakes

METHOD

Preheat the oven to 190°C (fan 170°C).

Place the spare ribs in a large saucepan and cover with cold water. Cover with a lid and bring to the boil. Simmer for 20 minutes, then drain the ribs in a colander, shaking off excess water.

Combine the remaining ingredients in a jug to make a thick paste. Arrange the ribs in a single layer on a roasting tray and brush generously on all sides with ¾ of the marinade. Bake for 20 minutes, then turn the ribs and give them an extra lick of the remaining marinade. Bake for a further 10 minutes, until the meat is tender and pulls away from the bone.

Serve immediately with a side of your choice.

Recipe from The Homemade Table by Nicola Galloway. Published by Potton & Burton, 2022. Hardcover, $59.99.

This extract featured in our Raumati Summer 2023/24 Edition.