Pork Ribs in Tomato Sauce

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Season the pork ribs with salt and pepper on both sides. It’s important to season well to enhance the flavor of the meat.
3. In a large ovenproof pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ribs in batches and brown them evenly on both sides. This should take about 5 minutes per side. Don’t overcrowd the pot; this will help get a nice sear.
4. Once browned, remove the ribs from the pot and set them aside on a plate.
5. In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, approximately 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
6. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, brown sugar, chicken broth, and bay leaf. Mix well to combine the ingredients into a sauce.
7. Return the ribs to the pot, making sure they’re well submerged in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit more chicken broth.
8. Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven. Let the ribs cook for about 2 to 2.5 hours until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.
9. Halfway through the cooking time, check the ribs and stir the sauce. This ensures even cooking and prevents the sauce from sticking to the pot.
10. Once done, remove the pot from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
11. Serve the ribs hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired, along with your favorite side dish like mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables.