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James Beard's roasted spareribs over chipotle sauerkraut

Time2 hours 40 minutes
YieldsServes 8
James Beard's roasted spareribs over chipotle sauerkraut
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I couldn’t get along without chipotle peppers. With their smokiness and heat, they’re an assertive flavor enhancer.

Chipotles are smoked jalapenos. They’re available dried in Latino markets, but I like the convenience of canned chipotles in adobo sauce, which you can find in some supermarkets.

Puree canned chipotles in a mini-processor or blender and you have a flavoring that will last for months in the refrigerator. Use it to boost soups, sauces, stews, sandwich spreads, baked beans, vegetables and pastas. Remember, chipotles are as hot as jalapenos; start with a few drops and add more to taste.

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Spareribs

1

Arrange ribs in single layer, rounded side up, in shallow roasting pan. Roast on lower rack at 350 degrees 30 minutes, then season ribs on both sides with salt and pepper. Continue roasting until browned and crisp as desired, 30 to 40 minutes.

Sauerkraut

1

Rinse sauerkraut well in colander under cold running water, tossing it with your hands until completely rinsed.

2

Place sauerkraut, broth, brown sugar, barbecue sauce, 2 teaspoons chipotle puree, juniper berries and salt to taste in large nonstick skillet; mix well. Bring to boil, uncovered, then reduce heat and simmer until most of liquid is evaporated, about 30 minutes. Taste and adjust chipotle. (Can be made ahead and reheated, adding water if mixture is too dry.) Serve hot, topped with spareribs.

I prefer the flavor of the sauerkraut you find in the grocery refrigerator case to that of the canned.