Slow Cooker Sweet and Spicy Country Pork Ribs

I love my time in the kitchen, but I also love my vacations from the kitchen. A recipe like this one--utilizing the faithful Crock Pot--gives you a delicious main course with a minimum of time and effort.

Sweet and Spicy Country Ribs
Makes four servings.

1 small onion, finely chopped (1/2 cup)
1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 cup cider vinegar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon ground chipotle chili powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
4 pounds pork country ribs
Olive oil
Salt and pepper

Heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Season the ribs on all sides with salt and pepper and brown, in batches, about 2 minutes per side. (Make sure and get all for sides of these squarish cuts.)

Combine the onion, ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, salt, Worcestershire, chili powder, and oregano in a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker. Place the browned ribs in the mixture.


Cook on low heat for 6 hours, or on high for 3 1/2 hours.


Serve with mashed potatoes or rice with a little of the sauce spooned over the top. (Pull the sauce out of the Crock Pot and de-fat it if you'd like.)