Żeberka w Piwie
The Quirky Foodster Team
Ingredients
- Pork ribs, cut into portions — 1.5 kg (3.3 lb)
- Onions, sliced — 2
- Garlic, minced — 4 cloves
- Polish beer — 480 ml (16 fl oz)
- Tomato paste — 2 tbsp
- Brown sugar — 1 tbsp
- Bay leaves — 2
- Oil — 2 tbsp
- Salt and pepper — to taste
Method
- Season the ribs with salt and pepper.
- Heat the oil in a large pot and brown the ribs on all sides; set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
- Add the tomato paste and cook briefly, then return the ribs to the pot.
- Add the beer, brown sugar and bay leaves.
- Cover and simmer over low heat for 1.5–2 hours until the ribs are very tender.
- Remove the lid and simmer for a further 10–15 minutes to reduce and thicken the sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving hot.
Introduction: Pork ribs slow-braised in beer with onion and garlic, a rich, tender and beloved Polish main course.
Cultural Background: Beer-braised ribs reflect Poland's strong brewing tradition, the slow cooking method using beer to tenderise the meat and develop a deep, malty richness in the sauce.
Tips: A long, slow simmer is essential for the ribs to become properly tender and absorb the beer's flavour. Use a beer you enjoy drinking, as its flavour will come through significantly in the finished dish.
Variations: Add a few juniper berries for a traditional Polish touch. Serve with buttered potatoes or bread to soak up the rich sauce.
Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until hot throughout.
FAQs:
Q: Does the alcohol cook off during braising?
A: Most of the alcohol evaporates during the long simmer, leaving behind the beer's malty flavour and helping tenderise the meat.
Q: What type of beer works best?
A: A traditional Polish lager works well, giving a balanced, not overly bitter flavour to the sauce.
- Pork ribs, cut into portions — 1.5 kg (3.3 lb)
- Onions, sliced — 2
- Garlic, minced — 4 cloves
- Polish beer — 480 ml (16 fl oz)
- Tomato paste — 2 tbsp
- Brown sugar — 1 tbsp
- Bay leaves — 2
- Oil — 2 tbsp
- Salt and pepper — to taste
Please log in to leave a comment.