Ribs baked in red wine with spicy herbs and potatoes

That sounds delicious! Baking ribs in red wine with spicy herbs will give them a rich, flavorful profile, and adding potatoes makes it a complete meal. Here’s a recipe to guide you through:

Ingredients:

  • For the Ribs:

    • 2 lbs pork ribs (baby back or spare ribs)
    • 1 cup red wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
    • 3 tablespoons olive oil
    • 4 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 onion, finely chopped
    • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
    • 1 tablespoon dried thyme
    • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
    • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
    • Salt and black pepper to taste
    • 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar (optional for a touch of sweetness)
  • For the Potatoes:

    • 4-5 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
    • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
    • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Ribs:

    1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
    2. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs if not already done.
    3. In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, thyme, rosemary, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
    4. Rub the spice mixture all over the ribs.
    5. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the ribs for about 2-3 minutes per side, until browned. This step adds extra flavor but can be skipped if you’re short on time.
  2. Prepare the Red Wine Mixture:

    1. In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed and sauté the garlic and onion until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
    2. Add the red wine and stir to combine. Let it simmer for a few minutes to reduce slightly. If using honey or brown sugar, add it now.
  3. Bake the Ribs:

    1. Place the seared ribs in a large baking dish or roasting pan.
    2. Pour the red wine mixture over the ribs.
    3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the ribs are tender and the meat pulls away from the bone easily.
  4. Prepare the Potatoes:

    1. While the ribs are baking, toss the potato chunks with olive oil, dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper.
    2. Spread the potatoes on a baking sheet in a single layer.
  5. Finish the Meal:

    1. About 45 minutes before the ribs are done, add the potatoes to the oven. Roast them for about 40-45 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, turning them halfway through.
    2. After removing the foil from the ribs, you can broil them for a few minutes if you want a crispy, caramelized exterior.
  6. Serve:

    1. Slice the ribs between the bones.
    2. Serve with the roasted potatoes and any of the red wine sauce from the baking dish drizzled over the top.

Enjoy your hearty, flavorful meal! If you have any other preferences or need adjustments, let me know!