Sticky Pork Ribs with Sweet Potatoes

Real Simple, 2005

Makes 4 servings

    3 pounds pork spareribs                                        
    7 tablespoons soy sauce                                        
    6 tablespoons light brown sugar                                
    4 tablespoons hoisin sauce                                     
    2 tablespoons sherry or rice wine                              
    2 tablespoons fine grate ginger                                
    5 cloves garlic peeled                                         
    1 sm. red chili pepper fine chop                               
    4 med. sweet potatoes peel, cut 1-in pieces                    
    1 tablespoon vegetable oil                                     
    2 tablespoons butter                                           
    1 tablespoon lemon juice                                       
    2 cups baby spinach                                            

hands-on time: 25 minutes/total time: 2 hours, 25 minutes

Preheat oven to 400° F. Place the ribs in a large pot of cold water. Bring to a boil and simmer for 30 minutes; drain. Pat the ribs dry with paper towels and return to the dry pot.

Combine 6 tablespoons of the soy sauce, the sugar, hoisin sauce, rice wine, ginger, 2 cloves minced garlic, and the chili. Pour over the ribs and turn to coat. Marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, toss the sweet potatoes and the 3 remaining garlic cloves in the vegetable oil with the remaining soy sauce. Place in a single layer in a large roasting pan lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Roast for 15 minutes. Place the ribs on top of the sweet potatoes, reserving any extra marinade. Return to oven and roast for 45 minutes or until dark and sticky. Baste with the extra marinade periodically. Remove the ribs from pan, set aside, and keep warm. In a bowl, mash the sweet potatoes, garlic, butter, and lemon juice. Serve with the ribs and spinach.