Costillitas Latinas

 Costillitas latinas (Barbecued Spare Ribs Latin Style) 

INGREDIENTS

2-3 dried chipotle chiles

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1/2 cup finely chopped onion

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 tablespoon brown sugar, dark or light

1 cup tomato sauce

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

2-2 1/2 pounds spare ribs, whole rack or separated

aluminum foil

fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)

PREPARATION

Soak the chiles in 1 cup of hot water for 20 minutes or until soft. Slit open and scrape away the seeds and membrane. Chop the chiles finely and set aside. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, and saut?he chiles and onion for 2 minutes while stirring. Lower the heat to medium and stir in the salt, cumin, cinnamon, and brown sugar, then the tomato sauce and lemon juice, and cook uncovered for 7 to 8 minutes. As the mixture thickens, stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons of water as needed; remove from heat.

 

Wrap the ribs in foil and cook covered (if your barbecue has a lid) for 45 minutes to 1 hour over medium coals (or preheated gas barbecue). Remove foil and char the ribs over coals for 8 to 10 minutes on each side. Brush with 1/2 of the marinade during the last 5 minutes of grilling. Pour the remaining half of the marinade into a small bowl, top with chopped cilantro or parsley, and serve as a dipping sauce for the ribs. Makes 5 to 6 servings.