Pork Spareribs with Artichoke and Fennel Leaf
Region: Italy
Category: Pork
Season: Any
Difficulty: Easy

In this preparation the spareribs are cut into their individual ribs and then braised with artichoke foundations and fennel leaf in a little olive oil and red wine.  The chile can be used for color as well as a zing in taste.  I would accompany the spareribs with green beans.  

[photo: Clifford A. Wright]

Yield: Makes 4 servings
Preparation Time: 3 hours

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 garlic clove, crushed

1 small onion, cut in half and thinly sliced

2 pounds pork spareribs, cut into separate ribs

2 salted anchovy fillets, rinsed (optional)

1/2 cup dry white or red wine

4 sprigs fresh fennel leaf

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

2 raw artichoke foundations, sliced

2 small fresh red chiles

1. In a flameproof casserole, heat the olive oil over high heat with the garlic clove until it begins to turn light brown.  Remove and discard the garlic.  Add the onions and cook for 1 minute, stirring.  Add the pork and cook until all sides are browned, stirring almost constantly, 2 minutes.  A brown crust will form on the bottom of the pan during cooking, along with a lot of smoke, but don't worry.  Melt in the anchovies, if using, about 15 seconds.

2. De-glaze the casserole by pouring in the wine and stir, scraping the crust at the bottom of the casserole with a wooden spoon until it lifts off.  Reduce the heat to very low, using a heat diffuser if necessary, and season with the fennel, salt, pepper.  Add the artichoke foundations, cover, and simmer until the meat is very tender, about 2 1/2 hours.  Serve hot garnished with the fresh red chile.

Variation: 

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Posted: 12/28/2006