| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 3 hrs | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 650 | 32g | 12g | 25g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 11g | 3g | 62g | 1.1g |
I’ve always held a special place in my heart for hearty American comfort food while still holding true to my West Coast roots, and Pork Ribs with Hoja Santa Sauce hits all those sweet spots for me in a wonderful, memorable way. Not only do these ribs offer a delectable depth of flavor, but they also embrace the rich and diverse agricultural resources of my home, the beautiful valleys of California. Here is why this dish is a treasure to me.
Embracing Natural Goodness
The use of fresh, natural ingredients like the hoja santa leaves, green tomatoes, serrano peppers, and the vibrant citrus juice of oranges and limes makes this recipe a wonderful testament to nature’s bounty. The result is an entrée that is not just mouth-wateringly tasty but comes loaded with health benefits. For instance, the green tomatoes integrate a healthy dose of vitamins A and C, iron, and potassium into the mix. Moreover, citrus fruits, particularly oranges and limes, are known for their antioxidant properties and maintaining a robust immune system. Ensuring that even in indulgence, we make room for health-conscious choices is something I steadfastly believe in, thanks to my upbringing in sun-soaked California.
A Fusion of Flavours
The Pork Ribs with Hoja Santa Sauce pays homage to regional comfort food in the most flavorful way. This dish may remind you of traditional Texas-style BBQ ribs or Southern-style, slow-roasted pork with its own unique twist. It is seasoned to perfection and slow-cooked, rendering each bite a delectable fusion of flavors. The citrus marinade brings a refreshing twist to the classic rib recipe, while the hoja santa leaves often used in traditional Mexican cuisine, lends an aromatic depth. Picture it, paired with a side of crunchy avocado toast or a leafy, fresh salad– a meal that would delight any palate.
Here is the luscious image for the prepared Pork Ribs with Hoja Santa Sauce. It looks as delightful as it tastes!
Comfort Meets Health
What makes this recipe truly special to me, though, is the heart and soul that goes into it – a reflection of my own journey as a cook. As a single mother, I’ve embraced the challenge of creating dishes that offer the comfort of a soulful meal while ensuring my family is well-nourished. The Pork Ribs with Hoja Santa Sauce, with its mouth-watering depth of flavor, robust nutritional profile, and touch of home, wonderfully encapsulates that ethos. It truly embodies the best of American comfort food while honoring the health-conscious spirit of West Coast cuisine.
What You’ll Need
- 3 lbs pork ribs
- 2 cups hoja santa leaves
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 medium onion
- 2 cups green tomatoes
- 2 serrano peppers
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grilled fruit for garnish (optional)
Method
Step One
Season your ribs with salt and pepper. Heat up one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet. Add the ribs and sear each side for around 2 to 3 minutes until they acquire a nice golden color and then set aside.
Step Two
In the same pan, add your diced onion and cloves of garlic. Cook them until they become translucent and begin to brown slightly.
Step Three
Add the hoja santa leaves, green tomatoes, and serrano peppers to the mixture. Cook for another 5 minutes, then add the chicken broth and bring to boil.
Step Four
Add the seared ribs back into the mixture, reduce heat to low and cover the pan. Simmer for about 2 hours, or until the meat is tender and is easily pulled from the bone.
Step Five
In a separate bowl, combine the orange juice, lime juice, cider vinegar and honey. Stir until well combined and the honey has fully dissolved.
Step Six
Once the ribs are cooked, remove them from the pan and set aside. Pour the juice mixture into the pan with the cooking liquid, and bring to a boil. Cook for around 10 minutes, or until the sauce has reduced by half.
Step Seven
Pour the sauce over the cooked ribs, garnish with grilled fruit if desired, and serve.
