Recipe: Spicy Oven-Braised Baby Back Ribs

Spicy Oven-Braised Baby Back Ribs

6 to 8 servings

I love winter, but I miss homemade barbecued baby back ribs. Though it's possible to grill outdoors in the winter, especially during mild weather, I'd rather be inside. So to keep enjoying the ribs -- which need slow, steady heat -- I decided to braise them in the oven until tender. Dried fruit and cloves add winter flavor. Apple cider lends a touch of sweetness.

I've allowed 3 or 4 ribs per serving, which allows for 3 or 4 servings per rack. If you are feeding rib lovers, you might want to allow 5 or 6 per person. The ribs will need to cook for 1 1/2 to 2 hours.

2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon ground cloves

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

2 tablespoons light or dark brown sugar

2 racks (about 2 1/2 pounds each) baby back ribs, separated into individual ribs

About 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

2 medium onions, finely diced (about 2 cups)