main courses | serves 8

Spare ribs are not actually ribs, but a cut of meat between the shoulder and the neck. It’s the same size and shape as a meaty bone-in rib, hence the common misnomer. In the US they’re called country ribs.

1. Preheat the oven to 180C/gas 4. Season the ribs with salt and pepper. Heat a lidded, ovenproof dish over a medium-high heat. Add the olive oil, then the ribs, and brown, in 2 batches, on all sides for 7–10 minutes.
2. Drain any excess oil from the pan, add the onion and garlic and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the onion begins to brown – about 4 minutes.
3. Add the maple syrup and bring to the boil, then reduce until the bubbles become slow and thick. Add the vinegar and cook for about 3 minutes, until well reduced. Add the chicken stock, return the ribs to the pan and bring to the boil. Put the lid on and place in the oven for 2 hours, until the ribs are tender and flake with a fork. Turn halfway through, and remove the lid for the last 30 minutes. Check on the ribs regularly to make sure the pan has enough liquid, adding 50ml water at a time to keep the juices from running dry and burning. Serve the maple-glazed pork with caramelised brussels sprouts (see right) or your choice of vegetables.