Cocoa-Rubbed Baby Back Ribs

Ease of preparation rating: Medium
Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients:

For the ribs:

2 racks baby back pork ribs, membrane removed

Oil for grilling

For the rub:

6 tablespoons (90 ml) light brown sugar

6 tablespoons (90 ml) cocoa powder

4 tablespoons (60 ml) chili powder

2 teaspoons (10 ml) garlic powder

2 teaspoons (10 ml) onion powder

2 teaspoons (10 ml) salt

½ tsp (2.5 ml) cayenne

For the sauce:

2 tablespoons (30 ml) unsalted butter

1 medium onion, medium chopped

¼ cup (60 ml) rib rub

2 tablespoons (30 ml) smoked paprika

¼ cup (60 ml) ketchup

1 tablespoon (15 ml) Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon (15 ml) cider vinegar

2 tablespoons (30 ml) molasses

½ cup (120 ml) water

For the plate:

Coleslaw (optional)

Method:

For the rub:

In a bowl combine, light brown sugar, cocoa powder, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and cayenne and mix

For the sauce:

In a pot heat the butter then add onion, cook until soft.

To the onions add rib rub and paprika and sauté for 2 minutes.

Add ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, cider vinegar, molasses, and water to the sauté mixture and cook slowly for 30 minutes.

Strain out the onions.

For the ribs:

Generously rub the spice mixture onto both sides of each rib.

Rubbed ribs can be wrapped and placed in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

Preheat half the barbeque to a temperature of 225 F (105 C).

Oil the side of the grill that is not turned on.

Place the ribs bone side down onto the unlit side of the barbeque and cook with indirect heat for 2 hours.

After cooking let the ribs rest for 20 minutes then brush them with sauce and place in a tinfoil pouch.

Place the rib pouch on the unlit side of the barbeque for 20 minutes to complete the cooking process.

To finish:

Remove the tinfoil from the ribs.

Cut and plate the ribs with coleslaw (optional) and extra sauce for dipping.

Note: Cooking times and temperatures will vary depending on the size and type of your barbeque.