Italian Braised Pork Ribs and Pasta

Ingredients:

• 6 country style ribs
• 2 tsp. sugar
• 2 tsp. black pepper
• 2 tsp. salt
• 2 tsp. sugar
• 2 tsp. garlic powder
• 2 tsp. paprika
• 2 tsp. dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp. cayenne
• Can of crushed tomatoes
• 4 - 5 cloves of garlic
• 1 onion
• 1 tsp. red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp. dried oregano
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp. sugar
• 2 - 3 tbs. olive oil
• Handful of fresh basil
• 0.5kg pasta
• Fresh Romano or Parmesan cheese for grating

Instructions:

• In a small bowl, combine all spices for the seasonings. Sprinkle half of the seasoning mixture on one side.
• Place the seasoned side in the Crockpot and allow the ribs to become slightly charred and crispy.
• Turn the ribs over and sprinkle the other half of the seasoning mixture on the ribs and again let freshly seasoned side of the ribs become slightly charred and crispy.
• Place the sliced onion and garlic in the pan with the ribs and let sauté for a few minutes with the ribs.
• Add the crushed tomatoes, sugar, seasonings, fresh basil and olive oil.
• Allow the sauce to simmer on a gentle heat with the pan loosely covered.
• Allow the sauce to cook for at least two hours or more on a gentle heat.
• Cook the pasta as directed.
• Add two or three tablespoons of the salted pasta water to the sauce.
• Place the ribs in a bowl and add the cooked pasta to the sauce, drizzle with a tablespoon of olive oil, a few dashes of red pepper flakes, fresh grated cheese and toss.