Benny's Best Slow Cooker Ribs

This is one of my favourite comfort foods that the whole family will love!!  The best part is coming home to the smell of ribs after a long day at work.  You will want to serve the Ribs with something to soak up the sauce. Yum!!  I like to serve them up with slaw and cauliflower risotto

 

Benny's Best Slow Cooker Ribs (Feeds 4)

1 package of Ribs (Approx 4 sections)
2 tomatoes chopped (or 1 cup of canned tomatoes)
1 small onion diced
1 TBSP molasses
1 can (or bottle of beer - doesn't matter what kind) *Use 1 cup of broth as an alternative
1 can tomato paste
2 cloves garlic
1 tsp arrowroot (for thickening sauce after ribs are cooked)

Benny's Homemade Rib Rub:

1 Tbsp onion powder
1 Tbsp garlic powder
1 Tbsp paprika
1 Tbsp chili powder
1 Tbsp cumin
2 Tbsp brown or raw coconut sugar
1 tsp chipolte powder or cayenne (careful - too much can make it too spicy!)
*feel free to add any other spices you think of!

 

Benny's Homemade Rib Rub:

                                    
                                            Step #1                                                Step #2

Step #3

Step #  1 Take Ribs out of packaging and lay them flat on a cutting board.  In a bowl mix all the Rub spices together and rub onto ribs (you can make extra and store in a Mason jar for next time!)  Feel free to experiment and add any other spices you think would add flavour (mine is a little bit different every time!)

Step #2  Use your hands to Rub the Ribs on both sides.  Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (up to 24 hours). Tip: I usually put the rub on the evening before so it is easy before I leave for work.  I also cover a cookie sheet with Tin foil and place the Ribs and then wrap them so they are ready for Step #3 in the morning (if you have room in your fridge!)

Step #3 Line cookie sheet with tin foil and place ribs.  Broil for 5 mins each (or until meat browns)

Step #4 Rib Tetris time!  Arrange the ribs in the slow cooker to fit snugly (the key is for the sauce to cover all the ribs!).

Step # 5 Add garlic, onions, tomatoes, beer, tomato paste, chipolte, salt and pepper to slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours depending on the strength of your slow cooker.  Tip: You can prep these ingredients the night before and have them ready to go in the morning to make things easy.

Step #6 Remove ribs carefully into a dish and cover with tinfoil (I use a slotted spoon to try and not have the ribs fall apart).  Use a hand blender to mix in arrowroot powder and let the sauce sit for at least 5 mins.  Pour sauce over ribs and serve! 

They are fall off the bone goodness!