Recipe Slow Cooker Dry-Rub Ribs with Rhubarb BBQ Sauce

The special thing about this recipe is that it's cooked dry in a slow cooker, without any liquid! These ribs are rubbed with a dry rub before being left in the slow cooker for six hours. The result is tender and flavorful meat.

Apray in the morning and cook throughout the day!

Apray: 4
Apray: 30 mins
Cooking: 6 hrs

INGRÉDIENTSDry Rub

• 3 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 3 tsp salt
• 2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tsp tsp onion powder
• 2.3 kg (5 lb) pork back ribs, cut into 4-bone sections

Rhubarb BBQ Sauce

• 3 tbsp butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 fresh chili pepper, finely chopped, such as jalapeno or serrano
• 2 cups chopped fresh rhubarb
• 1 tsp allspice
• 2 tsp chili powder or ground chipotle powder
• 1/4 cup whiskey or dark rum
• 1 tbsp whole-grain mustard
• 1 tsp tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup ketchup

PRÉPARATIONDry Rub

1. In a bowl, combine brown sugar, chili powder, salt, pepper, and onion powder.
2. On a work surface, generously sprinkle the ribs with the dry rub, rubbing them well on both sides.
3. Place the rib sections upright in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on Low for 6 hours. You can keep them on Warm for up to 4 hours. Remove the ribs from the slow cooker.

Rhubarb BBQ Sauce

1. Over medium heat, melt the butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan.
2. Add the onion, garlic, and chili pepper and cook until softened, about 3 to 5 minutes. Add the rhubarb, allspice, and chili powder. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the rhubarb begins to soften, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the whiskey, dry mustard, Worcestershire sauce, maple syrup, cider vinegar, brown sugar, and ketchup. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to low. Cook the sauce, stirring frequently, until reduced and thickened, about 20 to 30 minutes. Add about 1/2 cup to 1 cup of reserved rib juice, if desired. Puree the sauce with an immersion blender until smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Add more vinegar or maple syrup, depending on how sweet you like it. Brush the ribs with the sauce and broil for 4 to 5 minutes. (Optional step)