This post contains affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Delicious tender melt in your mouth boneless Polish country style ribs slow roasted in their own delectable gravy are absolutely mouthwatering!
Don’t want all the extras in a recipe post? We provide a skip to recipe button in the top left corner, as well as a clickable table of contents, just below, to help make this page easier to navigate.
Table of Contents
Zeberka Wieprzowe w Sosie Wlasnym – Polish Pork Ribs in Gravy
Zeberka Wieprzowe w Sosie Wlasnym, or Polish Pork Ribs in Gravy, is a hearty and flavorful dish that has deep roots in Polish culinary traditions. This dish is a beloved classic in Poland, known for its rich flavors and comforting qualities.
The history of this recipe can be traced back to the rural regions of Poland, where pork has always been a staple in the diet. The dish’s origins lie in the need to make the most of every part of the pig, including the ribs.
Polish home cooks perfected the art of slow-cooking pork ribs to tender perfection, and they created a thick, savory gravy to accompany them. Over time, this dish became a cherished family recipe, passed down through generations.
Today, you can find Zeberka Wieprzowe w Sosie Wlasnym in traditional Polish restaurants throughout Poland. It’s a popular dish for special occasions and family gatherings, as it’s not only delicious but also a symbol of Polish hospitality.
The ribs are typically marinated in a flavorful blend of herbs and spices before being slow-cooked until they’re fall-off-the-bone tender. The rich, homemade gravy is the star of the show, often made with a combination of onions, mushrooms, and spices to create a mouthwatering sauce that perfectly complements the pork.
How to Make Polish Country Style Ribs
To make this recipe, we will need the following ingredients:
- Polish Country-Style Ribs (2 pounds): These ribs are the main protein source in the dish. They provide a rich, meaty flavor and become tender and flavorful when cooked slowly.
- Flour (1/4 cup): The flour is used to coat the ribs before browning them. It helps create a golden crust on the ribs and thickens the sauce as it cooks.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Olive oil is used for browning the ribs. It adds a touch of richness to the dish and prevents the ribs from sticking to the pan.
- Onion (1 onion, sliced into rings): Sliced onions add a sweet and savory flavor to the dish. They become tender and slightly caramelized as they cook.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Minced garlic enhances the overall flavor profile with its aromatic and savory notes.
- Paprika (2 teaspoons): Paprika provides a mild, smoky, and slightly spicy flavor to the dish. It’s a key spice in many Eastern European and Polish recipes.
- Caraway Seeds (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Caraway seeds offer a unique earthy and slightly licorice-like flavor. They are optional but add a traditional touch to the dish.
- Allspice Seeds (4-8 seeds, optional): Allspice seeds contribute warmth and a hint of sweetness to the dish. They are optional and can be adjusted to your taste.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): These seasonings enhance the overall flavor and balance the dish’s taste.
- Beef or Vegetable Broth (2 cups): The broth forms the base of the sauce, adding depth and richness to the dish. You can use beef or vegetable broth based on your preference.
- Sauerkraut (1 cup, drained and rinsed): Sauerkraut adds a tangy and slightly sour flavor to the dish. Rinsing it helps control the level of tanginess.
- Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnish): Chopped parsley serves as a garnish, adding a touch of freshness and color to the final presentation.
Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, we will use the following process:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- In a large bowl, season the country-style ribs with salt, pepper, and paprika. Dredge the ribs in flour, shaking off any excess.
- Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the seasoned and floured ribs to the skillet and brown them on all sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the browned ribs from the skillet and set them aside.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onions become translucent.
- If using caraway seeds and allspice seeds, add them to the skillet and sauté for another minute to release their flavor.
- Return the browned ribs to the skillet, nestling them among the onions and garlic.
- Pour the beef or vegetable broth over the ribs. Make sure the liquid covers the ribs partially but not completely. You want some of the ribs to remain above the liquid.
- Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil and transfer it to the preheated oven.
- Bake the ribs for approximately 2-2.5 hours or until they become tender. You can check for doneness by gently pulling the meat with a fork; it should easily shred.
- About 15-20 minutes before the ribs are done, add the drained and rinsed sauerkraut to the skillet. This will allow the sauerkraut to heat through.
- Once the ribs are tender and the sauerkraut is heated, remove the skillet from the oven.
- Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of freshness and color.
- Serve the Polish-Style Country Ribs hot, along with sauerkraut, and consider serving them with traditional Polish side dishes like mashed potatoes or potato salad.
Tips and Tricks to Perfect Polish Country Style Ribs
Marinate for Flavor: Marinating the ribs in a flavorful marinade before cooking can infuse them with extra taste. Common marinade ingredients include garlic, onion, paprika, herbs, and a touch of vinegar.
Precook with Low Heat: Start by precooking the ribs in a slow oven or simmering them on the stovetop with a combination of broth, spices, and vegetables. This step ensures that the meat is tender and flavorful.
Sear for a Crust: After precooking, give the ribs a quick sear on a hot grill or in a skillet to develop a delicious crust on the outside. This adds depth to the flavor.
Braise for Tenderness: Transfer the seared ribs to a pot or baking dish, cover them with broth or a sauce made from the marinade, and braise them in the oven or on the stovetop. Low and slow cooking will make the meat tender and juicy.
Use Aromatics: Add aromatic ingredients like onions, garlic, and herbs to the cooking liquid for extra flavor. The aromatics will infuse the ribs as they simmer.
Check Doneness: Ribs should be cooked until they are fork-tender and easily pull away from the bone. This may take several hours of slow cooking, so be patient.
Rest Before Serving: Allow the cooked ribs to rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This helps retain the juices and keeps the meat moist.
Serve with Sauerkraut: Traditional Polish country-style ribs are often served with sauerkraut, which provides a tangy and crunchy contrast to the rich meat. Consider preparing a side of sauerkraut to accompany your ribs.
Garnish and Presentation: Garnish the ribs with fresh herbs, such as parsley or dill, for a pop of color and flavor. Present them on a platter with the cooking juices drizzled over the top.
Experiment with Sauces: While Polish country-style ribs are often enjoyed with their natural juices, you can also experiment with different sauces or gravies to accompany them. A mushroom gravy or tomato-based sauce can be delicious options.
Accompaniments: Serve the ribs with traditional Polish side dishes like mashed potatoes, potato salad, or pierogi for an authentic meal experience.
FAQs
While this recipe is traditionally made with Polish country-style ribs, you can certainly experiment with other cuts of pork or even beef. Keep in mind that different cuts may require different cooking times.
If you don’t have caraway seeds, you can omit them or replace them with fennel seeds or anise seeds for a similar licorice-like flavor.
To make a vegetarian or vegan version, you can replace the meat with seitan, tempeh, or tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Adjust the cooking time accordingly for your choice of protein.
Yes, you can use store-bought sauerkraut if you prefer a quicker option. Just make sure to drain and rinse it before adding it to the recipe.
Traditional side dishes that complement this dish include mashed potatoes, boiled or steamed vegetables, sautéed cabbage, or a simple salad. You can also serve it with crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the delicious sauce.
Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time and reheat it. It often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Store any leftover Polish Country-Style Ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should be consumed within a few days for the best quality. You can also freeze the leftovers for longer storage.
Yes, you can adjust the spiciness by varying the amount of paprika and cayenne pepper you use. Start with smaller amounts if you prefer a milder dish and add more to taste.
What to Serve With Polish Country Style Ribs
Polish country-style ribs, known as “zeberka wieprzowe,” are a hearty and flavorful dish that pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas for what to serve with Polish country-style ribs:
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that complements the savory flavors of the ribs. You can also add some garlic or herbs for extra flavor.
Sauerkraut: Sauerkraut is a traditional Polish accompaniment to ribs. Its tangy and slightly sour taste balances the richness of the meat.
Cabbage and Onions: Cabbage and onions, whether caramelized or sautéed, are another excellent choice. They add a sweet and savory element to the meal.
Pierogi: Potato and cheese pierogi or sauerkraut-filled pierogi are a perfect side dish for Polish ribs. They enhance the Eastern European flavor profile of the meal.
Potato Salad: A hearty potato salad with a creamy dressing and some added dill or pickles can complement the ribs nicely.
Fresh Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich ribs.
Pickles: Pickles or pickled cucumbers are a common accompaniment to Polish dishes and can add a crunchy, tangy element to your meal.
Bread or Rolls: Serve some crusty bread or dinner rolls on the side to soak up the delicious juices from the ribs.
Red Cabbage Salad: A red cabbage salad with apples and a sweet vinaigrette can offer a colorful and flavorful addition to the meal.
Grilled Vegetables: Grilled or roasted vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus, can provide a lighter side dish option.
Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad with dill and sour cream or yogurt dressing is a cooling choice to balance the flavors.
Rice or Pierogi: You can also serve the ribs with a side of rice, boiled potatoes, or boiled pierogi, especially if you’re looking for a more filling option.
Try these other Polish inspired recipes:
If you love this easy recipe please click the stars below to give it a five star rating and leave a comment! Pease also help me share on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest!
Follow on Instagram
Click here to view the web story for this recipe!
CONNECT WITH SWEET C’S!
Be sure to follow me on social media and get in on all the fun!
Only have 30 minutes to get dinner on the table? Sign up for my 30 minute dinner plans direct to your inbox!
Find and shop my favorite products in my Amazon storefront here!
Polish Country Style Ribs
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 pounds country-style ribs
- ¼ cup flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion sliced into rings
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- ½ teaspoon caraway seeds optional
- 4-8 allspice seeds optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups beef or vegetable broth
- 1 cup sauerkraut drained and rinsed
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- In a large bowl, season the country-style ribs with salt, pepper, and paprika. Dredge the ribs in flour, shaking off any excess.
- Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the seasoned and floured ribs to the skillet and brown them on all sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the browned ribs from the skillet and set them aside.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onions become translucent.
- If using caraway seeds and allspice seeds, add them to the skillet and sauté for another minute to release their flavor.
- Return the browned ribs to the skillet, nestling them among the onions and garlic.
- Pour the beef or vegetable broth over the ribs. Make sure the liquid covers the ribs partially but not completely. You want some of the ribs to remain above the liquid.
- Cover the skillet with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven.
- Bake the ribs for approximately 2.5-3 hours, or until they become tender. You can check for doneness by gently pulling the meat with a fork; it should easily shred.
- Optional: About 15-20 minutes before the ribs are done, add the drained and rinsed sauerkraut to the skillet. This will allow the sauerkraut to heat through.
- Once the ribs are tender and the sauerkraut is heated, remove the skillet from the oven.
- Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of freshness and color.
- Serve the Polish-Style Country Ribs hot, along with sauerkraut, and consider serving them with traditional Polish side dishes like mashed potatoes or potato salad, or cabbage and onions.
Can this recipe be cooked in a crockpot after browning the ribs and sauteeing the onions and spices?
When you get to step 8 you can add everything to a crockpot and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6. The texture of the pork will be looser and tender.