A potjie (pronounced “poy-key”) is a traditional South African way of slow-cooking food in a three-legged cast-iron pot over an open flame. This Sweet and Tangy Pork Spare Rib Potjie is a delicious combination of smoky, savory, and slightly sweet flavors. Perfect for outdoor gatherings, this dish will have everyone coming back for more!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 3kg Pork Spare Ribs
- 350g Smoked Bacon
- 3 Onions, chopped
- 4 Carrots, sliced
- 8 Potatoes, quartered
- 1 Bell Pepper, diced
- 2 Tablespoons Garlic Flakes
- 500ml Water
- Oil (for frying)
Rib Rub:
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- ½ Tablespoon Salt
- 1 Tablespoon Black Pepper
- 1 Tablespoon Onion Powder
- 1 Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
- 1 Tablespoon Paprika
Sweet & Tangy BBQ Sauce:
- ¾ Cup Peach Chutney
- 1 Cup Tomato Sauce (Ketchup)
- ¼ Cup Worcestershire Sauce
- 2 Tablespoons Hot German Mustard
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pork Ribs
- Cut the pork spare ribs into manageable pieces.
- Mix all the rib rub ingredients together in a small bowl.
- Rub the seasoning mixture evenly onto the ribs and let them rest for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Step 2: Prepare the Potjie
- Heat a splash of oil in a large potjie over medium heat.
- Fry the smoked bacon until crispy, then remove it and set aside.
- In the same oil, brown the seasoned pork ribs on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Add the chopped onions, bell pepper, and garlic flakes to the pot. Sauté until softened and fragrant.
Step 3: Layer the Ingredients
- Return the bacon and pork ribs to the potjie.
- Add the carrots and potatoes, distributing them evenly over the meat.
- Pour in the 500ml of water and cover the pot with a lid.
- Let it simmer gently over low heat for about 2 hours, ensuring the potjie does not boil dry. Stir occasionally and add more water if necessary.
Step 4: Add the Sweet & Tangy BBQ Sauce
- In a bowl, mix the peach chutney, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and hot German mustard to create the sauce.
- Pour the sauce over the potjie, gently stirring to combine.
- Allow the potjie to simmer for another 30-45 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the ribs beautifully.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the meat is tender and falling off the bone, serve the potjie hot with rice, bread, or a side salad. Enjoy the rich, smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors of this comforting dish!
Pro Tips:
- For extra flavor, marinate the ribs overnight with the rib rub.
- Use a low and steady heat to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
- Add a splash of beer or cider for an extra depth of flavor.
This Sweet and Tangy Pork Spare Rib Potjie is the perfect dish for any occasion—whether you’re camping, hosting a backyard gathering, or simply looking for a hearty meal. Happy cooking!
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