Guava Glazed Ribs                           



Ingredients:
4 racks of baby-back pork ribs (about 1 pound each)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 large garlic cloves, minced
Cayenne pepper
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 cup guava paste (about 10 ounces)
1/3 cup water
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

Method:
Preheat the oven to 400°. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the ribs, cover and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes. Using tongs, transfer the racks to 2 rimmed baking sheets, meaty side up. Rub with the oil and garlic and season with cayenne, salt and black pepper. Bake the ribs for 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, cook the guava paste and water over low heat, mashing with a fork, until melted and smooth, about 5 minutes. Add the soy sauce and simmer for 2 minutes, stirring. Remove from the heat, stir in the lime juice and season with salt and pepper.

Raise the oven temperature to 500°. Brush the ribs with the guava glaze, spreading it all over the top. Bake 2 racks at a time on the top shelf of the oven for about 10 minutes, or until the ribs are browned and cooked through. Cut in between the ribs and arrange them on a platter or on plates. Serve hot.

Note* Guava paste is available at Latin American markets and many supermarkets.
SERVINGS: 4