Lentils with ribs

Instructions:

1. Rinse the lentils under cold water and drain. Set aside.
2. In a large pot, heat a little olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the pork ribs and brown on all sides. Remove the ribs from the pan and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add a little more oil if necessary, and add the onion, carrots, celery and garlic. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add the thyme, sweet paprika and cumin to the vegetables, and cook for another minute to release the aromas.
5. Return the pork ribs to the pot and add the drained lentils. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
6. Pour the vegetable stock or water into the pot, making sure to cover the ingredients completely. Add the bay leaf.
7. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer, covered, for approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until lentils are tender and ribs are cooked through.
8. During cooking, be sure to stir occasionally and add more stock if necessary to prevent the lentils from drying out.
9. Once the lentils are cooked and the ribs are tender, season with salt and pepper to taste.