Preheat oven to 350F.

Season the ribs with salt all over.

In a heavy Dutch oven on the stovetop, heat a couple tablespoons of oil and brown the ribs on all sides. Remove and set aside on a plate.

In the same oil, brown the onions, then add the garlic and cook for another minute. Add the prunes, then lay the ribs on top and add the ketchup, bbq sauce, soy, thyme, salt, pepper, broth and water.

Cook in the oven, covered, for 2.5 hours, turning the ribs and ‘mashing the prunes up’ as Pearl says - every 30 mins or so.

Prepare the polenta by bringing 2 cups water and 1 cup broth to a boil and whisking in cornmeal. Whisk in the remaining cup of broth and simmer until thickened, around 15 mins. Drop in butter, and season with salt and pepper