Place the ribs in a large, wide saucepan. Cover with water and add the onion, garlic, fennel seeds and star anise. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer very gently for three hours ...
Add the celery and fennel and fry until softened. Season with salt and pepper. Add the tomatoes, smoked paprika, star anise, saffron and tomato purée. Stir and cook for 5–10 minutes to soften.
Str fry for two more minutes, making sure not to burn the garlic. Add the star anise and fennel seed and fry for one more minute. Next, add the minced pork. Turn the heat back up to high.