Preheat the oven to 300ºF.

Pat the ribs dry, then season with the Old Bay Seasoning, and then salt and pepper to taste. Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a Dutch oven. Brown the ribs, cooking in batches, until all sides are browned. Remove all of the ribs to a plate.

Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan. Add the carrot, celery and onions and cook until softened, 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook another minute. Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring to cook out the raw flavor, a few more minutes. Stir in the apple cider vinegar to deglaze the pan, then add the bay leaves and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper if needed.

Place the ribs back into the pan. Add the chicken stock (it should reach about halfway up the sides of the ribs.) Bring to a simmer, then cover the pan and transfer to the oven. Cook until the ribs are tender, about 2 hours. When about ½ hour remains, uncover the pan to allow the liquid to reduce a bit and for the pork to brown.

When the ribs are done, remove the pan from the oven to the stove. Transfer the ribs to a plate. Cover lightly with foil to keep warm. Whisk together the water and cornstarch, then stir into the liquid in the pan, cooking over medium heat. Cook until the sauce is slightly thickened. If desired, add the ribs back into the pan to be coated by the liquid.

Serve the ribs over mashed potatoes or creamy polenta. Garnish with parsley, if desired.