Monday, May 21, 2012

Creamy Coleslaw

Creamy Coleslaw

A Touch of Jalapeño and Horseradish Add Zip to this Classic

Coleslaw is the perfect sidekick for barbecue and cookout fare.  And the creamy style brings the forks out fast. 

Usually made with a mayonnaise-based dressing, it has an appealing richness that showcases the flavor of the most important ingredient — cabbage.

Every supermarket and deli sells prepared coleslaw, and some of it is pretty good.  But as good as what you make in your own kitchen?  No way! 

This weekend we observe Memorial Day, the official kickoff to summer in the US.  What better dish than Creamy Coleslaw to celebrate?


Creamy Coleslaw

Recipe: Creamy Coleslaw

For years, coleslaw was no great favorite of mine. But then I discovered a version with celery seeds as an ingredient, and never looked back. Celery seeds + cabbage + mayonnaise = incredible flavor.

Probably because of those early memories of so-so coleslaw, I never got in the habit of making this dish. I often bought slaw at the deli counter on the (infrequent) occasions when I served it. But then I got serious about making my own — and rethinking the classic renditions. Most basic cookbooks feature essentially the same version. The Joy of Cooking contains a pretty representative example, and mine is adapted from it.

My version adds a hint of horseradish and jalapeño pepper — enough so you’ll know there’s something going on with the background flavor, but not so much that you’ll necessarily be able to identify what it is. You can use more if you want (see the Notes for some suggestions), but I think this recipe is pretty good as written. I also add some sour cream to my mayonnaise, although you can use straight mayo if you wish.

This recipe makes enough to serve 10 to 12. Leftovers stored in an airtight container will keep for 2 or 3 days in the refrigerator (they’ll be safe to eat for up to a week, but after 3 days or so the quality begins to deteriorate). I actually like to make this recipe a day ahead when I have time — the flavors mingle together a bit more.

 Ingredients
  • ½ cup mayonnaise (or 1 cup if you omit the sour cream)
  • ½ cup sour cream (may omit and double the mayonnaise, but you lose a bit of tang)
  • 2 - 3 tablespoons grated or finely diced white onion (about ½ a small onion; I use a mini food processor to chop)
  • 2 teaspoons celery seed
  • 1 tablespoon jarred, prepared horseradish (optional; may increase/decrease – see Notes)
  • salt to taste (I recommend 1 teaspoon)
  • black pepper to taste (I recommend ½ teaspoon, more if you like)
  • 1 small-to-medium head cabbage (about 1¾ pounds)
  • 1 large carrot
  • 1 jalapeño pepper (optional but wonderful; may increase amount — see Notes)
Procedure
  1. With a rubber spatula or wooden spoon, beat together sour cream and mayonnaise in large mixing bowl (large enough to hold the cabbage) until smooth and creamy.
  2. Add onion, celery seed, and horseradish.  Beat together.
  3. Taste, then add salt and black pepper to taste.
  4. Wash cabbage, remove outer leaves if necessary, and cut into quarters.  Remove woody core.  Either shred cabbage (a food processor makes this easier) or cut each quarter into 3 pieces, then starting at one end, cut 1/8-inch strips of cabbage (cut crosswise).  Add to the bowl with the mayonnaise mixture.
  5. Wash and peel carrot, and grate in food processor or chop in mini food processor.  Add to the bowl with the cabbage.
  6. Wash jalapeño pepper and cut lengthwise.  Use a teaspoon to scoop out the ribs and seeds (be careful, the oil on these is hot; keep fingers away from your eyes).  Chop into very small dice (or use mini food processor).  Add to the bowl, and then wash your hands with soap and water to remove the hot jalapeño oil from your skin. 
  7. Mix all ingredients together until the mayonnaise mixture is distributed throughout the cabbage mix.  Adjust seasoning if necessary.  Chill for at least an hour before serving (overnight is better).
Creamy Coleslaw

Notes
  • If you prefer, you can substitute sour cream for all the mayonnaise.  I’d probably then call it Sour Cream Coleslaw, but that’s me.
  • For mayo, is Hellman’s or Miracle Whip better?  The answer:  whichever you prefer!  People are passionate about their favorite, as discussed in our post on American (Mayonnaise) Potato Salad. 
  • Miracle  Whip is sweeter than Hellman’s (or most other brands of mayonnaise).  If you like a sweeter coleslaw, you may want to add a tablespoon of sugar to Hellman’s.
  • If you want a lighter dressing, you can cut the amount of mayo and sour cream in half (use ¼ cup of each) and add ½ cup of buttermilk.
  • Some people like to add a tablespoon or so of vinegar to their dressing.
  • My version of this dish has just a hint of horseradish flavor.  You can leave the horseradish out entirely if you want, though I think it gives the slaw a bit of zip.  Or you can decrease it to 2 teaspoons if you want the merest flavor.  Alternatively, you could add quite a bit more — in which case you’d have “horseradish coleslaw,” which can be a good thing.
  • The jalapeño pepper adds the barest touch of hotness to this recipe.  If you want more, you can double or triple the amount of jalapeño.  But be careful — I think too much throws the balance of flavor out of whack (and I speak as someone who usually likes spicy).
  • You can also add sweet green peppers to your coleslaw.  I’d add a whole small pepper or half of a large pepper, chopped or grated.
  • There are various ways of cutting cabbage for coleslaw.  I like reasonably large pieces because I think you get more of the cabbage flavor, so I always cut it with a knife.  Lots of people grate cabbage, but I find that makes the cabbage a little watery.
  • Speaking of which, here’s a way to correct watery cabbage:  After you cut or shred it, toss it with about a tablespoon of salt, then let the cabbage sit in a colander for an hour or two.  Then rinse and squeeze dry (or put it in a kitchen towel and pat dry).  Then proceed with your recipe.
  • I like red cabbage, but not in Creamy Coleslaw.  It tastes better (and the color works better) in a vinegar-based coleslaw.

Fun Coleslaw Facts

Although potatoes, iceberg lettuce, and tomatoes are the most popular vegetables in the US, green cabbage ranks right up there in the top 10.  (Other favorites are onions, carrots, celery, corn, broccoli, and cucumbers.)  The popularity of cabbage surprised me at first.  But it made sense when I thought about it.  Since cabbage is the prime ingredient in coleslaw — and because coleslaw is almost universally popular — it follows that cabbage would qualify as a widely munched veggie.

Most of us eat coleslaw as a side dish, but sometimes it’s part of the main event.  In the Carolinas, coleslaw often tops barbecued pulled pork sandwiches. 

I’m no expert on Carolina barbecue (or Carolina coleslaw), though I’ve sampled it a few times.  My impression is that their slaw is almost always vinegar-based rather than creamy. But then, so was the original coleslaw — at least according to the Food Timeline Organization.

Coleslaw actually dates back to ancient Rome, though we in the US borrowed the name “coleslaw” from the Dutch (they called it ”coolsla”).  Anyway, mayonnaise was an 18th century invention, so it wasn’t until then that creamy coleslaw (the kind with mayo) could have made its first appearance.

Coleslaw achieved wide popularity in the US sometime in the early 20th century, and by then Creamy Coleslaw was by far the most frequently served variety.  Though it seems these days that vinegar-based slaws are making a comeback.

Creamy Coleslaw

More Slaw?

“Fascinating,” said Mrs. Kitchen Riffs.  “Maybe we should do a slaw-off on the blog.  Compare and contrast various types of coleslaw recipes.  Kind of a cavalcade of coleslaw.”

“It’d be fun,” I agreed.  “For creamy coleslaw I think the best recipes are always made with celery seed.  Like mine.  For vinegar-based coleslaw, I kind of favor a German style made with garlic — lots of garlic.”

“Garlic!” exclaimed Mrs K R.  “You’ve never made garlic coleslaw.  I’d remember that.”

“No, but it’s a dish I’ve tasted several times.  Back in the days when I traveled a lot.  It’s really good stuff.”  And indeed, during the 1980s and 90s I had a job where I did extensive travel throughout the US.  One of the benefits was the opportunity to sample lots of regional foods.

Mrs K R narrowed her eyes.  “Why haven’t I heard about this dish before?” 

That’s when I decided I better get started working on my garlic coleslaw recipe.  But that will be another post.

You may also enjoy reading about:
Baked Beans
Grilled Hamburgers
French Potato Salad
American (Mayonnaise) Potato Salad
German Potato Salad with Bacon
Potato Salad Basics
Barbecued Pork Steaks
Pineapple, Coconut, and Carrot Salad

44 comments:

Marina@Picnic at Marina said...

Oh yes, Garlic coleslaw is very-very good! I've tried it in several European countries, it's very delicious. I like that you've added some sour cream to a mayo for this coleslaw. I smell summer! :)

the wicked noodle said...

Your cole slaw version is very similar to my own! I like to mix in some adobo sauce from a can of chipotle peppers, too; adds a spicy, smoky flavor. Our cole slaw pasts also seem very similar. Although I always loved my moms slaw I much prefer a spicier version. Can't wait to try your version with the horseradish. Sounds heavenly!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Marina, isn't garlic coleslaw terrific? It'll be a couple of weeks at least before I'm ready to post about it, but it's a great recipe. I'm smelling summer too! Thanks for your comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi wicked noodle, the adobo sauce is a terrific idea - I'll have to try that. Thanks for taking time to comment.

Marta @ I love breakfast said...

I love cole slaw, but I've never read so much about it before :) for me it was just a salad, delicious of course :) Thank you for an interesting post!

Cathleen said...

I have never made coleslaw before, but I sure want to try soon. This looks great!

Pencil Kitchen said...

I just had coleslaw from KFC yesterday and was thinking how i could make it better on my own. This could be one of them :D

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Marta, sorry if I got a bit long-winded! ;-) As you can tell, I rather like this recipe! Thanks for your comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Cathleen, it's an easy recipe, and much better than the store-bought stuff. I hope you enjoy it! Thanks for your comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Pencil Kitchen, I haven't had KFC coleslaw for ages, but as I recall it's fairly good, although a bit on the sweet side. Mine definitely has a bit more tang to it. Thanks for taking time to comment.

Gina said...

I usually pass on the coleslaw because it's ho hum, but I think you have really elevated it here. I love heat too, but I think you were right to retrain it. Perfect for the upcoming hot weather we are expecting too.
-Gina-

Judit and Corina @WineDineDaily said...

We do love colesalw in the summer, and did not know it is originating from Rome. Thanks for the great post - Cheers :)

Carolyn Jung said...

I think horseradish makes everything taste better. The hotter the better, too. OK, I am a horseradish addict, I admit. ;)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Gina, for me coleslaw is one of those dishes that I rarely crave, but once I have some I'm usually glad I did (unless it's of the ho hum variety). And it is so refreshing in warm weather! Thanks for taking time to comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Judit and Corina, one of the fun parts of blogging is finding out unusual little facts about various dishes! If you're not familiar with the Foodtimeline.org (link above in the last section), it's fun to explore. Thanks for stopping by.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Carolyn, horseradish is good stuff, isn't it? It's also pretty good in potato salad (with sour cream), although for that dish I like to put in much more horseradish than I do in coleslaw. Thanks for your comment.

Claudia said...

I love your added zip! Delicious! Deli and grocery coleslaws are so sad. I llove how we are divided by Hellman's and Miracle Whip - think geographically!

Kimberly said...

Oh my ... I'm not a coleslaw person, but The Chef would LOVE this! Filing this away when I want to surprise him for dinner one night!

Jeanne said...

I've never really liked coleslaw, but I'd be willing to try a homemade version if it's as good as you say it is. And I know I'd like garlic coleslaw!

Zoe said...

You are so creative brainstorming and creating so many variations of coleslaw! Nice too to know that we can mix and match the different kind of coleslaw to eat with different kind of food :D

Choc Chip Uru said...

This coleslaw looks like such a delicious variation from the usual - dinner time here I come :D

Cheers
Choc Chip Uru

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Claudia, the whole Hellman's vs. Miracle Whip thing is kind of amusing. I'm more a Hellman's person, but Miracle Whip does taste pretty good in some dishes. Thanks for your comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Kimberly, I definitely think you should surprise the Chef with this! Let me know how he likes it. Thanks for stopping by.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Jeanne, my Creamy Coleslaw is pretty good, but if you're really not a coleslaw person, I'd hold out for the garlic. It you like garlic, it's heaven! Thanks for your comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Zoe, always fun to play with food in the kitchen! Thanks for the kind words, and the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Choc Chip Uru, glad you enjoyed the post! It's pretty good stuff. Thanks for taking time to comment.

Anonymous said...

oh goodness i want it right now

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi love2dine, ;-) It'll only take a few minutes for you to make a batch! Thanks for taking time to comment.

ASmita said...

What a wonderful variation of coleslaw. Looks and sounds delicious!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Asmita, it is delicious! Assuming you like coleslaw, of course. ;-) Thanks for your comment.

Akila said...

Always live the coleslaw... Ur version is too tempting.... When u find time do drop at my place....

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Akila, I'll check out your site. Thanks for the comment.

Vicki Bensinger said...

I love cole slaw and what perfect timing with Memorial Day this weekend. Now i have 2 new recipes to try of yours. Baked Beans and this luscious sounding horseradish cole slaw. Great flavors in this dish.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Vicki, I hope you enjoy the recipes! They're both ones that you can play around with ingredients/quantities to suit your individual taste. Thanks for taking time to comment.

Nami | Just One Cookbook said...

My kids don't like cabbage much but exception is coleslaw! This looks delicious. I've never put sour cream before. I should give this a try. Something different is always good!

Maureen @ Orgasmic Chef said...

Yum!! I'm making some pulled pork for bbq tomorrow and this slaw on top would be smashing!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Nami, coleslaw seems to appeal to a lot of people who dislike cabbage. The sour cream adds a nice tang to this dish, which I find pretty pleasing. Thanks for taking time to comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Maureen, pulled pork + coleslaw = awesomeness! Of course pulled pork + anything = awesomeness! We're having burgers tomorrow, but I need to do some pulled pork soon! Thanks for your comment.

valentina barone said...

in Italy coleslaw doesn't exist, I tasted it the fist time in London 2 years ago, and I loved it immediately!!! Thanks with your recipe I can replicate at home!! Lovely!! Valentina

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Valentina, interesting that coleslaw doesn't exist in Italy - I didn't know that. It's one of those dishes I only eat a few times a year, but I'm awfully glad it's available! I hope you enjoy making it. Thanks for your comment.

Karen (Back Road Journal) said...

I like that you have taken coleslaw to a different level with the horseradish and jalapeño. I can't wait to try your recipe.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Karen, this is a fun recipe to play with. I made it again over the weekend, but added a bit of cider vinegar to it - nice ping! I hope you enjoy the coleslaw - let me know if you do make it. Thanks for your comment.

ChgoJohn said...

Love that you've included horseradish to this slaw, John. I make a much simpler version and use it to top pulled beef sandwiches. Next time, I'll give this recipe a try. Besides, I bought too large a size of celery seeds last Fall when I was pickling everything under the sun. It may be self-justification but I do feel a bit pleased whenever I find a recipe that uses some. "Gee, that wasn't such a bad idea after all." :)
Thanks for sharing another of your fantastic recipes. Roman origins. Who knew!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi John, horseradish is good stuff! And celery seeds go really well in coleslaw - at least I like them. And I thought the trivia about the Roman origins was interesting, too. So basically coleslaw is an Italian dish! ;-) Thanks for the comment.