Wednesday, May 8, 2019

Curried Creamy Coleslaw

Curried Creamy Coleslaw

A spicy update to a traditional summer favorite

Warm weather has arrived in our part of the world. That means cookout time! And every cookout needs coleslaw.

This Curried Creamy Coleslaw is a tastier twist on traditional mayo-based slaws. Curry plays extremely well with cabbage – and you can make this as spicy (or not) as you wish.

Spicy for us, please.



Curried Creamy Coleslaw


Recipe: Curried Creamy Coleslaw

This dish builds on the same elements as our Creamy Coleslaw. But the addition of curry powder and (optional) hot sauce takes it in a new direction. Our recipe is inspired by a Jacques Pépin dish we saw years ago in the New York Times.

This recipe takes 10 to 15 minutes to make. We recommend preparing it an hour or two ahead of time so it can chill in the refrigerator. (We think it tastes better chilled, although you can serve this slaw right after making it if you wish).

This recipe serves 6 to 8 as a side dish.

Leftovers keep for a day or two if refrigerated in an airtight container.

Ingredients
  • 1 small cabbage or ½ large cabbage (about 1½ pounds)
  • 2 to 3 carrots (about 6 ounces)
  • 1 jalapeño pepper (optional)
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ½ cup yogurt (we like to use Greek yogurt)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (to taste; see Notes)
  • 2 teaspoons curry powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried turmeric powder
  • ¼ to ½ teaspoon Tabasco sauce (optional; to taste)
  • 2 to 3 teaspoons sugar (optional; to taste)
Procedure
  1. Wash the cabbage and remove any damaged outer leaves. Cut the cabbage in half, core it, then cut it into wedges. Shred the cabbage using a large knife or the shredding disk of a food processor. Set aside.
  2. Wash and peel the carrots. Shred the carrots in a food processor (using the shredding disk) or chop them coarsely in a mini food processor. Set aside.
  3. Wash the jalapeño pepper, if using, and cut it in half lengthwise. Use a teaspoon to scoop out the ribs and seeds, if you wish. (Be careful – jalapeño oil is hot, so keep your fingers away from your eyes.) Chop the jalapeño into very small dice or use a mini food processor (you may want to reserve a few jalapeño slices for garnish). Set aside. Then wash your hands with soap and water to remove the hot jalapeño oil from your skin.
  4. Add the mayonnaise and the yogurt to a mixing bowl (use one that’s large enough to hold all the slaw ingredients). Whisk together. Add the salt, curry powder, and turmeric, then whisk until well blended. Add Tabasco sauce to taste, if desired. Whisk to combine. Taste the mixture. If you find it too bitter, add sugar to taste.
  5. Add the shredded cabbage and carrots, along with the chopped jalapeño. Mix well to combine.
  6. Cover the mixing bowl with shrink wrap (or scrape the contents of the bowl into a large airtight container), then refrigerate the coleslaw for an hour or two before serving. We like to add a slice of jalapeño as garnish to the top of each serving.
Curried Creamy Coleslaw

Notes
  • Exact quantities aren’t critical for this recipe. You can eyeball most of the ingredient measurements. 
  • We sometimes add a few teaspoons of fresh lime juice to this dish, right at the end. The hit of acid brightens the flavor.
  • Jacques Pépin suggests adding a couple teaspoons of poppy seeds to this dish. You could also try adding some brown or black mustard seeds (available in Indian markets). 
  • Feel free to add more curry powder if you want a stronger curry flavor.
  • You can use all mayo in this recipe if you prefer. We like to add yogurt because it works so well in curry dishes. 
  • We haven’t made this dish using yogurt alone (no mayo), but that sounds pretty good. You could also substitute sour cream for the yogurt.
  • We like hot food, so we add both jalapeño and Tabasco to this dish. But adjust the spiciness to taste as you make the dish. You may prefer less heat.
  • We use kosher salt in cooking. It’s less salty by volume than regular table salt (the crystals are larger and coarser, so they pack a measure less tightly). If substituting regular table salt, start with about half as much as we suggest. But always season to your taste, not ours.
Curried Creamy Coleslaw

Cabbage Heads

“Glad you took a chance on spicy,” said Mrs Kitchen Riffs. “That was curry-agious of you.”

“Thanks,” I said. “I love tabasco in praise.”

“Where did you dig up that pun?” said Mrs K R. “Not that I carrot all.”

“Are you going to pepper me with questions?” I said.

“Mayo, mayo not,” said Mrs K R.

“These puns are the worst,” I said. “Our readers may get the right idea about us.”

 “We’re goofballs,” said Mrs K R. “With cabbage baggage.”

Good thing we used yogurt in this dish. That part, at least, is cultured.

You may also enjoy reading about:
Creamy Coleslaw
Garlic Coleslaw
Pepper Coleslaw with Garlic Vinaigrette
Collard Greens and Radish Slaw
Jalapeño Coleslaw with Pimentón
Hot Bacon Coleslaw with (or without) Jalapeño
Celery Root (Celeriac) Rémoulade
Carrot Slaw
Or check out the index for more

68 comments:

Sue/the view from great island said...

I'm a slaw maniac and I've never heard of this, what a fabulous combination!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Sue, curry slaw is terrific! And one of those recipes that can have endless variations. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Angie's Recipes said...

I have never thought of using curry in coleslaw and I totally love the idea! It looks incredibly delicious.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Angie, isn't this a fun idea? Perfect for us -- we can never turn down curry. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Savor the Best-Pat said...

John this looks wonderful! I have a similar recipe (with mayo though) and I can verify that adding curry puts a slaw in a whole new light. And the time in the fridge adds to that great flavor. Thanks for reminding me how good this slaw is. 😊

Pam said...

Love the curry twist!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Pat, isn't this nice? Love its flavor! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Pam, we love curry anything. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Chef Mimi said...

I'd eat curried shoe soles I think, so I know this is a recipe I'd love. I used to cater for people who claimed they didn't love curry, that it was too spicy, that it hurt their tummies, bla bla bla. Sometimes I would add some curry powder ingredients to something mundane such as a chicken salad, and everyone always wanted to know why it was so good. Was that evil?!! I hope not. But anyway, this coleslaw is something I'm definitely going to make.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Mimi, gosh, suddenly I have a craving for shoe soles. :-) Curry is wonderful -- one of our favorite flavors. Thanks for the comment.

Family Spice said...

I am totally crazy for coleslaw! Definitely prefer mine ice cold and loving all the spices and flavors in this curried version.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Laura, yup, we're in the coleslaw cold camp too. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Merryn@merrynsmenu said...

Oh Tabasco, curry powder,turmeric and jalapeno loaded onto a fresh coleslaw. How ideal, you always take flavour to a new level, this is fantastic and you certainly deserve a warm Spring time.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Merryn, we DO really like hot and spicy stuff. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Eha said...

A definite 'yes' for me ! One of the few 'curry' recipes in which I would actually use a good curry powder rather than mix my own spices. More of it in my case and since I hardly ever use mayonnaise, extra yoghurt and perchance some low-fat sour cream,. . oh. love the turmeric . . .

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Eha, curry powder works really well in this dish. And more would be wonderful! Sour cream would be nice to try, too. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Laura Dembowski said...

Curry powder is one of my favorite seasonings. I love that you also added hot sauce for a different spice.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Laura, we like spicy hot stuff, so Tabasco was a natural. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes said...

We are still waiting on the warm weather! Can't wait to try this - and the hot sauce is right up my alley!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Ashley, the warm weather should be getting to you soon! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kelly | Foodtasia said...

John, coleslaw is definitely a summer must have! Love your spicy twist!

Valentina said...

I love curry flavors and they indeed are delicious with cabbage. I would love this in a sandwich with steak!

Sherry's Pickings said...

ooh yes i love your puns! so very punny:-) this coleslaw looks good and yes we like it hot too. a cookout is what exactly? a picnic? a BBQ? an al fresco meal? cheers S

Natalia said...

What a great idea, have to try this☺

Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen said...

I love curried anything so this sounds delicious! I'm so excited for summer cookouts!

Healthy World Cuisine said...

This recipe is brilliant John! Love the heat and warming spices to a cold coleslaw. Fun side for all the upcoming spring and summer BBQ's. Wishing you a super week.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Kelly, spicy twists are our favorite. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Valentina, this would be fun in a steak sandwich! Great idea. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Sherry, those puns are pretty awful, aren't they? :-) And yes, a cookout is basically a BBQ -- an outdoor eating party where some of the food will be grilled or smoked. Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Natalia, you DO have to try this! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Kelsie, curry anything is our favorite too! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Bobbi, isn't this fun? And so easy to play with this recipe -- you can take it in several different directions, flavor-wise. Thanks for the comment.

Deb|EastofEdenCooking said...

Cabbage slaw is in regular rotation at our house. The addition of curry makes for a fabulous and flavorful recipe!

Juliana said...

Great idea John...curry adds flavor and a great color...and I am loving the Greek yogurt in it...indeed delicious...
I hope you are having a fantastic week!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Deb, curry is such a nice change in coleslaw! Good stuff. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Juliana, curry and cabbage are made for each other! :-) Thanks for the comment.

GiGi Eats said...

Landon and I made curry together the other night and he fell in loveeeee! SO we will totally be making curry again. That being said, perhaps we should change it up and make curried coleslaw! He does love coleslaw too!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi GiGi, I'd make another curry main dish. And make this coleslaw as a side! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Tricia Buice said...

I love spicy and I love slaw so this is a must try recipe this summer. I never thought to add curry - so smart!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Tricia, curry slaw makes a really nice change. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Izaa said...

it looks appetizing, I like it very much

Amy (Savory Moments) said...

What a terrific idea! I never thought to curry up a coleslaw, but it looks and sounds amazing!

Ron said...

We're really into various curry dishes over this way, but I never run across a curry slaw. We'll just have to make a batch of this curry slaw in a hurry!
John, I just have to say I admire a man of currage...

Lea Ann (Cooking On The Ranch) said...

Even though we had snow yesterday, I'm still craving that warm weather food. I love this idea of combining curry and cole slaw. Why didn't I think of that??? :)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Izaa, it's definitely good stuff. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Amy, isn't this fun? Curry really works in coleslaw! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Ron, definitely a dish you want to make in a hurry! :-) And yes, curage is a good thing. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Lea Ann, no snow here, but it got into the 40's last night! Very unseasonable for us for this time of the year. :-( Thanks for the comment.

Cocoa and Lavender said...

Loved the puns of the week, John! Also, the curried coleslaw sounds amazing. We are both fans of coleslaw, so it would be fun to change it up a little and make something like this! Happy weekend.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi David, this is a fun -- and good! -- recipe. One that is quite nice as is, but can be doctored to suit individual tastes. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Evelyne CulturEatz said...

Alas warm weather is still debatable for me, but I love this fun this with spiciness for cole slaw. I'll feel like summer on the inside.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Evelyne, always good to feel like summer on the inside! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Eva Taylor said...

Gorgeous colour, spicy flavour, who wouldn’t love this classy slaw! Would definitely take the cookout to another level!
Eva

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Eva, isn't this terrific? Love its flavor! :-) Thanks for the comment.

mjskit said...

Glad that you are experiencing warmer weather. No sooner than we move into the 70's, a front comes through. Today the high is 52!! So I'm still making soups. :) Can't wait for warmer weather and the desire for slaws. I love a curry cabbage slaw and yours does look delicious. I love addition of Tabasco. A spicy curry slaw - YUM!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi MJ, it's been nice, but now of course we had weather in the 40's last night and (I think) tonight. Shouldn't last too long, though, so we can enjoy more of this! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Pam said...

Sounds good to me, John! It has to be a great dressing and I love slaw with carrots in it, but I've never had jalapeño peppers in it. Nor curry powder in the dressing. This is a unique recipe I will have to try. Thanks for the recipe!

Judy@SavoringToday said...

We had an Asian slaw at a restaurant a few weeks ago and loved it, so I can see how curry would be amazing too!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Pam, this is a fun recipe -- bet you'll like it! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Judy, Asian slaw is really good too! May need to make that next. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Easyfoodsmith said...

The idea of curry powder in a coleslaw is so clever! I am sure it must have tasted fabulous. Thanks for sharing :)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Taruna, isn't this a nice "curry?" Different and really good! Thanks for the comment.

Debra Eliotseats said...

I love the addition of curry. I would love to make this for upcoming BBQs. I will just have to tone down the curry when certain relatives are here! :)

Food Gal said...

Such a great dish for a potluck or summer backyard barbecue gathering. The addition of curry is just so fresh and clever.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Debra, we have certain relatives that if we were serving this to them, we'd tone this down, too. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Carolyn, curry is really a nice twist in this dish! But then, we really like curry. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Shashi at SavorySpin said...

My kind of coleslaw - flavor packed and with a spicy kick! That hot suace would not be optional and I'm thinking there won't be leftovers of this! So delish!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Shashi, no leftovers here! We really enjoyed this. And we added extra hot sauce. :-) Thanks for the comment.