Britannic Coleslaw

Britannic Coleslaw Recipe from Scotland with Apples, Cabbage, and Edam Cheese | Ingredients and Instructions

Region / culture: Scotland | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Britannic Coleslaw is a refreshing and tangy salad that combines the crisp textures of apples, cabbage, and carrots with the creamy richness of sour cream and cheese. This dish is a delightful side that complements a variety of main courses, offering a burst of flavor and a multitude of nutritional benefits. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a simple family dinner, this coleslaw recipe is easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences.

History

The concept of coleslaw originated from the Netherlands, where it was called "koolsla," meaning cabbage salad. The recipe evolved as it traveled, with each culture adding its unique twist. The Britannic Coleslaw, with its addition of apples, cheese, and a creamy dressing, is a British adaptation that showcases local ingredients and flavors, making it a beloved side dish in the UK and beyond.

Ingredients

2 apples, cored
1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
0.5 lb (227 g) cabbage, finely shredded
1 medium carrot, grated
1 small onion, chopped
2 oz (57 g) edam cheese, grated
2 tbsp parsley, chopped
5 fl oz (148 ml) sour cream
2 tbsp milk
0.5 tsp worcestershire sauce
salt and freshly ground black pepper

How to prepare

Grate the apples coarsely and sprinkle them with lemon juice.
Place the grated apples in a large bowl along with cabbage, carrot, onion, cheese, and parsley; mix well.
In a separate bowl, combine sour cream, milk, Worcestershire sauce, and seasoning; mix well.
Pour the sour cream mixture over the cabbage mixture and mix well.
Transfer the mixture to a serving dish.
Chill before serving.

Variations

For a vegan version, use dairy-free cheese and a vegan sour cream substitute. Add raisins or nuts for extra texture and sweetness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

For the best texture, use a mandoline or a sharp knife to finely shred the cabbage and grate the carrot. To prevent the apples from browning, toss them in lemon juice immediately after grating. For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream. Allow the coleslaw to chill for at least an hour before serving to let the flavors meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Britannic Coleslaw pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, sandwiches, and fish. It's also a great addition to a buffet or picnic spread.

Cooking Techniques

No cooking is required for this recipe, making it a quick and easy option. The key technique is in the preparation of the ingredients - shredding and grating to achieve the perfect texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If sour cream is not available, mayonnaise or Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute. Any type of hard cheese can be used in place of the specified cheese.

Make Ahead Tips

Britannic Coleslaw can be made up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent the apples from browning.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the coleslaw in a colorful bowl to contrast the creamy white dressing. Garnish with extra chopped parsley or a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

This coleslaw goes well with barbecue dishes, roasted chicken, or fish. It also complements spicy foods by providing a cooling contrast.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Britannic Coleslaw is best enjoyed cold and does not require reheating.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of Britannic Coleslaw contains approximately 150 calories, making it a relatively low-calorie addition to any meal.

Carbohydrates

A serving of Britannic Coleslaw contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates. The apples and vegetables contribute natural sugars and dietary fiber, making it a healthy choice for those monitoring their carbohydrate intake.

Fats

This coleslaw recipe contains about 8 grams of fat per serving, primarily from the sour cream and cheese. Opting for low-fat sour cream and cheese can reduce the fat content without compromising the taste.

Proteins

Each serving of Britannic Coleslaw provides around 4 grams of protein, coming from the cheese and sour cream. Adding more cheese or a handful of nuts can increase the protein content.

Vitamins and minerals

Britannic Coleslaw is rich in vitamins A and C, thanks to the cabbage, carrots, and apples. It also provides calcium from the cheese and sour cream, along with iron and potassium from the vegetables.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (sour cream and cheese) and may not be suitable for individuals with a dairy allergy. It is gluten-free.

Summary

Overall, Britannic Coleslaw is a nutritious side dish that offers a good balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals. It's a flavorful and healthy addition to any meal.

Summary

Britannic Coleslaw is a versatile and nutritious side dish that combines the crispness of fresh vegetables with the creaminess of sour cream and cheese. Easy to make and customizable to suit various dietary needs, it's a perfect addition to any meal, offering a delightful mix of flavors and textures.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately captivated. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret, who was known for her incredible culinary skills. As we sat in her cozy kitchen, sipping on iced tea and catching up on old times, Margaret suddenly pulled out a tattered old cookbook from her collection.

"Have you ever tried Britannic Coleslaw?" she asked with a mischievous twinkle in her eye.

I shook my head, intrigued by the unfamiliar name. Margaret flipped to a page in the cookbook, revealing a handwritten recipe for the coleslaw. The ingredients were simple enough – cabbage, carrots, mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and seasonings – but the method and combination of flavors were unlike anything I had ever seen.

Margaret explained that she had learned the recipe from her grandmother, who had picked it up during her travels to England many years ago. The coleslaw was a popular dish at family gatherings and potlucks, always disappearing within minutes of being served.

With Margaret's guidance, we set to work preparing the coleslaw. We shredded the cabbage and carrots, mixed the mayonnaise with vinegar and sugar, and seasoned the dressing with a blend of herbs and spices. The kitchen was filled with the fragrant aroma of fresh vegetables and tangy dressing, and my mouth watered in anticipation of tasting the finished dish.

After letting the coleslaw chill in the refrigerator for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld together, Margaret and I sat down to enjoy our creation. The first bite was a revelation – crisp and crunchy cabbage and carrots, coated in a creamy, tangy dressing that was perfectly balanced with a hint of sweetness. It was like nothing I had ever tasted before, and I was instantly hooked.

From that day on, Britannic Coleslaw became a staple in my own kitchen. I made it for family dinners, potlucks, and picnics, always receiving rave reviews from everyone who tried it. Over the years, I tweaked the recipe here and there, adding a bit more vinegar for a sharper tang or experimenting with different seasonings for a unique twist.

As I continued to make Britannic Coleslaw, I thought of Margaret and her grandmother, and the culinary legacy they had passed down to me. I realized that recipes were more than just a list of ingredients and instructions – they were a connection to the past, a way of preserving memories and traditions for future generations.

I began to collect recipes from family and friends, creating my own cookbook filled with cherished dishes and the stories behind them. Each recipe was a piece of history, a snapshot of a moment in time when food brought people together and created lasting bonds.

And so, whenever I make Britannic Coleslaw, I think of Margaret and her grandmother, and the day I first discovered this delicious dish. It reminds me of the power of cooking to bring joy and comfort, to create lasting memories and forge deep connections with the ones we love.

As I sit in my own kitchen now, preparing a fresh batch of coleslaw for a family gathering, I smile at the thought of sharing this beloved recipe with my loved ones. I know that with each bite, they will taste not just the crisp vegetables and tangy dressing, but the love and history that have been woven into every mouthful. And that, to me, is the true magic of cooking – the ability to create something beautiful and delicious that nourishes both body and soul.