Cajun Coleslaw

Cajun Coleslaw Recipe - A Spicy Twist to Classic Coleslaw

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Cajun coleslaw is a spicy and flavorful twist on the classic coleslaw recipe. This dish is perfect for those who enjoy a little heat in their food and want to add a Cajun flair to their meal.

History

Cajun coleslaw is a popular dish in the southern United States, particularly in Louisiana where Cajun cuisine is prominent. This recipe combines traditional coleslaw ingredients with Cajun spices to create a unique and delicious side dish.

Ingredients

0.25 cup minced green peppers
3 tbsp minced green onions (white tops and some green)
3 tbsp minced celery
1 tbsp minced parsley
4 cup coleslaw mix (such as Dole's)
0.67 cup mayonnaise
4 tbsp cider vinegar
2 tbsp milk
1 tsp sugar
louisiana hot sauce or tabasco sauce
0.5 tsp dry cajun seasoning (such as Zatarain's or Prudhomme's)
salt and pepper

How to prepare

Mince the vegetables.
In a large bowl, combine the Mayonnaise, vinegar, milk, salt, pepper, Tabasco, and Cajun seasoning.
Add the coleslaw and vegetables to the dressing and toss well.
Chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours before serving.

Variations

Add diced jalapenos or hot sauce for an extra kick of heat.
Mix in shredded carrots or red cabbage for added color and texture.
Use Greek yogurt or sour cream instead of mayonnaise for a lighter dressing.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to chill the coleslaw in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning and Tabasco sauce to suit your taste preferences.

- For a creamier coleslaw, add more mayonnaise or milk to the dressing.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Cajun coleslaw as a side dish with grilled meats, fried chicken, or seafood dishes. It also pairs well with barbecue or sandwiches.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a good coleslaw is to finely chop the vegetables and toss them well with the dressing to ensure that each bite is flavorful.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have Cajun seasoning, you can use a combination of paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder for a similar flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Cajun coleslaw can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just give it a good stir before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the coleslaw with fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color. Serve it in a decorative bowl or on a platter for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Cajun coleslaw pairs well with dishes like blackened fish, shrimp po'boys, or pulled pork sandwiches. It also complements spicy barbecue dishes or grilled sausages.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir well before serving. Do not freeze as the texture may become watery.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 180 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 8g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 15g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 1g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of Vitamin C and Vitamin A.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs and dairy (mayonnaise and milk).

Summary

Cajun coleslaw is a flavorful side dish that is relatively low in carbohydrates and protein, but higher in fats due to the mayonnaise dressing.

Summary

Cajun coleslaw is a delicious and spicy twist on the classic coleslaw recipe. With a creamy dressing and a kick of Cajun seasoning, this dish is sure to be a hit at your next barbecue or potluck. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Cajun Coleslaw. It was a warm summer day and I was visiting my dear friend Mabel in New Orleans. Mabel was a fantastic cook and she always seemed to know just the right flavors to combine to create mouthwatering dishes. As we sat in her cozy kitchen, sipping on sweet tea and catching up on old times, she suddenly pulled out a tattered old cookbook from her shelf.

"Lucille, you have to try this Cajun Coleslaw recipe. It's a family favorite and always a hit at our gatherings," Mabel said with a twinkle in her eye.

I eagerly leaned in as she read off the ingredients and instructions. The combination of spicy cayenne pepper, tangy vinegar, and creamy mayonnaise sounded like a match made in heaven. I knew I had to learn how to make this dish for myself.

Mabel graciously invited me to help her prepare the coleslaw for dinner that evening. We gathered the cabbage, carrots, and green onions from her garden and began to chop and mix the ingredients together. The smell of the Cajun spices filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation.

As we sat down to eat that evening, I took my first bite of the Cajun Coleslaw and was blown away by the explosion of flavors in my mouth. The crunch of the vegetables, the heat of the cayenne pepper, and the creaminess of the mayonnaise all combined perfectly to create a truly unforgettable dish.

From that moment on, I was determined to master the art of making Cajun Coleslaw. I spent hours experimenting with different spice combinations and tweaking the recipe until I found the perfect balance of flavors. I made the coleslaw for every family gathering and potluck, and it quickly became a staple in my own recipe collection.

Over the years, I shared the recipe with friends and family, passing down the tradition of making Cajun Coleslaw from generation to generation. Each time I make the dish, I am transported back to that warm summer day in Mabel's kitchen, surrounded by good food and even better company.

Now, as I sit in my own kitchen, preparing a fresh batch of Cajun Coleslaw for my grandchildren, I can't help but smile at the memories that flood back to me. The recipe may have originated in New Orleans, but it has become a beloved tradition in our family, a reminder of the joy that can be found in a simple dish made with love.

As I take a bite of the coleslaw, savoring the familiar flavors that have now become a part of my culinary repertoire, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences and friendships that have shaped me into the cook I am today. And I know that as long as I have this recipe and the memories that accompany it, I will always be able to bring a little taste of New Orleans into my own home.