Famous Coleslaw
Famous Coleslaw Recipe - Classic American Dish
Introduction
Coleslaw is a classic side dish that is loved by many for its crunchy texture and tangy flavor. This Famous Coleslaw recipe is a crowd-pleaser and is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or any gathering.
History
Coleslaw has been around for centuries, with variations of the dish being enjoyed in different cultures around the world. The modern version of coleslaw that we know today is believed to have originated in the United States in the 18th century.
Ingredients
- 1 head of green cabbage (8-10 cups)
- 1 large carrot, peeled and finely shredded (hand-squeeze out any excess moisture completely)
- 4 green onions
- 2 tsp of celery seeds (optional, or to taste)
- 1 cup of mayonnaise (Hellman’s is best, do not use salad dressing)
- 0.25 cup of milk (light cream is even better)
- 0.33 cup of buttermilk
- 2-3 tbsp of white vinegar
- 3 tbsp of fresh lemon juice (use fresh only, not bottled)
- 0.33 cup of white sugar plus 2 tbsp of white sugar
- 0.5-1 tsp of garlic powder
- 1 tsp of seasoning salt, or to taste
- 1 tsp of fresh ground black pepper, or to taste
How to prepare
- Using a food processor, chop the cabbage into small pieces resembling confetti or shred the cabbage. Transfer it to a large bowl.
- Using a fine shredder, shred the peeled carrots. Then, hand-squeeze them to remove excess moisture and add them to the bowl.
- Finely chop the green onion and add it to the cabbage and carrot mixture along with the celery seed.
- Using a wooden spoon, mix the three vegetables together.
- For the dressing, whisk together all the dressing ingredients in a separate bowl. Start with the lower amounts and adjust to taste, but use 0.33 cup plus 2 tbsp of sugar.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables in the bowl and mix well to combine.
- Cover the bowl and store it in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours or overnight (preferably) to allow the flavors to blend.
Variations
- Add chopped apples or raisins for a sweeter coleslaw.
- Mix in some chopped jalapenos for a spicy kick.
- Use red cabbage for a colorful twist on this classic recipe.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to hand-squeeze the shredded carrots to remove excess moisture before adding them to the coleslaw mixture.
- Adjust the seasonings in the dressing to suit your taste preferences.
- For a creamier coleslaw, use light cream in the dressing.
- Let the coleslaw sit in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this coleslaw as a side dish with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a topping for tacos or burgers.
Cooking Techniques
The key to making a great coleslaw is to finely shred the cabbage and carrots for a crunchy texture. Mixing the dressing separately before adding it to the vegetables ensures that the flavors are well distributed.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute it with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. You can also use Greek yogurt instead of buttermilk for a tangy flavor.
Make Ahead Tips
This coleslaw can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop over time, making it even more delicious.
Presentation Ideas
Serve this coleslaw in a large bowl or on a platter garnished with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color.
Pairing Recommendations
This coleslaw pairs well with grilled chicken, pulled pork, or fish tacos. It also goes well with barbecue ribs or burgers.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover coleslaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving. Do not freeze as the texture may become watery.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of this coleslaw recipe contains approximately 150 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of this Famous Coleslaw recipe contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of this coleslaw recipe contains approximately 10 grams of fats.
Proteins
Each serving of this coleslaw recipe contains approximately 2 grams of proteins.
Vitamins and minerals
This coleslaw recipe is rich in Vitamin C from the cabbage and carrots. It also contains Vitamin A from the carrots.
Alergens
This coleslaw recipe contains dairy (cream and buttermilk) and may not be suitable for those with dairy allergies.
Summary
This Famous Coleslaw recipe is a delicious and nutritious side dish that is low in calories and rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin A.
Summary
This Famous Coleslaw recipe is a classic side dish that is easy to make and full of flavor. With a crunchy texture and tangy dressing, it is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Enjoy!
How did I get this recipe?
The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a warm summer day, many years ago, when I stumbled upon this gem of a recipe for Famous Coleslaw. I had been visiting my dear friend Martha, who was known far and wide for her incredible cooking skills. As we sat in her cozy kitchen, sipping on iced tea and catching up on each other's lives, Martha suddenly got up and disappeared into her pantry.
She returned with a tattered old cookbook, its pages yellowed with age and stained with various spills and splatters. With a mischievous twinkle in her eye, Martha flipped through the worn pages until she found the recipe she was looking for. "Ah-ha! Here it is, my dear. This is the recipe for the coleslaw that everyone raves about," she declared triumphantly.
As she read the ingredients and instructions out loud, my mouth watered in anticipation. Cabbage, carrots, mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and a secret blend of spices - it sounded simple enough, but Martha's enthusiasm and confidence in the recipe convinced me that it was something truly special.
After jotting down the recipe in my own notebook, I thanked Martha profusely and promised to try it out as soon as I got home. Little did I know that this simple coleslaw recipe would become a staple in my own culinary repertoire, beloved by friends and family alike.
Back at home, I gathered the necessary ingredients and set to work. The rhythmic chopping of cabbage and carrots, the whisking together of the creamy dressing, the gentle folding of everything together - it was a labor of love that I enjoyed immensely. As I took my first bite of the finished coleslaw, I knew that this recipe was something truly special.
Over the years, I have made this Famous Coleslaw countless times, tweaking and perfecting the recipe to suit my own tastes. Each time I make it, I am transported back to that warm summer day in Martha's kitchen, and I am grateful for the friendship and the recipe that she shared with me.
The secret to this coleslaw's fame lies in the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The crispness of the cabbage and carrots, the tanginess of the vinegar, the creaminess of the mayonnaise, and the hint of sweetness from the sugar all come together to create a dish that is both refreshing and satisfying.
I have shared this recipe with friends, neighbors, and even strangers who have tasted my coleslaw at potlucks and gatherings. It never fails to elicit compliments and requests for the recipe, and I am always happy to oblige.
As I sit here now, reflecting on the many memories that this Famous Coleslaw has given me, I am reminded of the power of a simple recipe to bring people together, to create moments of joy and connection. I am grateful for Martha's generosity in sharing this recipe with me, and I hope that it will continue to bring happiness to those who taste it for many years to come.
So, if you ever find yourself in need of a delicious and crowd-pleasing dish, look no further than this Famous Coleslaw. It may just become a beloved recipe in your own family, passed down from generation to generation, just like it has in mine. And remember, the secret ingredient is always a pinch of love.