Hot Slaw

Hot Slaw Recipe - Bacon, Onion, and Tomato Slaw

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Hot slaw is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the crunch of cabbage with the smoky flavor of bacon and the heat of green chiles. This dish is perfect for those who enjoy a little kick in their meals.

History

Hot slaw has its roots in Southern cuisine, where cabbage is a staple ingredient. The addition of bacon and green chiles adds a unique twist to this traditional dish, creating a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

6 slices of bacon
1 large onion, chopped
1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
1 large head of green cabbage, shredded
4 tbsp of chili powder
kosher salt
1 (10 oz (283 g)) can of diced tomatoes and green chiles (recommended: Ro-Tel)

How to prepare

In a large skillet, cook the bacon until it becomes crisp.
Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on paper towels to drain.
Crumble the bacon and set it aside.
In the reserved bacon fat, cook the onions and bell peppers until they become limp, which should take about 5 minutes.
Add the shredded cabbage and cook it until it becomes limp, but not soft, which should take about 3 to 5 minutes.
Add chili powder and salt to taste.
Add the tomatoes and simmer the mixture just until it becomes warmed through.
The slaw should be slightly crisp.
Adjust the seasonings according to your taste.
Serve the dish quickly, topped with the crumbled bacon.

Variations

Add cooked ground beef or turkey to make the dish more filling.
Substitute red cabbage for green cabbage for a pop of color.
Add a splash of apple cider vinegar for a tangy twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the cabbage until it is just limp, but still slightly crisp. Overcooking the cabbage can result in a mushy texture.

- Adjust the amount of chili powder and green chiles to suit your taste preferences. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of chili powder and green chiles.

- Serve the hot slaw immediately after cooking to ensure that it retains its crunchiness.

Serving Suggestions

Hot slaw can be served as a side dish alongside grilled meats or as a topping for tacos or sandwiches. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a light and flavorful meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the cabbage over high heat to retain its crunchiness.

- Stir the ingredients frequently to ensure even cooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon as a healthier alternative to traditional bacon.

- Substitute red bell pepper for green bell pepper for a sweeter flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

The hot slaw can be prepared up to a day in advance and reheated before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the hot slaw in individual bowls topped with a sprinkle of crumbled bacon for a visually appealing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair hot slaw with grilled chicken or pork for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat the hot slaw in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

120

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 12g

- Dietary Fiber: 4g

- Sugars: 6g

Fats

- Total Fat: 8g

- Saturated Fat: 3g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 4g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 10%

- Vitamin C: 70%

- Calcium: 6%

- Iron: 4%

Alergens

Contains: None

Summary

Hot slaw is a low-calorie dish that is rich in Vitamin C and fiber. It is a healthy and satisfying option for those looking to add more vegetables to their diet.

Summary

Hot slaw is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for those looking to add more vegetables to their diet. With its crunchy cabbage, smoky bacon, and spicy green chiles, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly remember the moment I discovered this recipe for Hot Slaw. It was during a trip to the bustling farmer's market in the heart of the city. The air was filled with the tantalizing aroma of freshly cooked food and the sound of vendors calling out to passersby, tempting them with samples of their culinary creations.

As I wandered through the market, my eyes were drawn to a small stand tucked away in a corner. The sign above it simply read "Hot Slaw." Intrigued, I made my way over, curious to see what this mysterious dish was all about.

The vendor, a kindly old woman with a twinkle in her eye, greeted me warmly and offered me a sample of her Hot Slaw. As soon as the first bite touched my lips, I knew I had stumbled upon something truly special. The combination of crunchy cabbage, tangy vinegar, and spicy seasonings danced on my taste buds, leaving me craving more.

I struck up a conversation with the vendor, eager to learn more about this delicious dish. She explained that Hot Slaw was a traditional Southern recipe that had been passed down through generations in her family. She had learned to make it from her grandmother, who had learned it from her own grandmother before her.

Intrigued by the history and tradition behind the recipe, I begged the vendor to teach me how to make it. She smiled warmly and agreed, inviting me to her home the following weekend for a cooking lesson.

When I arrived at her cozy kitchen, the vendor greeted me with a warm hug and a cup of steaming coffee. She handed me an apron and set to work gathering the ingredients for Hot Slaw.

As we chopped cabbage, onions, and peppers, the vendor shared stories of her childhood spent in the kitchen with her grandmother, learning the secrets of Southern cooking. She explained the importance of using fresh, locally sourced ingredients and the significance of each step in the recipe.

I watched in awe as she expertly sautéed the vegetables, adding vinegar, sugar, and spices to create a mouthwatering slaw that filled the kitchen with its irresistible aroma. I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish.

Finally, the Hot Slaw was ready, and we sat down to enjoy our meal together. As I took my first bite, memories of my own grandmother's cooking flooded back to me. I remembered the hours spent in her kitchen, watching her create magic with simple ingredients and a whole lot of love.

The vendor noticed the tears welling up in my eyes and reached out to grasp my hand. "Cooking is more than just following a recipe," she said softly. "It's about creating memories and passing down traditions from one generation to the next."

I nodded, understanding the true significance of what she was saying. The recipe for Hot Slaw wasn't just a list of ingredients and instructions – it was a link to the past, a connection to my roots and the women who had come before me.

As I left the vendor's home that day, a jar of Hot Slaw in hand, I knew that I had been given a precious gift. The recipe for Hot Slaw would now become a part of my own culinary repertoire, a cherished reminder of the lessons learned and the stories shared in that cozy kitchen.

And so, whenever I make Hot Slaw for my family and friends, I think back to that fateful day at the farmer's market and the kind vendor who opened my eyes to the magic of Southern cooking. I am forever grateful for her generosity and the gift of this delicious recipe that has brought so much joy and connection into my life.