Mardi Gras Cole Slaw

Mardi Gras Cole Slaw Recipe - A Festive Twist on Classic Coleslaw

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Mardi Gras Cole Slaw is a colorful and flavorful dish that is perfect for celebrating the festive season. This vibrant coleslaw is made with a mix of green and red cabbage, carrots, pineapple chunks, and a tangy fat-free dressing. It is a refreshing and light side dish that pairs well with grilled or barbecued dishes.

History

Cole slaw, also known as coleslaw, is a traditional side dish that originated in the Netherlands in the 18th century. The term "cole slaw" comes from the Dutch word "koolsla," which means "cabbage salad." Over the years, cole slaw has evolved and been adapted in various ways, including the addition of different vegetables, fruits, and dressings. Mardi Gras Cole Slaw puts a fun and colorful twist on the classic coleslaw recipe, making it perfect for festive occasions.

Ingredients

1.5 cups of grated green cabbage
1.5 cups of grated red cabbage
2 medium carrots, grated
0.75 cup of fat-free Cole slaw dressing
One 20 oz (567 g) can of pineapple chunks
black pepper, freshly ground, to taste

How to prepare

Combine the first 5 ingredients in a large bowl using a wooden spoon.
Refrigerate and serve with a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper. Serve alongside grilled or barbecued dishes.

Variations

Add chopped nuts or seeds for extra crunch and protein.
Mix in diced bell peppers or jalapenos for a spicy kick.
Use a different type of fruit, such as mandarin oranges or apples, in place of the pineapple chunks.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to grate the cabbage and carrots finely to ensure a good texture in the coleslaw.

- Drain the pineapple chunks well before adding them to the coleslaw to prevent excess liquid.

- Refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Adjust the amount of dressing to suit your taste preferences - you can add more or less depending on how creamy you like your coleslaw.

Serving Suggestions

Mardi Gras Cole Slaw is best served chilled as a side dish alongside grilled or barbecued meats, seafood, or vegetarian dishes. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a light and refreshing snack.

Cooking Techniques

Grate the cabbage and carrots using a box grater or a food processor.

- Drain the pineapple chunks well before adding them to the coleslaw to prevent excess liquid.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use regular coleslaw dressing or mayonnaise instead of fat-free dressing.

- Substitute green or purple cabbage for the red cabbage.

- Use canned or fresh pineapple chunks, depending on availability.

Make Ahead Tips

Mardi Gras Cole Slaw can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just make sure to give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Mardi Gras Cole Slaw in a colorful bowl or on a platter garnished with fresh herbs or citrus slices for a festive touch. You can also sprinkle some extra black pepper on top for added flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Mardi Gras Cole Slaw pairs well with a variety of dishes, including grilled chicken, pork chops, shrimp skewers, or veggie burgers. It also complements picnic foods like sandwiches, wraps, and potato salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Mardi Gras Cole Slaw 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 when thawed.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

110

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 23g

- Dietary Fiber: 4g

- Sugars: 16g

Fats

- Total Fat: 0g

- Saturated Fat: 0g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 2g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 110% DV

- Vitamin C: 60% DV

- Calcium: 6% DV

- Iron: 6% DV

Alergens

This recipe may contain traces of sulfites from the pineapple chunks.

Summary

Mardi Gras Cole Slaw is a low-calorie and nutrient-rich dish that is high in fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants. It is a healthy and delicious side dish that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Mardi Gras Cole Slaw is a festive and flavorful side dish that is perfect for celebrating special occasions. This colorful coleslaw is easy to make and packed with nutrients, making it a healthy and delicious addition to any meal. Enjoy this vibrant dish with your favorite grilled or barbecued dishes for a tasty and refreshing combination.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew I had to try it. It was a rainy day in the summer of 1965, and I was flipping through an old cookbook that I found at a yard sale. As I turned the pages, a vibrant photo caught my eye - a colorful bowl of Mardi Gras Cole Slaw. The recipe seemed to jump off the page with its bold flavors and unique ingredients. I had never heard of such a dish before, but I was intrigued.

I quickly scanned the list of ingredients - cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, and a tangy dressing made with vinegar, mustard, and mayonnaise. It sounded like the perfect combination of sweet and savory, crunchy and creamy. I couldn't wait to give it a try.

I set out to gather all the necessary ingredients, making a trip to the local market to pick up fresh produce and a few pantry staples. As I chopped, shredded, and mixed everything together, the kitchen filled with the aroma of vinegar and mustard. I knew I was onto something special.

Once the cole slaw was ready, I couldn't resist taking a taste. The flavors exploded in my mouth - the crunch of the cabbage, the sweetness of the carrots, the tanginess of the dressing. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before. I knew right then and there that this recipe would become a staple in my kitchen.

Over the years, I perfected the recipe, adjusting the seasonings and ratios to suit my taste. I shared it with friends and family, who all raved about its unique flavor profile. It became a go-to dish for potlucks, picnics, and family gatherings.

One day, while visiting New Orleans for Mardi Gras, I had the opportunity to try authentic Cajun cuisine. I sampled gumbo, jambalaya, and beignets, but it was the cole slaw that stood out to me. It was similar to the recipe I had been making for years, but with a few additional twists - spicy Cajun seasoning, pickled okra, and a hint of Creole mustard. It was a revelation.

I struck up a conversation with the chef at the restaurant, who graciously shared his recipe for Mardi Gras Cole Slaw. It was a more complex version of my own, with layers of flavor that I had never considered before. I couldn't wait to get back home and try out his recipe for myself.

Once I returned home, I set to work in the kitchen, following the chef's instructions to the letter. I added in the pickled okra and Creole mustard, along with a dash of hot sauce for some extra heat. The result was a symphony of flavors - sweet, spicy, tangy, and savory all at once. It was a dish fit for a celebration.

I continued to make Mardi Gras Cole Slaw for years to come, always experimenting with new variations and flavor combinations. It became a signature dish of mine, something that friends and family looked forward to whenever we gathered together.

As the years went by, I passed the recipe down to my children and grandchildren, along with the story of how I first discovered it. It became a treasured family tradition, something that we would make together every Mardi Gras.

And so, every year, as we gather around the table to enjoy our Mardi Gras feast, I can't help but think back to that rainy day in 1965 when I first stumbled upon the recipe for Mardi Gras Cole Slaw. It has become a symbol of my love for cooking, my passion for trying new things, and my joy in sharing delicious food with those I love. And for that, I am forever grateful.