Mardi Gras Slaw

Mardi Gras Slaw Recipe - Vegetarian Food from USA

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

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Mardi Gras Slaw is a colorful and flavorful dish that is perfect for celebrating the festive season. This slaw is made with a mix of green and red cabbage, along with yellow bell peppers, giving it a vibrant and eye-catching appearance. The addition of a tangy blue cheese dressing adds a creamy and savory element to the dish.

History

Mardi Gras Slaw is inspired by the vibrant colors and flavors of the traditional Mardi Gras celebration. This dish is a modern twist on classic coleslaw, with the addition of blue cheese dressing adding a unique and delicious twist.

Ingredients

Slaw
1 small head of green cabbage, halved and cored
0.5 head of red cabbage, cored
3 yellow bell peppers, seeded and cored
-
blue cheese Dressing
0.5 cup of olive oil
1 clove of garlic, minced
0.5 tsp of salt
0.5 tsp of freshly ground black pepper
2.5 to 3 tbsp of white wine vinegar
2 oz (57 g) of blue cheese, crumbled

How to prepare

1. To prepare the Slaw: Slice the cabbages into fine shreds and place them in a large bowl. Thinly slice the peppers lengthwise and add them to the bowl.
2. To make the Blue Cheese Dressing: Place all the ingredients in a quart jar, screw on the lid, and shake vigorously. Pour half of the dressing over the slaw and toss. Refrigerate the remaining dressing for future use.

Variations

Add sliced apples or dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness.
Substitute the blue cheese dressing with a creamy ranch or vinaigrette for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to slice the cabbage and peppers thinly for a more delicate texture.

- Toss the slaw with the dressing just before serving to keep it crisp and fresh.

- Adjust the amount of blue cheese in the dressing to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Mardi Gras Slaw is a versatile dish that can be served as a side dish or as a light main course. It pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a topping for tacos.

Cooking Techniques

Use a sharp knife or mandoline to thinly slice the cabbage and peppers.

- Shake the dressing in a jar to emulsify it and ensure a creamy consistency.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use purple cabbage instead of red cabbage for a different color variation.

- Substitute feta cheese for blue cheese if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

The slaw can be prepared up to a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Toss with the dressing just before serving to keep it fresh.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Mardi Gras Slaw in a large bowl or on a platter, garnished with extra blue cheese crumbles and fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Mardi Gras Slaw with grilled chicken, shrimp, or fish for a complete and satisfying meal. It also pairs well with a crisp white wine or a light beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover slaw in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Toss with additional dressing before serving if needed.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 220 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 15g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 18g per serving

Saturated Fat: 4g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 4g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 120% of daily value per serving

Vitamin A: 15% of daily value per serving

Alergens

Contains dairy (blue cheese)

Summary

Mardi Gras Slaw is a nutritious dish that is rich in vitamin C and low in calories. However, it does contain dairy in the form of blue cheese, so it may not be suitable for those with dairy allergies.

Summary

Mardi Gras Slaw is a colorful and flavorful dish that is perfect for celebrating the festive season. With a mix of cabbage, peppers, and a tangy blue cheese dressing, this slaw is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something I had to try. It was a hot summer day in New Orleans, the sun beating down on the colorful streets as people danced and celebrated during Mardi Gras season. I was wandering through the crowded market, taking in all the sights and sounds, when I stumbled upon a small food stall selling a unique dish called Mardi Gras Slaw.

The vendor, a friendly older woman with a twinkle in her eye, explained that the slaw was a traditional dish served during Mardi Gras festivities in New Orleans. It was made with a mix of fresh vegetables, tangy dressing, and a secret blend of spices that gave it a kick of flavor. As she handed me a sample to try, I was immediately hooked. The crunch of the vegetables, the tang of the dressing, and the hint of spice all combined to create a symphony of flavors in my mouth.

I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make this dish. I begged the vendor to share her recipe with me, but she just smiled and said it was a family secret passed down through generations. Determined not to leave without it, I offered to buy a batch of the slaw from her and she finally relented, agreeing to teach me how to make it in exchange for my help at her stall for the rest of the day.

I spent the afternoon working alongside the vendor, chopping vegetables, mixing dressings, and learning the intricacies of creating the perfect Mardi Gras Slaw. She shared stories of her family and their traditions, how they would gather every year during Mardi Gras to cook together and celebrate the season. As we worked, the vendor taught me the importance of using fresh, high-quality ingredients, and how to balance flavors to create a harmonious dish.

By the end of the day, I had not only learned how to make the Mardi Gras Slaw, but I had also gained a new friend in the vendor. She promised to visit me in my hometown and share more of her family recipes with me in the future. As I walked away from the market stall, carrying a container of the delicious slaw in my hands, I felt a sense of accomplishment and excitement at the prospect of recreating this dish for my own family and friends.

When I returned home, I wasted no time in gathering the ingredients needed to make the Mardi Gras Slaw. I followed the vendor's instructions to the letter, taking care to chop the vegetables just right, mix the dressing with the perfect amount of tang, and sprinkle in the secret blend of spices that gave the dish its signature flavor. As the slaw came together in a colorful, crunchy bowl, I couldn't help but smile at the memories of my time in New Orleans and the bond I had formed with the vendor.

I served the Mardi Gras Slaw to my family that evening, watching as their faces lit up with delight at the first bite. The crunch of the vegetables, the tang of the dressing, and the kick of spice all came together just as I remembered, transporting us back to the vibrant streets of New Orleans during Mardi Gras season. My family raved about the dish, asking for seconds and begging for the recipe.

I happily shared the recipe with them, passing on the tradition and the memories of my time in New Orleans. As we sat around the table, enjoying the Mardi Gras Slaw together, I knew that this dish would become a staple in our family for years to come. And as I looked at the smiles on my loved ones' faces, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the chance encounter that had led me to discover this delicious recipe and the joy of sharing it with others.