Savory Salvadoran Curtido: Traditional Pickled Slaw
Curtido is a vibrant and tangy condiment hailing from El Salvador, often served alongside hearty dishes like tamales and pupusas. This refreshing pickled coleslaw combines the crunchiness of finely shredded cabbage, the sweetness of carrots, and the mild heat of red chilies, all preserved in a zesty vinegar blend. Perfect for adding a pop of flavor to your meals, this curtido is also rich in vitamins and probiotics, making it both delicious and nutritious. Let it marinate overnight to enhance the flavors for a truly authentic experience.
16
Servings
20
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cabbage
1 head (shredded finely)
White onion
1 (sliced in half and slivered into 1/4 inch slices)
Carrot
1 large (grated)
Red chilies
4 (grated)
Oregano
1 tablespoon (dried)
Vinegar
1/2 cup (white or apple cider)
Boiling water
3 cups (none)
Salt
1 1/2 tablespoons (or more depending on taste)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely shredded cabbage, grated carrot, and grated red chilies.
2
Evenly sprinkle the salt over the vegetable mixture and gently toss to incorporate.
3
Carefully pour the boiling water over the mixture, ensuring all the vegetables are submerged. Allow it to cool to room temperature, which should take about 1 hour.
4
Once cooled, drain any excess water. Pour the vinegar over the mixture and sprinkle with oregano. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
5
Taste the mixture and adjust the salt to your preference, adding more if necessary.
6
For the best flavor, cover the bowl or transfer to a jar and allow the curtido to marinate in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Nutrition Information
0.125g
Fat
4.25g
Carbs
0.4g
Protein
1g
Fiber
0.875g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Salvadoran Curtido?
Curtido is a vibrant and tangy pickled coleslaw condiment hailing from El Salvador.
What dishes is Curtido traditionally served with?
It is often served alongside hearty traditional dishes like tamales and pupusas.
What are the primary ingredients in this Curtido recipe?
The main ingredients are finely shredded cabbage, white onion, grated carrot, and red chilies.
Is this Salvadoran Curtido recipe vegan?
Yes, this recipe is vegan-friendly as it consists of vegetables, vinegar, and spices.
How many calories are in a serving of this Curtido?
Each serving contains approximately 20 calories.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 16 servings.
How should the cabbage be prepared?
The cabbage should be shredded finely for the traditional texture.
What type of vinegar should I use?
You can use either white vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
Why is boiling water used in this recipe?
Boiling water is poured over the vegetables to soften them and prepare them for the pickling process.
How long should the vegetables soak in the boiling water?
The vegetables should sit in the boiling water until they reach room temperature, which typically takes about 1 hour.
What kind of chilies are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 red chilies, which should be grated.
How much salt is required for the Curtido?
The recipe uses 1.5 tablespoons of salt, though you can adjust this to your preference.
How do I prepare the white onion?
The onion should be sliced in half and then slivered into 1/4 inch slices.
What type of oregano is best for this slaw?
The recipe specifies 1 tablespoon of dried oregano.
Is Curtido considered a healthy condiment?
Yes, it is low in fat, rich in vitamins, and contains probiotics.
How long does Curtido need to marinate?
For the best flavor, you should allow the Curtido to marinate in the refrigerator overnight.
Can I eat the Curtido immediately?
While you can eat it once cooled, letting it sit overnight allows the flavors to enhance for a more authentic experience.
How much fiber is in a serving of this pickled slaw?
Each serving provides about 1 gram of fiber.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
There are 4.25 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this recipe contain any fat?
The recipe contains a very negligible amount of fat, approximately 0.125 grams per serving.
What is the protein content of Curtido?
Each serving contains approximately 0.4 grams of protein.
How much sugar is in a serving?
There is approximately 0.875 grams of sugar per serving.
How do I store the finished Curtido?
You should store it in a covered bowl or a sealed jar in the refrigerator.
Can I adjust the salt level after the initial mix?
Yes, the instructions suggest tasting the mixture and adjusting the salt to your preference before the final marinating step.
What makes Curtido different from standard coleslaw?
Unlike creamy coleslaws, Curtido is a tangy, vinegar-based pickled slaw that features oregano and chilies.
How much boiling water is needed?
You will need 3 cups of boiling water.
Is the heat level of this Curtido very high?
The 4 grated red chilies provide a mild heat, but the overall profile is more tangy and refreshing.
What is the first step in making this recipe?
The first step is to combine the finely shredded cabbage, grated carrot, and grated red chilies in a large mixing bowl.
How much vinegar is used in the brine?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of vinegar.
What is the category of this recipe?
This recipe is categorized as a Vegetable dish and a condiment.