Zesty Curtido de Repollo - Salvadoran Spicy Cabbage Slaw
Curtido de Repollo is a flavorful and vibrant Salvadoran cabbage salad that adds a delightful kick to your meals. This tangy slaw is a traditional accompaniment to pupusas, thick corn tortillas stuffed with cheese, but its versatility shines through as it pairs beautifully with grilled fish, black beans, burritos, and quesadillas. The blend of crisp cabbage, crunchy carrots, and zesty spices offers a refreshing contrast to heartier dishes, making it a must-have at any gathering. With a hint of heat from cayenne and the aromatic essence of oregano, this salad not only enhances the flavor of your meals but also adds a pop of color to your plate.
N/A
Servings
80
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
green cabbage
1 head (shredded)
apple cider vinegar or distilled white vinegar
1 cup (none)
water
1/2 cup (none)
medium onion
1 (shredded)
large carrots
2 (shredded)
salt
1 teaspoon (none)
olive oil
2 teaspoons (none)
oregano
1 1/2 teaspoons (dried)
cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon (none)
cumin
1 teaspoon (none)
brown sugar
1 teaspoon (optional)
Instructions
1
Start by preparing the cabbage, carrots, and onion. Use a hand-grater or the grater attachment of your food processor to shred them finely.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, carrots, and onion with the apple cider vinegar or distilled white vinegar, water, salt, olive oil, oregano, cayenne pepper, cumin, and brown sugar (if using).
3
Using the back of a wooden spoon, press the ingredients down firmly to ensure they are submerged in the liquid. This will help the flavors meld together.
4
Cover the bowl and let the mixture rest at room temperature for a minimum of 4-6 hours, or refrigerate for best results. Allowing the curtido to marinate overnight is even better for depth of flavor.
5
Before serving, give the curtido a good stir. Serve it chilled or at room temperature as a vibrant topping for pupusas, grilled fish, quesadillas, or any dish that could use a zesty crunch.
Nutrition Information
1.4g
Fat
14.8g
Carbs
1.1g
Protein
4g
Fiber
0.6g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Curtido de Repollo?
Curtido de Repollo is a flavorful and vibrant Salvadoran cabbage salad traditionally served as an accompaniment to pupusas.
What are the primary ingredients in this spicy slaw?
The main ingredients include green cabbage, carrots, onion, vinegar, water, olive oil, and a blend of spices like oregano, cumin, and cayenne pepper.
Is this Salvadoran cabbage slaw spicy?
Yes, the recipe includes cayenne pepper which provides a zesty kick and heat.
What type of vinegar should I use?
You can use either apple cider vinegar or distilled white vinegar for this recipe.
How should I prepare the vegetables?
The cabbage, carrots, and onion should be finely shredded using a hand-grater or a food processor attachment.
How long does the Curtido need to marinate?
It should rest for at least 4-6 hours at room temperature, though refrigerating it overnight is best for the flavors to meld.
Can I serve this with dishes other than pupusas?
Yes, it pairs beautifully with grilled fish, black beans, burritos, quesadillas, and other hearty meals.
Is there sugar in this recipe?
The recipe includes one teaspoon of brown sugar as an optional ingredient.
How many calories are in a serving of this slaw?
There are approximately 80 calories per serving.
What is the fat content of the recipe?
Each serving contains about 1.4g of fat.
Is this recipe high in fiber?
Yes, it provides 4g of fiber per serving.
How much protein does it contain?
There is approximately 1.1g of protein per serving.
What spices give Curtido its unique flavor?
The aromatic essence comes from a combination of dried oregano, cumin, and cayenne pepper.
Do I need to cook the vegetables?
No, this is a raw salad where the vegetables are softened by the vinegar marinade.
Should the mixture be submerged in liquid?
Yes, use the back of a wooden spoon to press the ingredients down firmly to ensure they are submerged for better marination.
Can I use a food processor?
Yes, a food processor with a grater attachment is recommended for finely shredding the cabbage and carrots.
What is the carbohydrate count?
There are 14.8g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this recipe suitable for a healthy diet?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy recipe and features fresh vegetables and heart-healthy olive oil.
Can I store the leftovers?
Yes, it can be refrigerated for several days; the flavor often improves over time.
What color should the final dish be?
It is a vibrant mix of green cabbage and orange carrots, adding a pop of color to your plate.
Can I serve it at room temperature?
Yes, it can be served either chilled or at room temperature.
Is salt required in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one teaspoon of salt to help season and draw moisture from the vegetables.
What kind of oil is used?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of olive oil.
Is this considered Latino cuisine?
Yes, it is a traditional Salvadoran dish and part of Latino culinary heritage.
Can I make it less spicy?
You can adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your preference for heat.
Does this recipe contain cholesterol?
No, the ingredients used are naturally cholesterol-free.
How much oregano is used?
The recipe calls for 1.5 teaspoons of dried oregano.
Is there water in the marinade?
Yes, 1/2 cup of water is mixed with the vinegar to create the pickling liquid.
How many carrots are needed?
The recipe requires two large shredded carrots.
Should I stir it before serving?
Yes, you should give the curtido a good stir before serving to redistribute the flavors.