Cabbage Salad

Cabbage Salad is a delightful and versatile dish that features finely shredded or chopped cabbage dressed in a tangy and creamy dressing. This salad offers a refreshing and crunchy texture combined with the rich flavors of its dressing. It’s a classic side dish that can complement a wide range of meals and is a staple in many culinary traditions.

Cabbage is one of the oldest cultivated vegetables, with a history dating back thousands of years. Throughout the centuries, it has been a staple in the diets of many cultures due to its hardiness, availability, and versatility.

Cabbage salads have a long history in various cuisines. Cabbage’s natural crunchiness and mild flavor make it an ideal candidate for salads. The practice of combining cabbage with a flavorful dressing can be found in many culinary traditions, from coleslaw in the United States to sauerkraut salads in Eastern Europe.

The dressing in this recipe, featuring Crisco (vegetable shortening), hot vinegar, mustard, sugar, and cream, creates a delightful blend of savory, tangy, and creamy flavors. The use of vinegar and mustard adds a pleasant acidity and complexity to the dressing.

Cabbage Salad’s popularity in the mid-20th century in the United States can be attributed to the convenience of using readily available ingredients and the desire for dishes that were both satisfying and economical. It became a staple at family gatherings and potlucks, where it was appreciated for its crowd-pleasing qualities.

Today, Cabbage Salad remains a beloved side dish with variations found in cuisines around the world. It’s cherished for its simplicity, versatility, and the delightful contrast of textures and flavors.

INGREDIENTS

For the Salad:

• 2 cups shredded cabbage (thin strips or finely chopped)

For the Dressing:

• 2 tablespoons Crisco (vegetable shortening)
• 1/2 cup hot vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 onion (finely cut)
• 1/2 cup sweet or sour cream, milk, or water (for dissolving sugar)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Prepare the Cabbage:
   • Shave 2 cups of shredded cabbage into thin strips, or finely chop the cabbage. Ensure it’s clean and well-prepared.
2. Prepare the Dressing:
   • In a separate bowl, combine the dressing ingredients:
     • 2 tablespoons Crisco (vegetable shortening)
     • 1/2 cup hot vinegar
     • 1 teaspoon dry mustard
     • 1 tablespoon sugar
     • 1 teaspoon salt
     • 1/8 teaspoon pepper
     • 1/2 onion, finely cut
     • 1/2 cup sweet or sour cream, milk, or water (for dissolving sugar)
3. Dissolve Sugar:
   • Dissolve the sugar in the sweet or sour cream, milk, or water. Mix until the sugar is fully incorporated into the liquid.
4. Combine Cabbage and Dressing:
   • Mix the finely shredded or chopped cabbage with the dressing mixture. Ensure that the cabbage is well-coated with the dressing.
5. Serve:
   • Cabbage Salad can be served slightly warmed, so consider warming it before serving if desired.

Cabbage Salad is a versatile and enduring dish that pairs well with a wide range of main courses. Its combination of textures and flavors, from the crunch of cabbage to the tangy creaminess of the dressing, makes it a favorite for those seeking a refreshing and satisfying side dish.