Bursting with summer’s bounty, this slaw is a colorful fiesta. The best renditions of this summer harvest celebration, introduced to me by New England chef Jasper White, utilize whatever vegetables are freshest and best at the market—the more the better!
Serves 8
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 small head Napa cabbage or regular green cabbage (about 1 pound)
- 1 large “horse” carrot, or 2 regular carrots, peeled
- 1/4 pound snow peas
- 1 each red, yellow, and green bell peppers, seeded
- 12 green beans
- 1 small red onion
- 2 ears fresh sweet corn, shucked
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 cup cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (preferably peanut oil)
- Pinch of celery seeds
- Salt and black pepper to taste
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Quarter and core the cabbage; slice as thinly as possible. Using a swivel peeler, shave carrot into as many paper-thin curls as you can. Discard or save remaining carrot for another use. Cut carrot curls, snow peas, bell peppers, green beans, and onion into fine julienne. Cut corn kernels from the cob.
- Combine all vegetables in a large mixing bowl; dress with sugar, vinegar, oil, celery seeds, salt, and pepper. Allow to sit at least 10 minutes before serving. This is an excellent accompaniment to crispy fried foods like beer-battered onion rings.
TIPS:
- To make this slaw even more vibrant, consider using a mix of different colored bell peppers, such as red, yellow, and green.
- If you’re short on time, you can use pre-shredded cabbage and pre-cut vegetables to save some preparation effort.
- Adjust the sugar, vinegar, and seasonings to suit your taste. You can add a touch more sugar for extra sweetness or increase the cider vinegar for a tangier flavor.
- This slaw pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, seafood, or as a topping for burgers and sandwiches. It’s versatile, so don’t hesitate to get creative with your serving ideas.
- For a little extra kick, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.
- This slaw can be prepared in advance and refrigerated. It often tastes even better after the flavors have melded together for a few hours.
- Feel free to experiment with different vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have on hand. Radishes, cucumbers, or even some fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can be exciting additions.
Serve and enjoy your colorful summer vegetable slaw!
So, dive into these culinary adventures and savor the deliciousness of homemade salads and dressings. Whether you’re enjoying a summer picnic or a cozy winter meal, these recipes bring a burst of flavor and color to your table. Happy cooking!
Feel free to add any serving suggestions or tips if you have them.
