Since we are knee deep in Halloween season, I wanted to offer up a recipe that is good for keeping the vampires at bay.
Garlic Coleslaw is one of those family recipes that no one in the family is quite sure who in the family came up with it. If I’m wrong family, please do let me know. I’m sure it’s a good story.
Juice one lemon for the Garlic Coleslaw Dressing
I am a lover of strong flavors and this recipe is not for the faint of heart or palate. The ingredients are simple, but it packs an impressive punch for an easy side. Bonus: Vampires will shun you. Just make sure everyone around you has some as well. You don’t want to be shunned by your significant other too.
Garlic Coleslaw
This recipe is perfect for 2-4 people, but can be doubled for more of an extended family sized side.
Finely shredded cabbage
Ingredients:
- 1/2 head Green Cabbage (or really, you could use red cabbage or savoy cabbage)
- 1/4 cup Olive Oil or Grapeseed Oil
- Juice from 1 Lemon
- 2 Garlic Cloves, minced
- 3/4 teaspoons salt
- Fresh Ground Pepper, to taste
Ingredients for the dressing: lemon juice, oil, salt, pepper, garlic – and lots of it
Method:
Core the cabbage and then shred it – the finer the better. I suppose you could use a mandolin here… I don’t because I just know I would shave my fingers off (and probably attract those vampires we are so trying to avoid).
In a large bowl, mix up the dressing. Add the olive oil, lemon, minced garlic, salt and pepper. Whisk it together with a fork.
Toss in the cabbage then toss the cabbage with the dressing. It tastes better if you let it sit for a half an hour or more to let the flavors get to know each other. The cabbage will pickle a bit in the salt and acid from the lemon juice. Unlike most dressed salads, leftovers are good the next day too.
For the garlic lover or vampire hunter
If you want something beyond the basics:
- Add some Adobo seasoning in place of the salt and pepper, and serve with tacos. Really excellent with fish tacos. You can also add some rough chopped cilantro and swap out the lemon in favor of lime.
- A touch of grainy German Mustard makes this a worth accompaniment for Brats
- A a dollop of mayo for a creamier version to top some pulled pork
Enjoy!
-Lydia, vampire repeller
