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Jalapeño Coleslaw

American Side Dish
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Posted on: 2024-01-30
Updated on: 2024-02-03 15:31:03 by Mike

Mike
Image Of Jalapeño Coleslaw Ready To Eat.

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Description

Coleslaw, often the unsung hero of side dishes, truly deserves a culinary makeover. It's not just about shredding some cabbage and tossing it in mayo; it's an art of balancing fresh ingredients with intriguing flavors and textures. Let's break down this coleslaw and see why I think it's a standout dish.

Firstly, the base: fresh red and green cabbage, shredded meticulously (safety first with those kitchen gloves!). Shredding manually allows us to control the texture, ensuring each strand is crisp and perfect. Cabbage isn't just a filler; it's a canvas, offering a crunchy, slightly sweet backdrop.

Carrots are next, shredded to match the cabbage. Their vibrant color and natural sweetness elevate the slaw, adding not only a visual appeal but also a delightful crunch.

Red onions, tightly diced, bring a pungent, sharp edge. But here's the trick – a quick soak in water. This "mellow out" bath tames their bite, leaving them with a subtle sweetness that complements the other ingredients.

Now, for the citrus twist: lime juice and zest. This isn't just about adding tang; it's about injecting a fresh, zesty spark that cuts through the richness. Lime zest, in particular, offers an aromatic, floral note – a small detail that makes a big impact.

The dressing is simple yet effective: good old apple cider vinegar for its bright acidity, Duke’s mayo for its creamy, rich texture, and a touch of fresh honey. The honey isn't just for sweetness; it's a balancing act, smoothing out the acidity and marrying the flavors together.

Jalapeños, seeded and diced, are the real game-changers. They introduce a gentle heat, a slight kick that makes each bite exciting. Their fresh, green spiciness is crucial, providing a contrast to the creamy elements.

Toasted almonds added just before serving are what takes this dish to the moon. They bring a nutty crunch, a contrast to the creamy slaw, ensuring they remain crisp and don't lose their textural integrity.

Finally, chopped cilantro adds a fresh, herby dimension. It's not just a garnish; it's an integral part of the flavor profile mixed in with the dry ingredients, offering a bright, slightly citrusy note that ties everything together.

In this Jalapeño Coleslaw, every ingredient has a purpose, playing its part in creating a symphony of flavors and textures. It's a testament to the fact that with a little extra time and care, coleslaw can be transformed from a mundane side dish into a culinary masterpiece, bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors and a variety of textures that make it truly worth making.

Add toasted almond before serving
Add Toasted Almond Before Serving by Mike Kearns

Jalapeño Coleslaw Ingredients

Step-By-Step Instructions

Image of Jalapeño Coleslaw ready to use/eat. Jalapeño Coleslaw

Prep Time: 30 minutes.

Cook Time: 2 minutes.

Total Time: 32 minutes.

Yield: 12 Servings

Nutrition Information: 320 Calories per cup

Ingredients:
  • 1/4 Cup Cilantro Chopped
  • 3 Jalapeños Seeded and Diced
  • 2 TBSP Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 2 Carrots Shredded
  • 1/2 Head Red Cabbage Shredded
  • 1/2 Cup Almonds Toasted
  • 1 TBSP Honey
  • 1/2 Red Onion Diced
  • 1/2 Head Green Cabbage
  • 3/4 Cup Mayonnaise
  • 1 Lime Zest and Juice
Instructions:
  • Step 1 - Gather your ingredients. For this recipe, you will need #1 - ¼ Cup Cilantro Chopped, #2 - 3 Jalapeños Seeded and Diced, #3 - 2 TBSP Apple Cider Vinegar, #4 - 2 Medium Carrots Shredded, #5 - ½ Head Red Cabbage Shredded, #6 - ½ Cup Almonds Toasted, #7 - 1 TBSP Honey, #8 - ½ Red Onion Diced, #9 - ½ Head Green Cabbage, #10 - ¾ Cup Mayonnaise, #11 - 1 Lime Zest and Juice.
  • Step 2 - Mix dry ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine red and green cabbage, diced jalapeños, shredded carrots, chopped cilantro, red onions together. I like to use a cheese grater for the cabbage. I use the grater side with elongated, horizontal slots and shred. Carrots are peeled, then I use the course grating slot like you are shredding cheddar. Red onions are finely diced then need to set in water for 10 minutes prior to adding to the mix. Once you have all the dry ingredients in the large bowl, mix them well with your freshly washed hands.
  • Step 3 - Mix wet ingredients. In a small mixing bowl, add mayonnaise, honey, lime zest and juice, and apple cider vinegar to the bowl and whisk until smooth. Using a baggie and rolling pin or mortar and pestle, crush the almonds into bits then into a medium-low saute pan for 5 minutes.
  • Step 4 - Mix wet and dry ingredients together. Pour the contents of the small bowl - your liquids, into the large mixing bowl where all the dry ingredients are. Mix well. Use a wooden spoon and mix for a few minutes. The slaw is ready to eat, but becomes even better after a few hours in the refrigerator. Store in a covered container until you are ready to serve, then be sure to top with the toasted almonds.
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Jalapeño Coleslaw Drink Pairings

Alcoholic
  • Sauvignon Blanc

    The crisp acidity and citrus notes of a Sauvignon Blanc can complement the tanginess of the lime and apple cider vinegar, while also balancing the heat from the jalapeños.

  • Pale Ale

    A pale ale, with its balanced bitterness, can stand up to the spiciness of the jalapeños without overwhelming the flavors of the coleslaw.

  • Rosé

    A dry rosé with hints of berry and citrus can pair nicely with the spicy and tangy flavors of the coleslaw, offering a refreshing contrast.

  • Riesling (Off-Dry)

    An off-dry Riesling, with its balance of sweetness and acidity, can help soothe the heat from the jalapeños while complementing the sweetness of the honey and carrots.

  • Mezcal Margarita

    A mezcal margarita, with its smoky flavor, combined with the tang of lime and a touch of sweetness, can echo the complexity of the coleslaw's flavors and add a smoky depth.

Non-Alcoholic
  • Sparkling Lime Water

    The zestiness of sparkling lime water can mirror the tanginess of the coleslaw, providing a refreshing palate cleanser between bites.

  • Ginger Beer

    Non-alcoholic ginger beer offers a spicy kick that can stand up to the jalapeños, while its inherent sweetness balances the salad's acidity.

  • Iced Green Tea

    The subtle bitterness and astringency of green tea can complement the coleslaw's spicy and tangy profile, offering a refreshing and cleansing effect.

  • Cucumber Mint Water

    A chilled cucumber mint water provides a cooling effect, ideal for balancing the heat from the jalapeños, while also adding a fresh, herbal note.

  • Apple Cider Vinegar Drink

    A diluted apple cider vinegar drink with a touch of honey and water can echo the coleslaw's flavors, enhancing the overall taste experience with its similar acidic and sweet profile.