A Southern Grace: i get by with a little help...

May 5, 2015

i get by with a little help...

Yum

...from prepackaged shredded cabbage.


I'm clearly on another one of my food kicks, and this time, I'm tearing through bottles of vinegar and bags of sugar. Yes, it's another sweet and sour recipe, and this time, it's something that can double as a side dish and a condiment: Slaw. Cabbage and pepper slaw, to be specific. While this stuff can definitely be eaten by itself, it's best atop a pork or chicken barbecue sandwich or hot dog.

If you're like me, you probably have some items in your cabinet with unknown origins. While I was fruitlessly searching for some celery seeds for this slaw, I found an unopened bottle of Beau Monde seasoning, which listed celery seed as an ingredient. I have no idea where I got this stuff or really what it's meant to season, but I added it to the slaw, and it was good. Thank you, mystery Beau Monde seasoning benefactor!


This is super easy to make, especially if you lazily use cabbage that's already been shredded. You can chop up the pepper and celery in the time it takes for the sugar-vinegar syrup to come to a boil, and then you're done...except for that blasted fridge time. It really is better after a night in the fridge, so plan accordingly!

Sweet and Sour Slaw
Adapted from a willy-nilly combination of several recipes
Ingredients:
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 8 cups shredded cabbage
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon mustard seed
  • 1/2 teaspoon Beau Monde Seasoning
Directions:
Combine the sugar, vinegar, water, and salt in a small saucepan and heat until the sugar dissolves.
Mix the cabbage, chopped peppers, and chopped celery in a large bowl, then sprinkle the black pepper, mustard seed, and Beau Monde seasoning over the top and stir in.
Pour the warm dressing over the veggies and toss to get everything mixed.
Refrigerate at least an hour, but overnight is best.

14 comments:

Rosa's Yummy Yums said...

Lovely slaw! I'm a big fan of this kind of salad.

Cheers,

Rosa

Cali @ Cali's Cuisine said...

Nothing wrong with getting a little help from a healthy pre-packaged option! (One of my favorites is the broccoli slaw. It's what they use the remaining stock after florettes have been used for a higher end use.)

Angie's Recipes said...

I adore crunchy slaw too. If it's fresh, I don't mind using pre-packaged stuff either, esp. if I am HUNGRY and need to have the dinner ready in 10 minutes.

Bianca @ Confessions of a Chocoholic said...

I love slaw. I buy shredded cabbage too!

Sue/the view from great island said...

My mom made a mean slaw, and it's one of my favorites - love this!

Pam said...

I love sweet & sour slaw, especially on top of bbq sandwiches. YUM.

Big Rigs 'n Lil' Cookies said...

I really don't fit in to well out here in my part of the country. I do not prefer the standard creamy coleslaw. I like how yours sounds!
Will keep my eyes open for that seasoning.

Barbara said...

That's a super looking slaw, Grace. I like the sweet sour combo. Bet it would be fabulous on a burger too.

Juliana said...

This slaw looks so refreshing...and I love the sweet and sour...great for the warm weather.
Enjoy your week Grace :)

Erica said...

I love slaws!!!Your recipe sounds perfect, Grace!

Marjie said...

Nothing wrong with letting someone else take care of the shredding.

Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella said...

Ooh I have some in my cupboard too and I think I bought them for a random recipe but I don't remember what! Oh that's right pickles! I think it would be lovely to have a mysterious seasoning benefactor :P

Marcela said...

I am soooooo sold! It looks delicious!

I Wilkerson said...

Oh I just tossed a bottle of Beau Monde seasoning because I wasn't using it and it was getting old :( Your slaw looks delicious!