Coleslaw facts for kids
A bowl of traditional Southern U.S. coleslaw
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| Alternative names | 'Slaw |
|---|---|
| Type | Salad |
| Place of origin | Netherlands, Germany |
| Serving temperature | cold or warm |
| Main ingredients | Cabbage and mayonnaise |
| Variations | without mayonnaise (only oil, vinegar and spices) |
Coleslaw, often called cole slaw or simply slaw, is a popular salad. It is mainly made from finely cut raw cabbage. This salad usually has a dressing. This dressing is often a vinaigrette or mayonnaise. When made with vinaigrette, coleslaw can last for about a month in an airtight container. People enjoy coleslaw as a side dish with many meals. You can find it in restaurants and fast food places around the world.
Contents
What is Coleslaw?
Coleslaw is a simple yet tasty salad. Its main ingredient is always cabbage. The word "coleslaw" comes from an old Dutch word. It means "cabbage salad." This name has been used since before the 1800s.
Different Ways to Make Coleslaw
There are many ways to make coleslaw. You can add other ingredients to the shredded cabbage. Some common additions include red cabbage, bell peppers, shredded carrots, onion, grated cheese, pineapple, or apple.
The dressing can also change. While mayonnaise is very common, some recipes use cream or sour cream. Others use buttermilk. You might also find coleslaw with just oil, vinegar, and spices. Sometimes, people add different seasonings, like celery seed. The cabbage itself can be cut in different ways. It can be finely minced, shredded into strips, or cut into small squares. Some types of slaw even use shredded raw broccoli instead of cabbage.
How People Eat Coleslaw
Coleslaw is usually eaten as a side dish. It goes well with foods like fried chicken and barbecued meats. Often, it is served with French fries or potato salad.
Coleslaw can also be part of a sandwich. It is sometimes put on barbecue sandwiches, hamburgers, and hot dogs. In some places, like with a Primanti Brothers sandwich, a vinegar-based coleslaw is a key ingredient. There is even a special version of the Reuben sandwich called a Rachel. It uses coleslaw instead of sauerkraut.
A Simple Coleslaw Recipe
Here is a basic recipe you can try:
Ingredients
- 6 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrot
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix the shredded cabbage and carrots.
- In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. This is your dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage and carrot mixture.
- Toss everything together until the vegetables are well coated.
- Cover the bowl and let it chill in the refrigerator before serving. This helps the flavors blend.
The History of Coleslaw
The name "coleslaw" came from the Dutch word "koolsla." "Kool" is the Dutch word for "cabbage," and "sla" means "salad." So, "koolsla" literally means "cabbage salad." This name became popular in English in the 18th century.
The main thing that has stayed the same about coleslaw is the raw cabbage. However, the type of cabbage, the dressing, and what other ingredients are added can be very different. People have used dressings made with vinaigrette, mayonnaise, or sour cream. They have also added things like bacon, carrots, bell peppers, pineapple, pickles, onions, and different herbs.
Images for kids
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Purple cabbage coleslaw
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Krautsalat in Munich, Germany
See also
In Spanish: Coleslaw para niños
