Alice Waters Cabbage Slaw: An Adaptation Recipe
Alice Waters is a renowned chef, restaurateur, and advocate of the farm-to-table movement. She is known for her emphasis on using locally sourced, seasonal, and organic ingredients in her cooking. One of her signature dishes is the cabbage slaw, which is a refreshing and healthy side dish that can be served with any meal. In this article, we will discuss the adaptation of Alice Waters' cabbage slaw recipe and how you can make it at home.
Ingredients
To make Alice Waters' cabbage slaw, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 head of green cabbage
- 1 carrot
- 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Start by preparing the ingredients. Remove any tough or damaged outer leaves of the cabbage and cut it into quarters. Remove the core and slice the cabbage thinly. Peel the carrot and grate it using a food processor or a grater.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the white wine vinegar, olive oil, honey, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
3. Add the sliced cabbage and grated carrot to the bowl and toss well to coat with the dressing. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Adaptation
Alice Waters' cabbage slaw recipe is a simple and classic dish that can be easily adapted to suit your taste preferences. Here are some ideas for how you can customize the recipe:
- Add some crunch: To add more texture to the slaw, you can mix in some chopped nuts, such as almonds, pecans, or walnuts. You can also add some seeds, such as sunflower or pumpkin seeds, for a nut-free option.
- Use different types of cabbage: Instead of using only green cabbage, you can mix in some red cabbage for a colorful and nutritious slaw. Napa cabbage, also known as Chinese cabbage, is another great option that has a milder and sweeter flavor.
- Adjust the dressing: If you prefer a tangier slaw, you can increase the amount of vinegar and reduce the amount of honey. You can also add some lemon juice or lime juice for a citrusy kick. If you want a creamier dressing, you can mix in some Greek yogurt or sour cream.
- Add some herbs: To enhance the flavor of the slaw, you can add some fresh herbs, such as parsley, cilantro, or dill. You can also mix in some dried herbs, such as oregano, thyme, or basil.
- Make it spicy: If you like some heat, you can add some chopped jalapeno or serrano peppers to the slaw. You can also mix in some hot sauce or chili flakes for a spicy kick.
Conclusion
Alice Waters' cabbage slaw is a refreshing and healthy side dish that can be easily adapted to suit your taste preferences. By following the simple recipe and the adaptation ideas mentioned above, you can create your own version of this classic dish. Whether you serve it with grilled chicken, burgers, or tacos, this slaw is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try and enjoy the delicious flavors and textures of this simple yet satisfying dish.
Alice Waters cabbage slaw is a nutritious, refreshing and easy-to-make recipe that is enjoyed by many. However, as much as the original recipe remains a go-to choice for many, it is possible to make some adaptations to improve or personalize the recipe. If you are planning to make Alice Waters cabbage slaw and seeking valuable tips to make an adaptation, here are some helpful insights.
Understanding the Original Recipe
Before making any adaptation, it is essential to understand the original recipe comprehensively. Alice Waters cabbage slaw is a deliciously simple recipe that requires few ingredients but results in a dish bursting with flavor.
To make the original recipe, you need shredded cabbage, carrots, green onions, and parsley. While Alice Waters incorporates subtle flavors of lemon in the slaw, you can also add honey, vinegar, or Dijon mustard to add more acidity or sweetness to the recipe. The recipe takes about 15 to 20 minutes to make.
Valuable Tips for Making Adaptations
1. Experiment with Different Dressings
The beauty of making cabbage slaw is the versatility of experimenting with the dressing flavors. Alice Waters dressing is light and refreshing, which suits many. Nonetheless, you can explore different dressing flavors that suit your taste. For instance, you can use Greek yogurt dressings, peanut butter dressing or jalapeno-cilantro dressing, among other flavors. However, ensure that the dressing complements the flavors of the cabbage and do not overshadow the dish's natural taste.
2. Incorporate Different Cabbage Varieties
The traditional cabbage slaw recipe consists of green or purple cabbage. However, you can incorporate other cabbage varieties to make a unique slaw. For instance, you can use savoy cabbage, napa cabbage, or bok choy, depending on your preference. Notably, different cabbage varieties vary in texture and flavors, so ensure that the variety you choose is compatible with the added ingredients and dressing.
3. Add More Vegetables and Fruits
While the traditional cabbage slaw recipe contains carrots and parsley, you can add other vegetables and fruits to the dish to enhance the nutrition and flavor profile. Some of the vegetables and fruits to add include apples, pears, celery, or bell peppers. When choosing additional ingredients, ensure that they complement the cabbage flavors and do not compromise the crunch.
4. Play Around with the Herbs
Herbs play a vital role in enhancing the flavor and nutritional value of cabbage slaw. You can change the flavor profile of the dish by using herbs that suit your taste. Notably, Alice Waters cabbage slaw recipe uses parsley, but you can use other herbs such as cilantro, chives, or basil. However, ensure that the herbs do not take over the natural cabbage flavors.
5. Customize the Texture
Texture matters in making cabbage slaw. You can make some adjustments to customize the texture of the dish to your liking. For instance, you can use a mandoline to slice the ingredients thinly to achieve a delicate and tender texture. Alternatively, you can chop the vegetables coarsely to get a crunchy texture. You can also change the size of the shredded vegetables to vary the texture of the slaw.
6. Add some Protein
To make the slaw more nutritious and satisfying, you can add a protein source to the dish. Grilled chicken, roasted turkey, or boiled eggs are excellent protein options to add to cabbage slaw. Notably, when adding protein to the dish, ensure that they complement the cabbage flavors and do not overshadow the dish's natural taste.
Conclusion
Alice Waters cabbage slaw is an excellent side dish that is easy to make, versatile, and refreshing. However, making adaptations to the recipe can make the dish more personalized and enjoyable. Incorporating different cabbage varieties, fruits, vegetables or adjusting the dressing and texture can make the dish unique and delightful. As you make adaptations, ensure that the added ingredients complement the cabbage flavors and do not overshadow the dish's natural taste.
