American Kitchen Classic Lexington Style Red Slaw Recipes
The American Kitchen Classic Lexington Style Red Slaw Recipes is a popular food culture in the United States. Also known as "barbecue slaw," it is a staple dish in the southern parts of the country, especially in the state of North Carolina.
Origins of Lexington Style Red Slaw
The recipe for Lexington Style Red Slaw has been around for many years, and it originated in North Carolina in the early 1900s. The dish was created as a variation of regular coleslaw, which is made using shredded cabbage and mayonnaise. Lexington Style Red Slaw, on the other hand, is made using the same ingredients, but with the addition of vinegar, ketchup, and red pepper flakes.
Ingredients used in Lexington Style Red Slaw
The ingredients used to make Lexington Style Red Slaw include shredded cabbage, vinegar, ketchup, sugar, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. The cabbage used is a specific type called "red slaw," which is reddish-purple in color and has a sweeter taste than regular cabbage.
Preparation process
To prepare Lexington Style Red Slaw, the cabbage is first shredded into thin strips and placed in a large mixing bowl. The next step is to add the vinegar, ketchup, sugar, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to the cabbage and mix until everything is well combined.
After mixing, the bowl is covered with plastic wrap and placed in the refrigerator for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld together. Once chilled, the slaw is ready to be served as a side dish or added to barbecue sandwiches as a topping.
Variations of Lexington Style Red Slaw
Lexington Style Red Slaw is a versatile recipe that can be customized to suit individual preferences. Some variations of the recipe include using different types of cabbage or adding extra ingredients such as diced onions, jalapeños, or carrots.
In addition, some people prefer their slaw to be sweeter, while others prefer a spicier flavor. The amount of sugar and red pepper flakes used can be adjusted to achieve the desired taste.
Health benefits
Lexington Style Red Slaw is a healthy dish that is low in calories and high in fiber. Cabbage, the primary ingredient used, is packed with nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate. Additionally, vinegar, which is a key component of the recipe, has been shown to aid in weight loss and improve heart health.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the American Kitchen Classic Lexington Style Red Slaw Recipes is a delicious and healthy dish that has been enjoyed by many for generations. Whether it is eaten as a side dish or added to barbecue sandwiches, it is a staple food in the southern parts of the United States. With its versatility and various health benefits, there is no doubt that Lexington Style Red Slaw will continue to be a favorite food culture for years to come.
American kitchen classic Lexington style red slaw is a delicious side dish that is very popular in Southern American cuisine. This slaw is made using red cabbage, carrots, and vinegar-based dressing, giving the dish a vibrant color and tangy flavor. This dish can be served as a side dish with grilled meats or as a topping for sandwiches. If you want to make a lip-smacking Lexington style red slaw, then here are some valuable tips to follow.
Selecting the ingredients
The quality of ingredients used in making Lexington style red slaw has a significant impact on the taste and texture of the dish. It is essential to select the freshest red cabbage and carrots available in the market. The cabbage should be tightly packed and not wilted. The carrots should be firm and have a bright orange color. In addition, use only fresh herbs and spices, preferably those that are dried and not expired. Using fresh ingredients will result in a slaw that is flavorful and aromatic.
Preparing the vegetables
Preparing the vegetables before you start making the Lexington style red slaw is crucial to the dish's overall taste and texture. The cabbage needs to be sliced very thinly. This can be achieved using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife. The carrots should be peeled, and either grated or julienned into thin strips. Grinding the carrot using a food processor is also a good option. After slicing the vegetables, sprinkle a small amount of salt over them, and leave them to rest for a few minutes. Doing this will draw out some of the water from the vegetables and make them more tender.
Creating a dressing that complements the slaw
The dressing used in Lexington style red slaw is usually vinegar-based, and it is what gives the slaw its tangy flavor. To make the dressing, you need to combine vinegar, sugar, salt, mustard powder, and celery seeds in a bowl. You can also add other flavorings such as garlic, lemon juice, or lime to the dressing to enhance its taste. Whisk the mixture well and gradually add oil while whisking. This will ensure that the oil and vinegar emulsify, creating a creamy texture.
Letting the slaw chill before serving
Refrigerating the Lexington style red slaw for at least an hour before serving is an essential step. This will allow the flavors of the vegetables and the dressing to meld together, resulting in a harmonious taste. Additionally, the chill will help the slaw attain a crisp texture, making it more enjoyable to eat.
Adding other ingredients to the slaw
Although the traditional Lexington style red slaw recipe calls for red cabbage and carrots only, you can add other ingredients to the slaw to make it more flavorful. Adding diced onions or thinly sliced green onions will add an extra layer of flavor to the dish. You can also add diced apples, raisins, or dried cranberries to the slaw to give it a sweet and fruity taste.
Variations of the Lexington style red slaw
There are many variations of the Lexington style red slaw recipe that can be made to suit different tastes. Some people prefer a creamier slaw, and they will add mayonnaise or sour cream to the dressing. Others will use different types of vinegar or citrus juice to create a more tangy or citrusy flavor. Additionally, you can adjust the amount of sugar used in the dressing to either make the slaw sweeter or more savory.
Conclusion
In conclusion, making a delicious Lexington style red slaw is not difficult when you follow these valuable tips. The most important aspect of making this dish is selecting the freshest and highest quality ingredients available. Additionally, taking the time to prepare the vegetables correctly, creating a good dressing that complements the slaw, and letting the slaw chill before serving are crucial steps in making a great-tasting slaw. Finally, adding other ingredients to the slaw or trying variations of the recipe can yield exciting results. With these tips, you can create a perfect Lexington style red slaw that will impress your guests and leave them wanting more.
