COSTA RICAN COLESLAW

Costa Rican Coleslaw image

Here is a version of a recipe I learned from Chris Schlesinger and John Willoughby, in their indispensable guide to beachfront cooking, ''Let the Flames Begin.'' It has been central in my summer cooking repertory for more than a decade. Opinions may vary on the idea of hearts of palm and avocado in a coleslaw, but only until this dish is eaten.

Provided by Sam Sifton

Time 2h10m

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

2 cups fresh orange juice
1 1/2 tablespoons ground cumin
1 small head of green cabbage, cored and sliced thin
1 small head of red cabbage, cored and sliced thin
2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into thin strips
1 jar or can hearts of palm, 12-14 ounces, drained and sliced into thin strips
1 large avocado, peeled, pitted and sliced thin
1 medium tomato, seeded and cut into a fine dice
3 tablespoons red-wine vinegar
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

In a small pot set over medium heat, combine the orange juice and cumin and reduce to 1/2 cup. Let cool.
Combine the cabbages, carrots, hearts of palm and avocado in a large, nonreactive bowl, cover with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator.
Put the diced tomatoes into a small, nonreactive bowl and add to them the reduced orange juice, the vinegar and olive oil and whisk to emulsify. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Pour the dressing over the slaw and mix to combine. Serve immediately, or cover again and place in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours before serving.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 214, UnsaturatedFat 11 grams, Carbohydrate 23 grams, Fat 13 grams, Fiber 6 grams, Protein 4 grams, SaturatedFat 2 grams, Sodium 734 milligrams, Sugar 12 grams