When it comes to dinner and meal ideas, there's a timeless classic that never fails to impress — the old - fashioned coleslaw. This dish, a harmonious blend of mixed cabbages and carrots, is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a visual delight on your dinner plate.
The foundation of this wonderful coleslaw lies in its choice of vegetables. Cabbages, with their crisp texture and mild flavor, form the bulk of the salad. You can use a combination of green and red cabbages to add both color and a slight variation in taste. The green cabbage offers a fresh, clean flavor, while the red cabbage brings a slightly earthy and sweeter note. Shredding the cabbages thinly is crucial as it allows them to absorb the dressing evenly and gives the coleslaw a light and airy texture.
Carrots, on the other hand, are the perfect addition. Their natural sweetness provides a wonderful contrast to the cabbages. Grated carrots add a pop of bright orange color to the salad, making it even more appealing. The carrots also bring in a bit of crunch, enhancing the overall mouthfeel of the coleslaw.
Now, let's talk about the star of the show — the traditional sweet - and - tart celery seed dressing. Celery seeds are a key ingredient that gives this dressing its unique flavor profile. They have a slightly bitter and tangy taste that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the carrots and the mildness of the cabbages. To make the dressing, you'll typically start with a base of mayonnaise. Mayonnaise provides a rich and creamy texture that coats the vegetables beautifully. However, to balance out the richness, a bit of vinegar is added. The vinegar adds a tartness that cuts through the creaminess and gives the dressing a refreshing edge. You can use white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or even red wine vinegar depending on your preference.
To sweeten the dressing, a touch of sugar is added. Just enough to counterbalance the tartness of the vinegar and bring out the natural flavors of the vegetables. The combination of these ingredients creates a dressing that is both sweet and tart, with a hint of the distinctive celery seed flavor.
One of the great things about this old - fashioned coleslaw is how easy it is to make. First, prepare your vegetables. Wash the cabbages and carrots thoroughly. Use a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer to shred the cabbages as thinly as possible. Grate the carrots using a box grater. Place the shredded cabbages and grated carrots in a large bowl.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and celery seeds. Start with a small amount of each ingredient and adjust the quantities according to your taste. You can add more vinegar for a tangier dressing or more sugar for a sweeter one. Once the dressing is well - combined, pour it over the vegetables in the large bowl.
Use a large spoon or a pair of tongs to gently toss the vegetables and the dressing together. Make sure that all the vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing. You can let the coleslaw sit in the refrigerator for a while before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to absorb the dressing, making the coleslaw even more delicious.
Old - fashioned coleslaw is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. It makes a perfect side dish for grilled meats such as burgers, hot dogs, or barbecued chicken. The crispness of the coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the meats. You can also use it as a topping for sandwiches. A scoop of coleslaw on a turkey or ham sandwich adds a burst of flavor and a bit of crunch.
For a more substantial meal, you can turn the coleslaw into a main course. Add some cooked chicken or shrimp to the coleslaw for a protein - packed salad. You can also sprinkle some nuts or seeds on top for an extra crunch and a boost of healthy fats. This way, you can enjoy the deliciousness of the old - fashioned coleslaw as a complete and satisfying dinner.
In conclusion, the old - fashioned coleslaw with its mixed cabbages, carrots, and sweet - and - tart celery seed dressing is a must - try for anyone looking for a simple yet delicious dinner or meal idea. Its ease of preparation, versatility, and wonderful flavor make it a classic that will always have a place on your dinner table.