Guelah Papyrus
So even though I cook a lot, every once in a while I'll make something - either by accident or on purpose - that I'm exceedingly proud of. Last night I threw together a yummy asian-type cabbage salad (of all things!) that was really, really excellent and totally unexpected.
M and I have been eating a pre-made salad from Whole Foods lately called "Cabbage Crunch." I bought a head of cabbage last week because I was planning on making another Nigella recipe but never got around to it and was worried that the cabbage would go bad if I kept it much longer. So I decided to try to make my own "Cabbage Crunch"-type salad and ended up with something far, far better.
- 1 head green cabbage
- chopped scallions (5? 6?)
- toasted sesame seeds (toast in a dry frying pan)
- toasted almonds (as above. I used blanched, slivered almonds.)
- cilantro (about 1/2 a bunch)
- salt, pepper, red pepper flakes
- sesame oil
- white wine vinegar
Shred the cabbage in a food processor. I used the shredding disk for half and the slicing disk for half which I think gave the salad a lot more interest and texture. Add in the scallions, sesame seeds, almonds, and cilantro and toss. Add in the spices, oil, and vinegar and toss again. Correct for seasoning.
I didn't give measurements, because I didn't use any myself. I just started with a little oil (sesame oil is a strong, distinct flavor so be careful) and added to my own taste as the salad mixed together. I think that the cilantro and the almonds are key here, so don't be skimpy.
I don't usually eat as I cook (except to taste for seasoning, etc.), but I couldn't stop picking at this before dinner. I think that's when I knew I had stumbled on something really yummy. I just finished up the leftovers for lunch, which is a nice change from a traditional salad. I would serve this with marinated steak (as we did last night) or a nice piece of salmon.
Cabbage. Who knew?
Comments
Excellent - I love that king of easy yet surprisingly yummy recipe, and I happen to have a small head of cabbage that needs using up, so multiple thanks!!
Posted by: clotilde | February 17, 2004 03:09 AM