Hot Red Cabbage Slaw

Bright Winter Hot Slaw

Recipe adapted from Midwest Gardener’s Cookbook

It’s the shortest day of the year, so time is precious. Are you ready for the fastest, simplest, recipe ever blogged at Seasonal Eating? How about a delicious side dish that’s bright purple-red and requires just a microwave and about 20 minutes to prepare? A recipe that’s cheap and uses few ingredients, yet provides vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, fiber, and possible protection from cancer? That requires only a knife and cutting board plus two bowls, one of which can be used for serving? Yes, friends, this recipe is almost too good to be true. And did I mention that it’s delicious?

Next: Add Dressing to Salad and Microwave 4 Minutes

Midwest Gardener’s Cookbook, by Marian K. Towne is an excellent resource for home gardeners. In addition to simple recipes for each season, she gives general instructions for growing and preparing produce. She even addresses indoor winter gardening. I’ve adapted her recipe with more onion, raisins, and cider vinegar to kick up the flavor. I’ve added a bit extra oil to cook the additional onions and raisins and balance the extra vinegar. If you you’re not keen on raisins, try it with dried cranberries.

Last minute potluck? Try making two batches of this recipe. Happy winter solstice. Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday season.

Simply Delicious

Hot Red Cabbage Slaw

Serves 4 – 5

1 small head red cabbage, ~1 lb.

1 large or 2 small apples

3 tbsp. finely chopped onion

3 tbsp. raisins

1½ tbsp. sunflower or other mild oil

3 tbsp. water

3 tbsp. cider vinegar

1 tsp. caraway seeds

1 tsp. salt

Slice red cabbage into quarters and remove core. Slice thinly. You will have about 4 packed cups.

Core apples and slice thinly. You will have about 1¼ cup.

Place sliced cabbage and apples together in a microwavable casserole. Set aside.

Place onion, raisins, and oil in a small microwavable bowl or measuring cup. Microwave on high for 1 minute.

Add water, vinegar, caraway seeds, and salt to the onion mixture. Microwave for 1 minute more.

Pour microwaved dressing over cabbage and apples. Toss to coat. Microwave on high for 1 minute.

Stir the slaw to distribute the dressing. Microwave for 2 minutes.

Stir the slaw again, and test for doneness. If not done, microwave for 1 more minute. When done, slaw will be wilted but still tender-crisp.

Just Add Oil, Vinegar, Water and Salt

Toss Together and Microwave