Memphis Chopped Coleslaw


WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS The high water content of cabbage is typically to blame for watery slaws. We salted our cabbage to draw out the excess moisture. Memphis Chopped Coleslaw is usually studded with celery seeds and crunchy green peppers and tossed with an unapologetically sugary mustard dressing that’s balanced by a bracing hit of vinegar. To ensure our slaw boasted brash, balanced flavor, we quickly cooked the spicy dressing to meld the flavors and tossed the hot dressing with the cabbage. The salted cabbage absorbed the dressing and became seasoned inside and out. See the sidebar that follows the recipe.

SERVES 8 TO 10

In step 1, the salted, rinsed, and dried cabbage mixture can be refrigerated in a zipper-lock bag for up to 24 hours.

1

head green cabbage (2 pounds), cored and chopped fine (12 cups)

1

jalapeño chile, stemmed, seeded, and minced

1

carrot, peeled and shredded on box grater

1

small onion, peeled and shredded on box grater

2

teaspoons salt

¼

cup yellow mustard

¼

cup chili sauce

¼

cup mayonnaise

¼

cup sour cream

¼

cup cider vinegar

1

teaspoon celery seeds

cup packed light brown sugar

1. Toss cabbage, jalapeño, carrot, onion, and salt in colander set over medium bowl. Let stand until wilted, about 1 hour. Rinse cabbage mixture under cold water, drain, dry well with paper towels, and transfer to large bowl.

2. Bring mustard, chili sauce, mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, celery seeds, and sugar to boil in saucepan over medium heat. Pour over cabbage and toss to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate 1 hour or up to 1 day. Serve.