How to make coleslaw

Basically Coleslaw, or Cole Slaw as it is also known, is shredded cabbage. Of course, these days it is so much more.

Served as a side dish, or as part of a salad, good coleslaw is tasty and refreshing. You can buy coleslaw ready made, and usually packaged in a tub, from most supermarkets. This ready prepared coleslaw is available in quite a few different varieties such as:-

• Prawn coleslaw
• Cheese coleslaw
• Low fat coleslaw
• Extra creamy coleslaw
• Vegetarian Coleslaw

These are but a few, as the choice is huge.

However, if you make your own coleslaw at home you can use your imagination and utilise far more ingredients. Hopefully home-made coleslaw will be made from the freshest ingredients and you will know exactly what this food contains, especially if you have made your own mayonnaise dressing.

Shop bought coleslaw can be tasty but, more often than not, it disappoints. In fact cheap varieties can be watery and not very nice at all.

​Basic Ingredients

• 300gs White Cabbage
• 2 Carrots
• 4 Spring Onions or One large onion
• 2 tablespoons of Mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon of mustard
• Splash of vinegar
• Salt and Pepper
• Tsp of sugar
• Large Bowl
• Small Bowl
• Cling film
• Metal Spoon
• Sharp knife or Grater

Prepare the vegetables

• Thinly slice, chop or ideally shred the cabbage, carrots and onion.

• Place in the large bowl.

Make the dressing

• Place the mayonnaise into the small bowl.
• Add the mustard, vinegar, salt, pepper and sugar to taste. Once you have made this recipe a few times you will now how much of each ingredient suits your taste.
• Try mixing a small amount first in order to get the right balance for you.
• Mix the ingredients well with a spoon.

Combine the two to make your Coleslaw

• Add the dressing to your bowl of shredded cabbage, carrot and onion.
• Stir well to mix.
• Cover with cling film and leave for at least half an hour in a refrigerator.
• This will help chill the coleslaw and improve its flavour.

Variety is the spice of life
Once you can easily, and confidently, make a basic Coleslaw try experimenting, for example:

• Use different salad onions or shallots. Try chives also.
• Replace the white cabbage with Red Cabbage, Broccoli or even Chinese leaves.
• Try adding your favourite cheese or prawns to the mix.
• Add fresh garlic.
• Serve in warm Pitta Bread with salad and chunks of meat.
• There are no hard and fast rules it is up to you. This dish uses fresh raw vegetables and so is always full of vitamins. Just choose vegetables that appeal to you and your family or guests.
• The amounts used above should be adequate for four servings. Obviously adjust amounts for your needs.
• Make an extra rich version or a low-fat one
  

Tips and Warnings

• The fresher the ingredients, the more healthy the coleslaw will be
• Use low fat dressings for a healthier option
• Make fresh ​to eat rather than storing in the refrigerator