Busy Housewife Slaw
Busy Housewife Slaw is a tangy, sweet, and savory cabbage salad perfect for picnics, potlucks, or family dinners. Its vibrant flavors from vinegar, pimentos, and spices make it a delightful side dish that improves with time, offering a crunchy texture and zesty taste that complements a variety of meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together shredded cabbage, grated onions, chopped bell pepper, and chopped pimento in a large bowl.
- Make a syrup by combining vinegar, mustard seed, turmeric, sugar, celery seed, and salt in a saucepan.
- Stir the syrup and bring to a simmer, then cook for 6 minutes.
- Cool the syrup and then pour it over the slaw mixture.
- Stir well to combine and let the slaw set for at least 24 hours before using.
- Store in a glass jar or similar container. The slaw can keep for 5 to 6 months.
Tips & Substitutions
For added crunch, consider including shredded carrots or radishes. If you prefer a milder flavor, use green bell peppers instead of red. You can substitute apple cider vinegar for white vinegar for a slightly different taste. To make this recipe vegan, ensure that your sugar is unrefined. Allowing the slaw to sit for longer than 24 hours enhances the flavors even more.
Serving Suggestions
This slaw pairs beautifully with grilled meats or sandwiches, making it a perfect summer side. You can also serve it alongside dishes like Granny Hobdy'S Cranberry Salad for a festive touch. For a complete meal, offer it with grilled chicken or fish, or even as a topping on tacos for an added crunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store the Busy Housewife Slaw in a glass jar or airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for 5 to 6 months, making it a great make-ahead dish. If you find the slaw has become too watery over time, simply drain some liquid before serving. There’s no need to reheat; it’s best enjoyed cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Busy Housewife Slaw contains roughly 801 calories, with 24g protein, 176g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (195% of the Daily Value), and potassium (106% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2212mg per serving (96% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cabbage?
Yes, you can substitute green cabbage with Napa or red cabbage for a different flavor and color. Each type will give a unique texture and taste to the slaw, so feel free to experiment based on your preference.
How can I reduce the sweetness of the slaw?
If you find the slaw too sweet, reduce the sugar by half and increase the vinegar slightly to balance the flavors. You can also add a pinch of salt to enhance the overall taste, making it less sugary.
Is this recipe suitable for canning?
While this recipe is designed for refrigeration, it can be canned if you follow proper canning procedures. Make sure to sterilize your jars and process them in a water bath for safety. However, flavor may vary slightly after canning.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).