Salvadoran · Side · Easy
Curtido (Salvadoran Cabbage Slaw)
0.0 (0 ratings)- Total
- 2 hr 20 min
- Prep
- 2 hr 20 min
- Serves
- 8
- Calories
- 20
Cabbage, carrot, and onion soften just enough in an oregano-scented vinegar dressing, the crisp companion to pupusas in El Salvador.
A light tang and a pinch of oregano distinguish Curtido (Salvadoran Cabbage Slaw) from creamy coleslaw. It brings a cool, crunchy bite alongside hot pupusas and other rich food in El Salvador.
Briefly scald the cabbage to take away its raw stiffness, then drain it thoroughly before adding the dressing. This quick refrigerator version develops flavor in a few hours and keeps enough crunch to pile onto a warm corn cake.
Method
Put the cabbage in a heatproof colander and pour a kettle of boiling water evenly over it. Immediately rinse with cold water and squeeze gently to remove excess moisture.
Whisk the vinegar, measured water, oregano, salt, and sugar in a bowl until the salt dissolves. Add the cabbage, carrot, and onion and toss thoroughly.
Pack into a covered container and refrigerate for , tossing once halfway through. Serve with a slotted spoon so excess dressing does not soak the food underneath.
Forkue tips
- Crumble the dried oregano between your fingers before adding it; this releases its aroma and avoids large dry flakes.
Storing and reheating
Keep covered in the fridge for up to 1 week. Toss before serving and drain each portion lightly; the vegetables soften gradually while the oregano flavor becomes fuller.
Made it?
Tap a star to rate it. It helps the next cook decide.
Kitchen gear
Forkue may earn a commission from links on this page, at no extra cost to you.Nutrition per serving, estimated
Photo: Rick McCharles, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (cropped and enhanced)
Curtido (Salvadoran Cabbage Slaw): FAQ
Is curtido fermented?
Some versions are fermented, but this quick version uses vinegar for acidity and stays refrigerated. It does not require a room-temperature fermentation step.
Can I make curtido spicy?
Yes. Add a thinly sliced jalapeno with the onion if you want heat. The plain oregano-and-vinegar version provides contrast without making the meal spicy.
How do I store and reheat Curtido (Salvadoran Cabbage Slaw)?
Keep covered in the fridge for up to 1 week. Toss before serving and drain each portion lightly; the vegetables soften gradually while the oregano flavor becomes fuller.
How long does Curtido (Salvadoran Cabbage Slaw) take?
About 2 hr 20 min in total: 2 hr 20 min prep and 0 min cooking.
What do I need to make Curtido (Salvadoran Cabbage Slaw)?
The key ingredients are cabbage, carrot, onion, vinegar and oregano, plus pantry basics.
Any tips for Curtido (Salvadoran Cabbage Slaw)?
Crumble the dried oregano between your fingers before adding it; this releases its aroma and avoids large dry flakes.
Cook this next
2 hr 55 minSalvadoran · Gluten-free
Sopa de Res Salvadorena
2 hr 25 minUzbek · Gluten-free
Dimlama (Uzbek Meat and Vegetable Stew)
2 hr 35 minHaitian · Dairy-free
Soup Joumou (Haitian Squash and Beef Soup)
2 hr 40 minHaitian · Gluten-free
Legim (Haitian Beef and Vegetable Stew)
2 hr 40 minPolish · Gluten-free
Pork Rib Borscht
1 hr 50 minSouth African · Dairy-free