Curtido Salvadoran Pickled Slaw is a traditional Salvadoran side dish that is loved for its tangy, crunchy, and slightly spicy flavors. It's commonly served with pupusas, tamales, and grilled meats. This recipe will guide you through the process of making your own homemade curtido, packed with fresh vegetables and aromatic spices. This easy-to-follow recipe is perfect for beginners and will add a burst of flavor to any meal. Get ready to transport your taste buds to El Salvador with this authentic curtido recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 small head cabbage, finely shredded
- 1 medium carrot, grated
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and thinly sliced
- 2 cups white vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Directions
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, grated carrot, thinly sliced onion, and jalapeno peppers.
- In a separate saucepan, heat the white vinegar, water, sugar, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil and stir until the sugar is dissolved.
- Pour the hot vinegar mixture over the vegetables in the bowl. Stir well to combine.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for 1 hour.
- Transfer the curtido to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving.
- Serve chilled and enjoy as a condiment or side dish with your favorite Salvadoran dishes.
Interesting Facts
Curtido is commonly made with a combination of cabbage, carrots, and onions, but you can experiment with adding other vegetables like bell peppers or radishes.
The word 'curtido' means 'pickled' in Spanish, and it refers to the process of fermenting the vegetables in the vinegar mixture.
Curtido is a staple in Salvadoran cuisine and is often served alongside pupusas, which are thick corn tortillas stuffed with cheese, meat, or beans.