I’ve always had a thing for coleslaw-its crunch, tang, and that perfect balance between creamy and crisp. Growing up, I remember my mom making coleslaw for every family gathering. The mix of cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing was a staple at our table. But when I first stumbled across Jamie Oliver’s red cabbage coleslaw recipe, it felt like a game changer. The vibrant colors, the addition of red cabbage, and his spin on the classic dressing made it stand out.
Jamie’s approach made me rethink what coleslaw could be. It wasn’t just a side dish-it was a statement. This recipe isn’t just for the summer BBQs either. It’s a refreshing, bright addition to almost any meal, no matter the season.
Jamie Oliver’s Coleslaw Red Cabbage Recipe
Here’s the magic behind Jamie Oliver’s red cabbage coleslaw recipe. The mix of shredded cabbage, fresh ingredients, and zesty dressing brings layers of flavor that I’ve come to crave. When I first tried it, the crunch of the red cabbage combined with the creamy dressing just blew me away. It’s simple yet sophisticated.
The recipe is straightforward, but the balance of textures and flavors gives it that gourmet touch. Jamie’s recipe highlights the tanginess of vinegar paired with the sweetness of honey, all wrapped around the crunch of the cabbage. This is one coleslaw that doesn’t get lost on the plate.
Ingredients Needed
The best part of Jamie’s coleslaw recipe is how few ingredients you really need. But trust me, each one has a purpose.
- Red Cabbage: This is the star of the show. The red cabbage not only adds a pop of color but also a slightly sweeter, earthier flavor than its green counterpart.
- Carrots: They add that beautiful orange hue and a bit of natural sweetness.
- Red onion: Adds a subtle sharpness that brightens everything up.
- Coriander: A fresh herb that brings a unique, zesty note. You can also sub parsley if you prefer.
- Apple cider vinegar: This tangy ingredient helps cut through the creaminess and balances the sweetness.
- Honey: Sweetens the dressing just enough without making it cloying.
- Mayonnaise: A creamy base for the dressing.
- Olive oil: To make the dressing silky smooth and rich.
- Mustard: A small dash adds some heat and complexity.
I love that you can find all these ingredients at almost any grocery store. Yet, when combined, they transform into something much greater than the sum of their parts.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Coleslaw Red Cabbage
Making this coleslaw is easier than you might think. I remember the first time I made it, I was shocked at how quickly everything came together. Here’s how you do it:
- Prep the cabbage and carrots: Slice the red cabbage thinly (almost paper-thin) and grate the carrots. The key to a good coleslaw is all in the texture, so make sure the pieces are uniform.
- Make the dressing: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, a splash of apple cider vinegar, honey, olive oil, mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust to your liking-sometimes, I add a bit more honey if I want extra sweetness.
- Combine the cabbage and carrots: Toss the cabbage, carrots, and red onion together in a large bowl.
- Dress it up: Pour the dressing over the shredded vegetables and give everything a good mix. Add the coriander at the end to keep its freshness intact.
- Chill: Let the coleslaw sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the cabbage to soften just a bit.
That’s it! It’s simple, fresh, and flavorful.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
Each ingredient in Jamie’s coleslaw recipe has a specific role, not just in flavor but in texture and nutrition.
- Red Cabbage: This type of cabbage has anthocyanins, giving it its deep purple color. These compounds are antioxidants, which help reduce inflammation and improve heart health.
- Carrots: Full of beta-carotene, carrots support eye health and boost immunity.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Known for its acetic acid, vinegar helps to break down the cabbage, making it more digestible while providing that lovely tang.
- Honey: Not just for sweetness, honey is also an antimicrobial agent and adds a hint of floral flavor.
- Mustard: Mustard seeds are high in minerals and antioxidants. The addition of mustard adds a bit of heat and a deeper layer of flavor to the coleslaw.
The balance of these ingredients doesn’t just taste great; it offers a variety of health benefits too.
Expert Tips
To really elevate your coleslaw game, here are a few expert tips I’ve picked up along the way:
- Use a mandoline for slicing: If you want perfectly thin cabbage slices, a mandoline slicer is your best friend. It makes the process much quicker and ensures uniformity.
- Let it marinate: The longer the coleslaw sits, the better the flavors blend. Make it a few hours ahead of time (or even the day before) to get maximum flavor.
- Adjust the acidity: If you like your coleslaw on the tangier side, don’t be afraid to add a little more vinegar. On the other hand, if it’s too sour, a bit more honey can balance it out.
- Add crunch: If you love texture, toss in some chopped nuts or seeds, like sunflower seeds, for an extra crunch.
Recipe Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can switch things up and put your own spin on Jamie’s coleslaw:
- Add fruit: Apple slices or dried cranberries add a touch of sweetness and extra color.
- Go spicy: Add a small chopped chili to the dressing for a bit of heat.
- Vegan version: Swap out the mayonnaise for a plant-based alternative like cashew cream or avocado for a creamy dressing.
- Herb variations: Try swapping the coriander for fresh mint or basil to give the coleslaw a fresh, herbaceous twist.
Final Words
What makes this Jamie Oliver red cabbage coleslaw so special isn’t just the flavors or the colors-it’s how it feels. It’s refreshing, satisfying, and feels like a celebration in a bowl. I’ve served it at dinners, BBQs, and even brought it to potlucks, and it never fails to impress.
FAQs
What Ingredients Do I Need For Jamie Oliver’s Red Cabbage Coleslaw?
You’ll need red cabbage, carrots, apple, mayonnaise, white wine vinegar, mustard, and a few seasoning essentials like salt and pepper.
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Red Cabbage Coleslaw Ahead Of Time?
Yes! You can prep it a few hours or even a day before. Just keep it in the fridge to maintain freshness.
Is There A Way To Make Jamie Oliver’s Red Cabbage Coleslaw Vegan?
Absolutely! You can substitute the mayonnaise with a vegan-friendly version or even use a tangy dressing like tahini or avocado.