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GermanAuthentic Cuisine

Krautsalat

Serves 4 to 6 Salad vegetarian, Salads

Krautsalat

Krautsalat is a traditional German cabbage salad, particularly popular in Bavaria. It's a simple dish made with white cabbage, white wine vinegar, oil, caraway seeds, sugar, and salt. The salad is known for its fresh, tangy flavor with a hint of sweetness and the subtle, earthy notes of caraway.

In Bavaria, Krautsalat is a staple at family tables, appreciated for its straightforward preparation and satisfying taste. The cabbage is typically softened and seasoned with vinegar and oil, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. It's a dish that invites second helpings without hesitation, embodying the unpretentious and hearty nature of Bavarian home cooking.

Ingredients

  • 600 gwhite cabbage — finely shredded
  • 3 tbspwhite wine vinegar
  • 4 tbspoil
  • 1 tspcaraway seeds
  • 1 tspsugar
  • to tastefine sea salt

Method

  1. Start by preparing the white cabbage. Remove any damaged outer leaves, then cut the cabbage into quarters and remove the core. Slice the cabbage quarters into thin shreds, aiming for uniformity to ensure even marination. Place the shredded cabbage in a large mixing bowl.
  2. In a small saucepan, combine 3 tablespoons of white wine vinegar, 4 tablespoons of oil, 1 teaspoon of caraway seeds, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Heat the mixture gently over low heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves completely. This will create a warm dressing that helps soften the cabbage slightly when mixed.
  3. Pour the warm dressing over the shredded cabbage in the mixing bowl. Use a pair of salad tongs or clean hands to toss the cabbage gently, ensuring each piece is coated with the dressing. Be careful not to crush the cabbage; the goal is to keep the shreds intact for a pleasant texture.
  4. Season the salad with fine sea salt to taste. Start with a small amount, toss, and taste, adjusting as needed. The salt will help draw out moisture from the cabbage, enhancing the overall flavor and tenderness of the salad.
  5. Allow the Krautsalat to rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to meld and the cabbage to absorb the dressing, resulting in a more cohesive and flavorful dish.
  6. Before serving, give the salad one final toss to redistribute the dressing. If desired, finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs like parsley or chives for added freshness and color. Serve the Krautsalat as a refreshing side dish, perfect for complementing hearty Bavarian meals.
Cover of Authentic German Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic German Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic German Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the German volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.