Make Ahead

Cabbage Salad with Sour Cream and Horseradish Dressing

March 29, 2011
4
2 Ratings
  • Serves 4
Author Notes

Here's my favorite side with corn beef, and with East Carolina style pulled pork sandwiches. It tastes great on the day you make it (especially if you give it a few hours for the flavors to come together), but is even better on Day 2. In fact, it holds well for several days. I'll post a photo once I've had a chance to make another batch. We polished off at lunch today the last of the two batches I made over the weekend. The horseradish gives it a bright flavor, but the sour cream and salted cabbage keep the horseradish from becoming obnoxiously loud. Enjoy!! —AntoniaJames

What You'll Need
Ingredients
  • 1/2 medium head of green cabbage, core removed
  • Kosher salt
  • 1 medium carrot, peeled
  • 1 tablespoon organic, unpasteurized apple cider vinegar
  • Yolk of one hard cooked egg
  • 2 tablespoons good prepared horseradish
  • 3 tablespoons organic sour cream
  • 1/4 teaspoon brown sugar
  • Ground pepper, to taste
Directions
  1. Use a nice, fresh cabbage with good color, and which feels heavy in your hand when you pick it up. (That means it's nice and juicy.) Cut the cabbage half in two, then use a sharp knife to slice it into paper-thin ribbons.
  2. Put the cut cabbage into a large bowl with 2 teaspoons of salt. Toss it well and allow it to sit at room temperature for at least an hour. During that time, toss it a few times. The cabbage should become somewhat soft and moist.
  3. Meanwhile, cut the carrot into julienned match-sticks. I like mine with a lot of oblique angles, so I cut them the way I've been told that Asian chefs do it, which is to cut thin slices of carrot on the bias, then to fan them in a straight row and make narrow vertical cuts. Resist the temptation simply the grate the carrot. The small juliennes are brighter, as well as more pleasant to eat.
  4. Press the egg yolk through a medium sieve, into a small bowl. To make the dressing, whisk into the egg yolk the sour cream, horseradish, brown sugar and a pinch of salt.
  5. After an hour or so, cover the salted cabbage with cold water, slosh it around a few times, and drain. Rinse again, then spin the cabbage dry in a salad spinner, or roll it into a large tea towel. Don't worry, though, if it's still a bit damp.
  6. Return the cabbage to the bowl and sprinkle the vinegar over it. Toss well.
  7. Add the carrots and toss. Pour the dressing over it all and toss again. Taste and add more salt, if necessary. Cover and refrigerate. Allow it to sit for at least a few hours before eating. (I like this better the next day.)
  8. Bring to room temperature, then toss well with a touch of freshly grated pepper just before serving.
  9. Enjoy!! ;o)

See what other Food52ers are saying.

  • JoanG
    JoanG
  • susan g
    susan g
  • AntoniaJames
    AntoniaJames
AntoniaJames

Recipe by: AntoniaJames

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4 Reviews

JoanG March 31, 2011
Yum, this is my type of comfort food.
 
AntoniaJames March 31, 2011
Thanks! I hope you try it. ;o)
 
susan G. March 30, 2011
Definitely need to try this...
 
AntoniaJames March 30, 2011
Thanks, susan g, I hope you do!! ;o)