Curtido Recipe (Salvadoran Cabbage Slaw) (2024)

FAQs

What's the difference between curtido and sauerkraut? ›

Curtido, curtido! It's an El Salvadoran slaw, similar to sauerkraut in that it is made primarily from fermented cabbage. It's so dang tasty. Aside from the cabbage, it's made with carrots, onion, garlic, and oregano, and is a traditional accompaniment to pupusas.

Typically, curtido is made with various vinegars such as apple cider vinegar or pineapple vinegar, however, the following recipe is made with sea salt and water to produce Lactobacillus bacteria, a healthy bacteria wonderful for gut health and immune support.

Or coleslaws — what's the difference? Really nothing. Technically, coleslaw involves cabbage, whether green, red or napa, while the category of slaws can include all kinds of chopped or shredded crunchy vegetables. The two words are used interchangeably for the most part however.

Curtido is a Salvadoran cabbage slaw or relish made with finely shredded cabbage, red onion, carrot, oregano, and vinegar. This is a must-try, authentic Salvadorian recipe. In Central America, curtido is often served with pupusas (corn cakes) and salsa roja.

Thankfully, it's simple and a perfect gateway to fermentation for those who haven't tried the art! Really, this curtido just gets better with time! I love it on sandwiches, salads, soups, or just by itself! It's such a healthy and delicious item to have in the refrigerator!

Transfer to an airtight container (such as a 2-qt. glass jar) and press down firmly on cabbage to release juices; liquid should be at or above level of vegetables. Tightly cover curtido and let sit at room temperature, tasting daily, until flavor is to your liking, at least 1 day and up to 5 days.

How to make Curtido – A fermented Salvadoran Slaw (similar to sauerkraut) made with cabbage, carrots, onion and oregano. Simple to make and FULL of healthy probiotics – use curtido in tacos, with pupusas, quesadillas, burrito bowls or with enchiladas as a delicious healthy side!

White Cabbage

They are not only rich in fiber, but they are also loaded with good bacteria. White cabbage helps a healthy gut microbiome balance, promote smooth digestion, and helps to prevent the leaky gut syndrome.

KFC's coleslaw stands out because of its sweet and tangy dressing, but the slaw's texture is what makes it one of a kind. The very finely chopped cabbage and carrots are a stark contrast to the typical stringy shredded veggies found in bagged coleslaw mix.

Shred cabbage with a box grater

(We like these flexible chopping mats that make pouring cabbage into a pot or bowl easy.) Then, hold the flat side of the cabbage head against the largest holes on the box grater and slide the cabbage down over the holes. Repeat until the cabbage is shredded.

Why does Chick Fil A not have coleslaw? ›

Farmer said the decision to axe slaw was a difficult one, but something had to be cut to make way for the new side. And it turns out the kale salad is even more popular than the slaw, according to Farmer. "It's a vote," Farmer said. "People vote with their dollars when they come in and buy the superfood side."

Curtido is a Salvadoran fermented cabbage slaw, like sauerkraut, and with some kick. It is a tasty and healthy accompaniment to anything you might put cabbage on like tacos, enchiladas, pupusas, soups, brats, sandwiches, rice bowls, stir-fry dishes, and more.

It is typical in Salvadoran cuisine and that of other Central American countries, and is usually made with cabbage, onions, carrots, oregano, and sometimes lime juice; it resembles sauerkraut, kimchi, or tart coleslaw. It is commonly served alongside pupusas, the national delicacy.

If you're planning on keeping your curtido around, be sure to give it a stir every few days just to redistribute flavors. Curtido is delicious after a few weeks, but you shouldn't keep any leftovers in your fridge for longer than one month.

Curtido is a Salvadoran condiment made of cabbage, onion, carrot, pepper, and oregano. It's lightly fermented, salty, a bit tangy, and perfect for liberally topping tacos, bowls, and pupusas (a traditional Salvadoran stuffed masa pancake).

Curtido is a Salvadoran fermented cabbage slaw, like sauerkraut, and with some kick. It is a tasty and healthy accompaniment to anything you might put cabbage on like tacos, enchiladas, pupusas, soups, brats, sandwiches, rice bowls, stir-fry dishes, and more.

Wait, real stuff? That's right, there are two types of sauerkraut. The first is the canned shelf-stable kind usually has sugar and is really pickled cabbage. The second is lacto-fermented sauerkraut or cabbage that has been fermented at room temperature with salt until it creates the perfect “sour” flavor.

No. Although the flavours can be similar, pickled cabbage is created by adding vinegar, whereas sauerkraut is made through fermentation, resulting in a more nutritious food.