Spicy Cabbage Salad with a Twist

Ingredients

While the original Lao Tam maak hoong is traditionally made with fish sauce and shrimp paste, this Austrian adaptation replaces those ingredients with a combination of vinegar and mustard, giving the salad a tangy twist. Additionally, the original recipe uses Thai chili peppers, but this Austrian version incorporates local chili varieties for a unique and fiery flavor profile. We alse have the original recipe for Tam maak hoong, so you can check it out.

• 1 small head of cabbage, shredded (500g / 1.1lb) 1 small head of cabbage, shredded (500g / 1.1lb)
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced (100g / 3.5oz) 1 red onion, thinly sliced (100g / 3.5oz)
• 2 red chili peppers, finely chopped 2 red chili peppers, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar (30ml) 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar (30ml)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (15g) 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (15g)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml) 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)
• Juice of 2 limes Juice of 2 limes
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories: 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat: 8g (Saturated Fat: 1g)
• Carbohydrates: 11g (Sugar: 5g)
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, sliced red onion, and chopped chili peppers.
2. 2.
   In a separate small bowl, whisk together the white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
3. 3.
   Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until well coated.
4. 4.
   Allow the salad to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. 5.
   Serve chilled and enjoy the fiery flavors of this Austrian twist on a classic cabbage salad.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cabbage — Make sure to shred the cabbage finely for a better texture in the salad.
• Red chili peppers — Adjust the amount of chili peppers according to your desired level of spiciness. Remove the seeds for a milder flavor.
• Lime juice — Squeeze fresh limes for the best flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra crunch, add some toasted pumpkin seeds or chopped almonds to the salad.
• If you prefer a creamier dressing, you can add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the dressing mixture.
• Adjust the spiciness by adding more or less chili peppers, or even try using different varieties of chili for a unique twist.

Serving advice

Serve this Spicy Cabbage Salad as a refreshing side dish alongside traditional Austrian dishes such as Wiener Schnitzel or Tafelspitz. It also pairs well with grilled sausages or roasted vegetables.

Presentation advice

Garnish the salad with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro leaves or parsley for a pop of color. Serve it in a vibrant salad bowl to showcase the beautiful colors of the cabbage and chili peppers.