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CLASSIC CREAMY COLESLAW

Serves: 6 to 8 Active Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes (plus resting)

SHOPPING LIST

For the vegetables

  • 1 1/2 pounds (680 g) green cabbage (zelí) (about half a head), thinly sliced
  • 1 medium carrot (about 85 g), peeled and grated
  • 1/2 small red onion (about 60 g), thinly sliced
  • 3/4 cup (150 g) sugar
  • 2 tablespoons (30 g) kosher salt (košer sůl) OR 1.5 tablespoons (22 g) regular Czech salt

For the dressing

  • 6 tablespoons (90 g) mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) apple cider vinegar (jablečný ocet) OR 1.5 tablespoons (22 ml) regular vinegar (ocet)
  • 2 teaspoons (10 g) Dijon mustard (dijonská hořčice)
  • 1 teaspoon (5 g) sugar, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2 g) freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
  • 2 tablespoons (8 g) chopped parsley (petržel) or dill (kopr) (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Pre-season vegetables: Combine 1 1/2 pounds (680 g) cabbage (zelí), 1 medium grated carrot, and 1/2 sliced red onion in a large bowl. Add 3/4 cup (150 g) sugar and 2 tablespoons (30 g) kosher salt (košer sůl) OR 1.5 tablespoons (22 g) regular Czech salt, toss thoroughly, and let stand for 5 to 15 minutes.

2. Rinse and dry: Transfer vegetables to a fine-mesh strainer and rinse well under cold water. Drain, then dry thoroughly in a salad spinner. Alternatively, place the drained vegetables in the center of a clean kitchen towel. Gather up the corners and twist them together. Continue twisting to wring out as much moisture as possible from the vegetables. Transfer the dried vegetables to a large bowl.

3. Add dressing: Add 6 tablespoons (90 g) mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons (30 ml) apple cider vinegar (jablečný ocet) OR 1.5 tablespoons (22 ml) regular vinegar (ocet), 2 teaspoons (10 g) Dijon mustard (dijonská hořčice), 1 teaspoon (5 g) sugar, 1/2 teaspoon (2 g) black pepper, and 2 tablespoons (8 g) chopped parsley (petržel) or dill (kopr) to the vegetables. Toss thoroughly with clean hands or a pair of forks. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, sugar, mustard, vinegar, or black pepper as desired. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 3 days (re-toss before serving if stored).