Curtido

Curtido

Curtido

Curtido is a slightly fermented Salvadoran cabbage slaw that is eaten with practically everything all over Central America. The cabbage is slightly wilted with boiling water, rinsed with cold water, then mixed with julienned carrots, onion, jalapeño, oregano, vinegar, sugar and salt. Typically the curtido is left out overnight covered to slightly ferment the cabbage, then put in the refrigerator for a day before eaten. Think of this as the Salvadoran version of sauerkraut or kimchi. Serve the curtido with pupusas, tacos, sandwiches, tamales, enchiladas, smoked meats…the list goes on and on.
Prep Time10 minutes
Course: condiment, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Salvadoran
Keyword: condiment, Latin American, salad, Salvadoran, side dish, vegan
Author: Alex Gorgos

Equipment

  • mandolin

Ingredients

  • 1/2 head green cabbage shredded
  • 4 cup boiling water
  • 2 large carrots finely julienned on a mandolin
  • 1/2 medium red or white onion sliced paper thin on a mandolin
  • 1 red jalapeño finely chopped
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 cup vinegar
  • 2 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp sea salt

Instructions

  • Place the shredded cabbage in a strainer. Pour the boiling water slowly over the cabbage. Rinse with cold water. Press out as much water as possible.
    Salvadoran, side dish, condiment, salad
  • Mix the cabbage together with all of the ingredients. Refrigerate overnight before use.
    Salvadoran, side dish, condiment, salad
Salvadoran, condiment, salad, side dish
Keep the curtido in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Smokers, main course, pork