Our House Slaw

How I Still Get Excited about Cabbage

A great slaw is a great pleasure, especially this time of year when a big, crunchy bite of raw veg can provide the brightness and freshness I crave. And because a head of cabbage is an Energizer Bunny of a vegetable that just keeps giving and giving, I’ve made hundreds of slaws over the years — there are five of them in Start Simple.

This is my current favorite and perhaps my best yet. I’ve been thinking of it as our “house slaw,” because it’s one that I’ve been chasing in my head all winter and finally pinned down. It’s full of flavor and texture, has a distinctive balance of savory and sweet, and comes together in a flash. And because I like my slaws as more of a star attraction than side dish or garnish, I load it up accordingly. This one has toasted nuts, chewy bits of dates, shaved fresh fennel, and more.