A staple salad/condiment in Nicaragua is Ensalada de Repollo. This Nicaraguan Cabbage Slaw is soaked in vinegar, lime juice, onions, carrots and tomatoes. It is bright in flavor and the best part is – the longer it soaks, the better it tastes! You can find it on almost every popular Nicaraguense dish. Here’s how I make it!
What is Repollo? (Coleslaw)
In spanish, repollo literally translates to cabbage. While most American-style cabbage coleslaw recipes are creamy and sweet, this ensalada de repollo is tart and much more simple in flavors. In my experience, in Nicaragua, repollo is a more of a condiment than a stand-alone side salad, like in America. Since it is simple in flavors, it really enhances and compliments other ingredients, without overshadowing the main dish. Repollo is wonderful in a supportive role.
Preparation and Storing
Start by first, shredding the cabbage and carrots. Then, add the chopped onions and tomatoes. Lastly, the ingredients are topped with pickling liquids. Since I like a well balanced repollo, I incorporate one part water and one part vinegar. I then finish it with lime juice and salt.
I love to store ensalada de repollo in my fridge and use it whenever. Luckily it has a long shelf-life. I would estimate 3-4 months, especially when you seal it in an air-tight container. Trust me, this doesn’t spoil quickly, so I get to enjoy one batch for several months 😎
Recipes with Ensalada de Repollo
Some of my favorite dishes that use repollo as a side or topping are:
- Enchiladas de Frijoles (Matagalpa): https://youtu.be/iEpp7zSK87w
- Tajadas con Queso: http://nataknowsbest.com/tajadas-con-queso/
- Tacos de Pollo: https://youtu.be/SSgu7qm3D-I
- Vigoron: https://www.nataknowsbest.com/nicaraguan-vigoron/
- Gallo pinto: https://www.nataknowsbest.com/nicaraguan-gallo-pinto/
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Ensalada de Repollo – Nicaraguan Cabbage Slaw
Ingredients
- 10 oz of shredded cabbage
- 1 cup of shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup of water
- 1/2 cup of white vinegar
- 1/3 cup of diced tomato
- 1/3 cup of diced white onions
- 1 lime squeezed
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, add the cabbage, carrots, onions, and tomatoes.
- Then top the ingredients with water, vinegar and lime juice. Toss well until ingredients are saturated.
- Season to taste and store in an air-tight container. The longer it soaks, the stronger it taste.
