π₯ Asian Cole Slaw with Snow Peas π₯’
What is it?
Asian Cole Slaw with Snow Peas is a delightful and refreshing salad that combines the crispness of cabbage, the sweetness of snow peas, and the exotic flavors of an Asian-inspired dressing. It’s a perfect side dish or light meal that’s not only delicious but also nutritious.
History:
The exact origin of this dish is not well-documented, but it draws inspiration from traditional Asian cuisine, which often emphasizes the use of fresh vegetables and unique flavor profiles. The combination of cabbage and snow peas is a testament to the variety of textures and flavors found in Asian cooking.
Components:
Here are the key components of Asian Cole Slaw with Snow Peas:
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Cabbage: Typically, Napa cabbage or regular green cabbage is used. It’s thinly sliced or shredded for a crispy base.
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Snow Peas: These add a touch of sweetness and crunch to the salad. They’re often sliced into thin strips or left whole for presentation.
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Carrots: Grated or julienned carrots are often included for color, sweetness, and a bit of crunch.
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Scallions: Sliced scallions provide a mild onion flavor and a pop of green color.
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Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds are commonly sprinkled on top for extra flavor and texture.
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Dressing: The dressing typically includes a combination of ingredients like soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and a sweetener like honey or sugar. It’s what gives the coleslaw its distinctive Asian flavor.
Steps to Prepare:
Here’s how you can prepare Asian Cole Slaw with Snow Peas:
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Prepare the Vegetables: Thinly slice or shred the cabbage, slice the snow peas and scallions, and grate or julienne the carrots. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
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Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced ginger, minced garlic, and your choice of sweetener (e.g., honey or sugar). Adjust the quantities to taste.
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Combine and Toss: Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss everything together until the veggies are well coated.
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Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the vegetables to marinate.
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Serve: Just before serving, sprinkle sesame seeds over the top for that extra crunch and nuttiness.
Time Needed:
- Preparing the vegetables and making the dressing: 15-20 minutes
- Chilling time: 30 minutes or more (for best flavor, it can even be prepared in advance and left in the fridge)
- Total time: Approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour
This delightful Asian Cole Slaw with Snow Peas is not only a visual feast but a tasty one as well. Its refreshing taste and satisfying crunch make it a perfect addition to your meal, and it’s great for picnics, potlucks, or as a healthy side dish. Enjoy! π₯π₯’π
Certainly! Here are some nutrition facts and health information for Asian Cole Slaw with Snow Peas:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate Values for a 1-cup serving):
- Calories: 70-100 kcal
- Total Fat: 2-4g
- Saturated Fat: 0-0.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 200-300mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 12-15g
- Dietary Fiber: 3-4g
- Sugars: 6-8g
- Protein: 2-3g
Key Health Information:
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Low in Calories: Asian Cole Slaw with Snow Peas is a low-calorie dish, making it a healthy choice for those looking to manage their calorie intake.
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Rich in Fiber: The salad is high in dietary fiber, primarily from the cabbage and snow peas. Fiber is beneficial for digestion and can help you feel full and satisfied.
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Nutrient-Rich: It’s a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and vitamin A from the vegetables. These vitamins are essential for overall health and immunity.
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Low in Saturated Fat: The dish is naturally low in saturated fat, which is a healthier option for heart health.
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Vegan and Gluten-Free Options: Depending on the choice of ingredients for the dressing, Asian Cole Slaw with Snow Peas can be made vegan and gluten-free, making it suitable for a variety of dietary preferences and restrictions.
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Healthy Fats: The use of sesame oil in the dressing provides healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which can be good for heart health when used in moderation.
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Low in Added Sugar: The sweetener in the dressing is typically used in moderation, and the dish relies more on the natural sweetness of the vegetables.
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Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh, unprocessed ingredients means you’re avoiding many of the unhealthy additives and preservatives found in some pre-packaged foods.
Overall, Asian Cole Slaw with Snow Peas is a nutritious and refreshing salad option. It’s a great way to incorporate a variety of vegetables into your diet, providing essential nutrients while keeping your calorie intake in check. Remember that the specific nutrition values may vary depending on the exact ingredients and proportions used in your recipe.