Delia Smith’s Winter Coleslaw Recipe

Delia Smith’s Winter Coleslaw is a fresh take on the traditional coleslaw, perfect for the colder months. Unlike its classic summer counterpart, which is typically made with cabbage and a simple mayonnaise dressing, this winter variation incorporates ingredients that are more seasonal and warming.

It’s a crisp, tangy dish that provides a delightful crunch while adding a touch of comfort. With the use of cabbage, root vegetables, and a zesty dressing, Delia’s Winter Coleslaw can serve as a side dish for a wide variety of meals, from hearty roasts to lighter dinners. The addition of winter ingredients such as carrots, apples, and sometimes parsnips, paired with a rich and creamy dressing, gives the dish depth and balance-making it both refreshing and satisfying.

Delia Smith’s Winter Coleslaw Recipe

Ingredients Needed

To make Delia Smith’s Winter Coleslaw, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 medium-sized white cabbage – finely shredded, which forms the base of your coleslaw.
• 2 large carrots – grated or julienned for a slight sweetness and crunch.
• 1-2 apples (preferably tart ones like Bramley or Granny Smith) – grated or thinly sliced, they add an element of freshness and balance to the richness of the dressing.
• 1 small parsnip – optional but adds a lovely earthy sweetness to the slaw, grated.
• A handful of fresh parsley – finely chopped for a burst of color and herbaceous flavor.

For the dressing, you will need:

• 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise – this will form the creamy base of the dressing.
• 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard – to add a tangy kick.
• 1 tablespoon of white wine vinegar – to balance the richness of the mayo.
• 1 tablespoon of honey – to sweeten and complement the mustard’s sharpness.
• Salt and pepper – to taste.
• A few tablespoons of water (optional) – to thin the dressing to your desired consistency.

These ingredients combine to create a rich, flavorful, and texturally satisfying coleslaw that is ideal for the winter months.

Equipment Needed

To prepare Delia Smith’s Winter Coleslaw, the following kitchen equipment will be helpful:

1. Sharp Knife or Mandolin – For finely shredding or slicing the cabbage, apples, and other vegetables. A mandolin is especially useful if you want uniform slices.
2. Grater or Food Processor – To easily grate the carrots and parsnip.
3. Mixing Bowl – To combine all the shredded vegetables and fruits.
4. Small Bowl or Whisk – For preparing the dressing, allowing you to combine the mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
5. Wooden Spoon or Tongs – To toss everything together thoroughly.
6. Measuring Spoons – For accurate measurement of the ingredients in the dressing.

With these tools in hand, you’re well on your way to making a delicious winter coleslaw.

Step-by-Step Guide To Make Delia Smith’s Winter Coleslaw

Here’s how to make Delia Smith’s Winter Coleslaw:

1. Prepare The Vegetables And Fruit

   • Start by shredding the cabbage as finely as possible using a sharp knife, mandolin, or food processor.
   • Peel and grate the carrots and parsnip, or slice them into fine strips if you prefer a different texture.
   • Core and grate or thinly slice the apples. The apples will provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dressing.
   • Finely chop the parsley, adding it to the mix for color and flavor.

2. Make The Dressing

   • In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, white wine vinegar, and honey. Whisk them together until smooth.
   • Add salt and pepper to taste. If you want a slightly thinner dressing, add a splash of water to reach your desired consistency.

3. Combine The Ingredients

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, grated carrots, parsnip, apple, and chopped parsley.
   • Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture. Toss everything together gently to coat the ingredients evenly in the creamy dressing.

4. Chill And Serve

   • For the best flavor, allow the coleslaw to chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This gives the flavors time to meld together.
   • Once chilled, give the coleslaw a final toss and taste. Adjust the seasoning if necessary by adding more salt, pepper, or vinegar to balance the flavors.

5. Serve

   • Serve the winter coleslaw as a side dish to complement a variety of winter meals such as roasted meats, soups, or sandwiches.

Mastering The Recipe: Tips And Tricks

1. Use Seasonal Ingredients: While this recipe works well with cabbage, carrots, and apples, feel free to experiment with other winter vegetables like celeriac or beetroot for added variety and color.
2. Customize the Dressing: If you prefer a creamier dressing, you can add more mayonnaise or sour cream. For a tangier version, increase the amount of Dijon mustard or white wine vinegar.
3. Add Crunch: For extra texture, try adding some toasted nuts (like walnuts or pecans) or seeds (like sunflower or pumpkin) to the coleslaw just before serving.
4. Let it Rest: Allow the coleslaw to sit in the fridge for a while before serving. This gives the flavors more time to develop and the vegetables to soften slightly, creating a more cohesive dish.
5. Make It Ahead: This coleslaw can be made in advance, as the flavors improve after a day or two in the fridge. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving, and if it has become a bit dry, you can add a splash more dressing or water.

Delia Smith’s Winter Coleslaw is a brilliant take on a classic dish, offering a fresh yet hearty alternative to traditional coleslaw with the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The crunchy vegetables, apples, and creamy dressing come together beautifully to create a dish that is as satisfying as it is refreshing.

This coleslaw makes an ideal side dish for a variety of winter meals and can be easily adapted to suit your taste preferences. With a few simple ingredients and a few minutes of preparation, you can enjoy a comforting and colorful addition to your meal table throughout the colder months.

Simple Twists On Delia Smith’s Winter Coleslaw Recipe

Delia Smith’s Winter Coleslaw recipe is a hearty take on the classic coleslaw, typically packed with crunchy vegetables like cabbage and carrots. The winter variation swaps some of the usual ingredients for seasonal produce, often incorporating root vegetables such as parsnips, turnips, or even celeriac. While the original recipe is delicious in its simplicity, there are several ways to infuse more flavor, texture, and creativity into the dish without straying too far from the comforting essence of the original.

1. Add Fruit for Sweetness: A delightful twist to Delia’s recipe is to introduce fruits, which can offer a refreshing balance to the earthy flavor of the root vegetables. Thinly sliced apple or pear, or even dried cranberries or raisins, can bring a natural sweetness that complements the tangy dressing. The crunchy texture of apples adds another layer of contrast to the slaw.
2. Incorporate Nuts or Seeds: For an added crunch and nutty flavor, consider tossing in a handful of toasted walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds. These provide both texture and a slight earthy flavor, perfect for complementing the winter veggies.
3. Spices and Herbs for Extra Depth: A sprinkle of warming spices like ground cumin, coriander, or smoked paprika can deepen the flavor profile of the coleslaw, making it even more suited to the colder months. Fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme, finely chopped, can lend a vibrant green note that contrasts beautifully with the rich colors of the root vegetables.
4. Try a Creamy Greek Yogurt Dressing: While Delia’s recipe typically calls for a traditional mayonnaise-based dressing, swapping in Greek yogurt can lighten the dish while maintaining its creaminess. You could add a little Dijon mustard for extra zing or even a touch of honey to balance out the tangy yogurt with sweetness.
5. Sauté the Vegetables: For a unique twist, consider lightly sautéing the root vegetables before adding them to the slaw. This enhances their sweetness and creates a richer flavor, perfect for those who want a more cooked version of the dish rather than one with raw vegetables.

By experimenting with these variations, you can create a winter coleslaw that’s a bit more personal and tailored to your preferences, while still staying true to the heartiness and seasonal roots of Delia’s original recipe.

How To Properly Store Leftovers

If you’ve made a large batch of Delia Smith’s Winter Coleslaw and are wondering how best to store leftovers, it’s important to follow a few simple guidelines to preserve freshness and taste.

1. Use an Airtight Container: Always store your coleslaw in a well-sealed, airtight container to prevent it from absorbing other odors in your fridge and to maintain its crispness. Glass containers are particularly effective because they don’t stain and allow you to see the contents.
2. Refrigeration: Coleslaw should always be stored in the refrigerator. The cool temperature slows down the degradation of both the vegetables and the dressing, keeping them fresh longer. Ideally, store the coleslaw immediately after serving to avoid exposure to room temperature for too long, which could hasten spoilage.
3. Separate the Dressing: If you’re planning to store leftovers for several days, it’s a good idea to separate the dressing from the vegetables. This way, the cabbage and other vegetables won’t release too much liquid into the dressing, which can make the coleslaw soggy and unappetizing over time. When you’re ready to serve it, simply toss the dressing with the vegetables again.
4. Consume Within 2-3 Days: Even with proper storage, winter coleslaw is best eaten within 2-3 days. After that, the cabbage and other vegetables begin to soften, and the flavors can lose their brightness. If you’re storing the coleslaw with fruit added, be mindful that fruit tends to break down quicker, so it’s best to consume the dish within a day or two.
5. Don’t Freeze: While most cooked dishes freeze well, coleslaw is not one of them. The vegetables lose their crunchy texture when frozen and thawed, leaving you with a watery, limp salad. Therefore, it’s best to avoid freezing your leftover coleslaw.

What To Eat With Delia Smith’s Winter Coleslaw?

Delia Smith’s Winter Coleslaw is versatile and can complement a wide range of dishes, from light lunches to hearty dinners. Its tangy, crunchy, and slightly sweet profile can balance a variety of rich and savory flavors. Here are some excellent meal pairings:

1. Roast Meats: The refreshing crunch of the coleslaw pairs beautifully with roasted meats, such as roast chicken, turkey, or even slow-cooked pork. The creamy dressing helps cut through the richness of the meat, providing a perfect contrast.
2. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: If you’re craving comfort food, try serving winter coleslaw alongside a crispy grilled cheese sandwich. The crispiness of the bread, combined with the gooey cheese, is wonderfully complemented by the freshness of the coleslaw.
3. Burgers and Sandwiches: A serving of coleslaw is a classic accompaniment to burgers, especially hearty ones like beef or pulled pork sandwiches. The coleslaw adds a delightful crunch that contrasts with the soft, savory burger patty.
4. Fish and Chips: Coleslaw is a fantastic side dish for fish and chips. Its creaminess works beautifully to balance the crispiness of the battered fish and the salty fries. Whether it’s battered cod, haddock, or a white fish fillet, the slaw complements the dish perfectly.
5. Vegetarian and Vegan Dishes: If you’re serving a vegetarian or vegan meal, the coleslaw can provide a lovely, crunchy element to dishes like veggie burgers, grilled portobello mushrooms, or roasted vegetable bowls. The coleslaw’s creamy texture makes it an ideal pairing for plant-based proteins.
6. Barbecue: Winter coleslaw is a fantastic side dish for a barbecue feast. Whether you’re grilling sausages, ribs, or skewers, the slaw adds a light, refreshing counterpoint to the rich, smoky flavors of grilled meat.

Conclusion

Delia Smith’s Winter Coleslaw is a beautiful and versatile dish, perfect for colder months when root vegetables are at their best. Its simple yet hearty combination of cabbage, root vegetables, and a creamy dressing makes it both comforting and nutritious. By experimenting with different ingredients and twists, such as adding fruits, nuts, or spices, you can elevate this dish to suit your personal tastes.

When storing leftovers, ensure that the coleslaw is kept in an airtight container in the fridge and eaten within a few days to maintain freshness. It’s a fantastic side dish to pair with everything from roasted meats to burgers, fish, and even vegetarian meals, making it an ideal addition to a variety of meals.

With its balance of flavors and textures, Delia’s Winter Coleslaw is sure to be a staple in your winter cooking repertoire!

FAQs

What Ingredients Are Needed For Delia Smith’s Winter Coleslaw?

Delia Smith’s winter coleslaw is made with a variety of fresh, seasonal vegetables. The primary ingredients include finely shredded cabbage, grated carrots, and sliced red onion.

For the dressing, you’ll need mayonnaise, a little Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and seasoning such as salt and pepper. The recipe often suggests adding a bit of sugar to balance the flavors, making it a delicious, tangy side dish perfect for winter meals.

Can I Prepare Delia Smith’s Winter Coleslaw In Advance?

Yes, Delia Smith’s winter coleslaw can be prepared in advance. In fact, allowing it to chill in the fridge for a few hours or even overnight can enhance the flavor as the ingredients have time to marinate and soften.

Just make sure to give it a good stir before serving. If you prefer a crunchier texture, you might want to add the dressing closer to serving time to prevent the cabbage from becoming too soft.

Can I Substitute Any Ingredients In Delia Smith’s Winter Coleslaw Recipe?

Yes, you can make some substitutions in Delia Smith’s winter coleslaw to suit your preferences or dietary needs. For example, you could substitute the mayonnaise with a dairy-free or vegan alternative if you’re following a plant-based diet.

If you prefer a sweeter coleslaw, try adding a little honey or maple syrup instead of sugar. Additionally, you can experiment with different seasonal vegetables, such as parsnips or celeriac, to add variety or adjust the texture.