Sunday Slaw

This technicolor slaw is a lower fat version of coleslaw and makes delicious (and economical) use of leftover cabbage and carrots, and whatever else you might have fading fast in the crisper. Quantities are not critical but it is a good idea to have everything chopped or diced to roughly the same size.

INGREDIENTS, veggies, all cut into approximately  1"  strips or pieces except as noted

red or green cabbage or both

celery

red or yellow or white onions, if sharp in flavor mince fine. If sweeter the bits can be larger.

carrots

romaine lettuce

water chestnuts, canned, drained and sliced (optional)

INGREDIENTS: dressing

enough for about 3 cups of shredded or diced vegetables

1 C plain yogurt or low fat sour cream or mixture of these

4 T or to your taste white wine vinegar or seasoned rice vinegar ( I like the Asian seasoned rice vinegar but if you use this omit any other salt or sugar)

1-2 T reduced fat mayonnaise, optional

1-2 tsp sugar or mirin (if you like a bit of sweetness/ or use the seasoned vinegar as above)

caraway or other seeds (optional)

salt and pepper to taste

Whisk to combine all dressing ingredients in a small bowl and let sit 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stirring is hugely important if using granulated sugar to make sure it melts in

Toss dressing with veggies about ten minutes before serving.

This keeps well into a second day but the veggies will be less crispy and the overall mélange a bit runnier. We like it both ways, actually, and always purposefully make too much. The second day's runnier slaw can also be used as an ingredient in pita pocket sandwiches, combined with diced chicken or pork or fish. I sometimes thicken it up with a dab of  tahini (sesame paste) then add the sliced meat or even feta or other cheese. If going this route it is best to "stuff" the pitas just before eating or the bread will soak through and deposit the whole thing in your lap. For sure on a day when you have worn a white shirt and/or your favorite jeans.

My mother used to purchase a version of this called "health salad" from a severe german deli, with a clear vinegary rather than a creamy low fat sauce. We like "Sunday Slaw" much better, and leave the virtuous part off the menu, especially if kids are at the table.