CSA 2009-07-15

A bit behind the times, but here’s last week’s basket:

The dominating veggies were a huge bag of green beans (which Jaden, fortunately, likes; I can’t stand the things), and the world’s biggest head of cabbage. I’ve made two recipes with it and used a quarter of the head for each; with recipes that call for a “medium-sized” head. Will make a final double-sized batch of salad tonight.

My most common use of cabbage is sumi salad, a family tradition that I’ve tried to make a little less processed. My grandmother’s version involves using the flavoring packets from ramen noodles, but the MSG and the salt concern me, so I add pepper and step up from canola oil and white vinegar to toasted sesame oil and flavorful vinegars. However… sometimes I’ll throw in half a packet anyway. Moderation, right?

Sumi Salad

• 1 medium head cabbage (bigger batches work great, just use more of everything)
• several green onions, to taste
• 2 packages ramen noodles (if you’re going to use a flavoring packet, then use Top Ramen’s “Oriental” flavor)
• 3-4 tbsp slivered almonds
• 1/3 c toasted sesame oil
• 4 tbsp sugar (xylitol works too, other sweeteners not so well)
• 1/3 c tbsp rice wine vinegar (apple cider vinegar works too, for a different flavor)
• pepper to taste

Directions

1. Break the ramen noodles into small pieces, and brown them in the oven (350 for 4-6 minutes works well).
2. Chop vegetables and combine in a large bowl
3. Mix oil, vinegar, sugar or xylitol, almonds, pepper in a separate bowl. If you’re using the ramen flavoring packet(s), toss it in as well. Half of one packet is enough.
4. Combine all ingredients and enjoy!

If you have the time and foresight to make the salad ahead, the dressing and cabbage will benefit from marinating for 24 hours. Just toast the ramen and toss it in right before serving so it stays crunchy.

You can toss in all sorts of additions to liven this up and add variety. Pineapple is probably the one I’ve done the most.

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Permalink | July 24th, 2009

Posted by Dan Hallock | Filed under Uncategorized