Get Ready to Fall in Love with Smitten Kitchen’s Mango Slaw Recipe

Introduction

If you are a fan of salads or love experimenting with different flavors, then you might have come across the Smitten Kitchen Mango Slaw. This salad is a perfect recipe for those who are in search of something more unique, refreshing, and flavorful. A perfect combination of sweet and tangy mangoes, crunchy vegetables, and a zesty dressing takes the traditional slaw recipe to a whole new level.

The recipe for Smitten Kitchen Mango Slaw comes from the popular food blogger Deb Perelman. She created this recipe back in 2009, and it has since then gained immense popularity in the foodie community. The best part about this recipe is that it is simple to follow, and you can customize it to your liking by adding or omitting any ingredients according to your preference.

One reason for the popularity of this recipe is that it is perfect for those who love mangos. Mangos are used as the main ingredient of the slaw, and they give the dish its sweet, fruity flavor. The salad is a perfect choice for summers when mangos are in season and are readily available. Another reason for its popularity is the ingredients used in the recipe. These ingredients offer a different taste, texture, and color, making it more appealing than a regular coleslaw.

In this article, we will give you a detailed overview of the ingredients used in the Smitten Kitchen Mango Slaw recipe and the ways to make it.

The Origin Story

The Smitten Kitchen Mango Slaw recipe is an ode to summer, created by the queen of home cooking herself, Deb Perelman. Deb started her blog, Smitten Kitchen, in 2006 as a way to document her culinary adventures in her small New York City kitchen. Since then, her blog has grown into a well-loved resource for home cooks everywhere.

The idea for the mango slaw recipe was born out of Deb’s love for coleslaw and her desire to add a tropical twist to an old classic. She was looking for a fresh and spicy slaw recipe that would be the perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, fish, or tacos.

Deb started experimenting with different combinations of ingredients, trying to find the perfect balance of flavors and textures. She knew she wanted to incorporate mango, as it was sweet and juicy and added a fun pop of color. She also added cucumbers, which added a refreshing crunch to the mix. Next came the spicy heat, in the form of jalapeños and red pepper flakes. Finally, she added a bit of acidity in the form of lime juice and apple cider vinegar, which helped to bring all the flavors together.

After several rounds of testing, Deb finally settled on the perfect recipe for her mango slaw, which she shared on her blog. The recipe quickly became a fan favorite, as it was easy to make, delicious, and versatile. Home cooks from all over began incorporating the slaw into their summer menus, using it as a side dish or topping for sandwiches and burgers.

Over the years, Deb has continued to fine-tune the recipe, often offering suggestions for different variations depending on personal preferences. She has also shared a variation of the recipe that includes avocado, which adds a delicious creaminess to the slaw.

Today, the Smitten Kitchen Mango Slaw recipe remains a popular summer dish, loved by home cooks everywhere. Its refreshing sweetness and spiciness make it the perfect addition to any summer meal, and its ease of preparation makes it a go-to for busy weeknight dinners. Thanks to Deb’s creativity and love of cooking, we can all enjoy a delicious taste of summer with this tasty slaw recipe.

Ingredients and Preparation

If you’re looking for a refreshing and flavorful addition to your meal, then look no further than Smitten Kitchen’s Mango Slaw recipe. With its vibrant colors and unique flavors, this slaw is perfect for pairing with grilled fish, chicken, or tofu, or serving as a standalone side dish.

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Mango

The key ingredient for this slaw is ripe mango. Make sure to choose a mango that is soft to the touch and has a sweet fragrance. To prepare the mango, first, cut off the two “cheeks” by slicing along the flat sides, avoiding the large pit in the center. Score the flesh in a criss-cross pattern, being careful not to pierce the skin. Turn the cheek inside out to create small cubes of mango that will provide both texture and flavor to the slaw.

Vegetables

For this recipe, you’ll also need a variety of colorful vegetables, including red bell pepper, green onions, and red cabbage. These vegetables are sliced into thin strips using a mandoline or sharp knife. When slicing vegetables, it’s important to slice them uniformly to ensure even cooking.

Dressing

Finally, you’ll need to mix together the dressing for the slaw. This dressing is a combination of olive oil, lime juice, honey, and Sriracha sauce. Be sure to measure out the ingredients accurately to get the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors.

Once you have all the ingredients ready, toss them together in a large bowl, making sure that the mango cubes are evenly distributed. Pour the dressing over the slaw and toss gently until all the vegetables are coated with the dressing. Chill the slaw in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

With its sweet and tangy flavors, this Mango Slaw is sure to be a hit at any summer gathering or weeknight dinner. Enjoy!

Flavors and Presentation

The Smitten Kitchen Mango Slaw is a refreshing and delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with a variety of grilled or roasted meats. This dish is visually appealing, with bright colors and a beautiful combination of textures that make it a standout addition to any meal.

The flavors in this dish are perfectly balanced, with the sweetness of the mango and the tanginess of the lime vinaigrette creating a perfect match for the crunch of the vegetables and the heat of the jalapeño pepper. Each bite is a delicious explosion of flavor and texture that is both satisfying and refreshing.

The key to the success of this dish is in the quality of the ingredients. Fresh, ripe mangoes are essential for the sweetness needed to balance out the acidity of the vinaigrette and the spiciness of the jalapeño. The vegetables used in this recipe should also be fresh and crisp, as this will enhance the crunchiness of the slaw and the freshness of the dish.

In terms of presentation, the Smitten Kitchen Mango Slaw is a beautiful dish that is sure to impress your guests. The bright colors of the mango, red cabbage, and carrots create a stunning visual display that is hard to resist. The dish is also incredibly versatile, with a variety of serving options available. It can be plated individually, or served family-style in a large bowl or platter. However you choose to present it, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Overall, the Smitten Kitchen Mango Slaw is a fantastic side dish that is both delicious and visually stunning. The combination of flavors and textures makes it an excellent complement to a wide variety of entrees, and the versatility of presentation means that it can be adapted to fit any occasion or preference. Try making this dish for your next dinner party or barbecue and see for yourself how delicious and impressive it truly is!

Adding Protein

One great way to modify the Smitten Kitchen Mango Slaw recipe is by adding some extra protein to the recipe. This is a great way to make the recipe even more filling and also add some different textures to the dish. Some great protein additions include grilled chicken or shrimp, sliced steak, or even black beans. Adding protein will not only make the recipe more filling, but it will also make it more satisfying, giving it a heartier texture that is perfect for a lunchtime meal or a light dinner.

Vegetarian/Vegan Substitutions

For those who want to make the Smitten Kitchen Mango Slaw recipe vegetarian or vegan, there are plenty of substitutions available to make the recipe work for them. A great substitution for the chicken could be tofu or tempeh, which will provide the same protein and texture as the chicken. Another great substitution could be using a vegan mayonnaise instead of the regular mayonnaise, or even using an avocado-based dressing instead of the mayonnaise. Vegetarians can also try using grilled portobello mushrooms or other meat substitutes instead of the chicken to add some extra flavor and texture to the dish.

Adding Spice

For readers who enjoy spicy food, adding some spice to the Smitten Kitchen Mango Slaw recipe is a great option. One of the best ways to add spice is to mix in some chili flakes or cayenne pepper, which will give the slaw a nice kick. Another great option is to mix in some jalapeno peppers, which will not only add some spice but also some extra crunch and flavor to the dish. For those who enjoy a more subtle spicy flavor, try using a spicy honey mustard or adding a dash of hot sauce to the dressing to give the dish a little extra heat.

Changing Up the Fruit

While mango is the star of the show in the Smitten Kitchen Mango Slaw recipe, readers can experiment with different types of fruit to give the dish a different flavor profile. Some great fruit substitutes to try include pineapple or papaya, which will still pair well with the other ingredients in the recipe while offering a more tropical taste. Another great option could be using Granny Smith apples or jicama for a nice crunch, or even mixing in some berries or pomegranate seeds for a unique twist.

Playing With the Dressing

The dressing is one of the key components of the Smitten Kitchen Mango Slaw recipe, and changing it up can really make the dish pop. For those who prefer a tangier taste to their dressing, try using balsamic vinegar or lemon juice instead of apple cider vinegar. Adding some honey or agave nectar to the dressing can give it a sweeter, more complex flavor, while adding some garlic or ginger can kick up the savory side of the dressing. Readers can also try mixing in some curry powder or other spices to really give the dressing a unique flavor.

The Final Word

The Smitten Kitchen Mango Slaw has become increasingly popular in the foodie world, with its bright and bold flavors and unique combination of textures. One of the reasons this dish stands out is thanks to the juicy and sweet mango that is incorporated into the slaw, a fruit that is beloved by many, particularly in tropical regions where it is grown.

The dish also incorporates a range of other flavorful ingredients, including red onion, lime, and cilantro, which give it an added depth of flavor and complement the natural sweetness of the mango. The addition of fresh jalapeno adds a subtle heat to the dish, providing just the right amount of kick without overpowering the other flavors.

Aside from its delicious taste, another factor contributing to the popularity of the Smitten Kitchen Mango Slaw is its ease of preparation. All of the ingredients are simple and easy to find at most grocery stores, and the recipe itself is straightforward and easy to follow, even for those who may be new to cooking.

Whether you are a seasoned chef or just starting to explore the world of cooking, the Smitten Kitchen Mango Slaw is a fantastic dish to add to your repertoire. Not only is it delicious and filling, but it is also a healthy option that is loaded with fresh, wholesome ingredients.

To get started with creating this delicious dish, simply gather your ingredients and follow the step-by-step instructions provided by Smitten Kitchen. You can customize the slaw to your liking by adjusting the amount of jalapeno, lime, or cilantro, depending on your taste preferences.

Overall, the Smitten Kitchen Mango Slaw is an excellent dish that is sure to please both your taste buds and your stomach. Whether you are looking for a fresh and flavorful side dish for your next BBQ or a light and healthy lunch option, this dish is a must-try. So why not give it a go today and see for yourself what all the fuss is about!