(2022) Cabbage and Farro Soup

For a couple of new recipes (assuming we get any cold weather!) how about the Cabbage and Farro Soup below (wish I remembered the provenance of that recipe). It’s only going to use part of that enormous cabbage but I like that it uses the core as well as the leaves.

(2020) Pikliz

Pikliz is a traditional accompaniment to griot, the braised and fried pork dish that’s pretty much the national dish of Haiti, but I’m told if you’re Haitian, you eat it with everything. It’s delicious enough that I believe it.

Consider this the summer slaw you’ve been dreaming of. Crunchy, tangy with citrus juice, just a little bit hot (with the amount of pepper we’ve included), it’s just the right side for rich dishes or anywhere you want something with a peppery punch.

When first made, the pikliz is pretty hot, but the heat mellows as it sits and we found the final result here perfect for folks who appreciate a little heat, but don’t want something overwhelming. Rock Steady’s Jacob Thomas notes that when his mother makes this, “she throws in all the hot peppers in there.”

(2020) Hawaiian Style Sesame Cabbage Salad

I’ve been craving Asian flavors, so here’s what I’d do with my cabbage and green onions. It’s a recipe from Saveur magazine. Sort of a take on old ramen noodle slaw recipes that have been around since maybe the 70s? The directions say to serve immediately and certainly the crushed ramen is crunchy that way, but I secretly like these salads best when they’re a day old and the noodles have softened and absorbed the goodness from the dressing.