Name: Curtido - Salvadoran Cabbage Relish
Yield: Makes about 6 cups
Ingredients: ½ large head of green cabbage, thinly sliced; 3 medium carrots, grated on the large holes of a box grater; ½ large white onion, thinly sliced; 2 serrano chiles, thinly sliced; 1 garlic clove, finely grated; 2 teaspoons dried oregano, preferably Mexican; 5 tsp. Diamond Crystal or 3 tsp. Morton kosher salt, plus more; ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil; Apple cider vinegar (for serving)

Photo by Alex Lau, styling by Sean Dooley

If you’re new to fermenting, this curtido recipe is a good place to start as it pickles quickly and easily. You can taste the difference in flavor every day, and the longer you let this Salvadoran cabbage relish ferment, the better it’s going to taste. Sure, it’s great as a fresh slaw, but by day three, you’ll see what we mean. The salty brine becomes tangier as it sits, meaning you may not need to add the vinegar.

Traditionally, curtido is served with Pupusas and pairs well with Salvadoran Salsa Roja, but it is also excellent used alongside grilled meats and heavier mains, or any time you want a bright and pickle-y topping.

Editor’s note: This recipe was originally published on May 5, 2017.

Recipe notes

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