Cabbage, the Lettuce of Central America

Central America is not big on lettuce. If you want a big green salad you are just plain out of luck. You are more likely to get a salad full of cabbage (curtido de repollo). In recent years there has been a rise in the “ensalada fresca” a simple green salad at lunch, but traditionally salad in Central America means cabbage. There are a couple of reasons for this. Its a bit tough washing lettuce when your water isn’t exactly potable. Also, most of it gets exported. Almost all “salads” consist of vegetables that have been cooked or blanched. Even slaws like a curtido do repollo get the boiled water treatment first. Which to be honest, I prefer to the bleach solution bath that your “ensalada fresca” probably got.

My Take on a Central American Classic

You will find some version of curtido de repollo all over Central America. It includes carrots and onion in El Salvador. In Nicaragua, it is called Ensalada de Repollo and includes tomatoes and cilantro as well. My version is simple and delicious with just a few ingedients and a little time on the counter it melds into the perfect side dish for steaks or pupusas. I also think it goes well with cheesy things like quesadillas or Mexican style enchiladas.

Serve with Honduran Skirt Steak,Chimol, Fried Ripe Plantains, Rice and Beans