Traditional German Cabbage Salad

We all know German cuisine isn't necessarily world acclaimed or anything (except for the bratwurst--I gotta give it to them for that) but one of my favorite things to eat at German restaurants is their cold marinated cabbage "salats" (they occasionally do it with chopped carrots and cucumber too).  This is probably the only vegetable other than a potato that you will ever eat in Germany.  In fact, it almost seems painful for them to serve anything but different variations of fried meat.

After months of searching for the most authentic tasting recipe, I broke down and asked one of the locals who clean my office building.  From her broken English, this is what I concocted back at home.  I was expecting some intricate recipe, but no, its only four ingredients!


A little over 1/2 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
1/2 cup sugar
1 or 1 1/2 teaspoons salt (to taste)
1/2 cup vegetable oil

In a small saucepan, bring the top three ingredients to a boil.  Add the vegetable oil and return to a boil.  Boil until the salt and sugar have dissolved and the oil is rippling.  Pour over a finely shredded combination of green and red cabbage, and carrots.  Cover and chill.  Extra liquid will pool at the bottom, but a little extra sauce never bothered any German I've met (or just drain with a slotted spoon). :)   I think I'm going to try it with cucumbers later tonight--I'll let you know how they turn out.  I was shocked at how similar it tasted to the stuff I've had in restaurants.  But don't just take my word for it...come out and visit us and try for yourself!!

Enjoy!

-Dana