Summers at the Cottage: A Family Tradition with Mom’s Tangy Tomato Slaw

Oui Chef Season 3 Episode 8

Every summer, when the sun was high and the days were long, our family would gather at the cottage for a season filled with laughter, memories, and of course, delicious food. Among the many culinary delights that marked our summers,  Mom’s Slaw was a standout favorite. This vibrant, crunchy salad was a staple at our family barbecues and picnics, bringing a refreshing tang to the table that everyone loved. My mom’s meticulous preparation of this dish became a cherished tradition, a symbol of summer’s arrival.

The unique aspect of this slaw that set it apart from the usual coleslaw recipes was its tomato-based dressing. While most slaws are dressed with a creamy mayonnaise sauce, my mom’s version had a sweet and tangy tomato base that gave it a distinctive flavor. The combination of tomato soup, white vinegar, and a touch of sugar created a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. This dressing, with its subtle garlic and mustard notes, was what made the slaw irresistibly delicious.

I remember the ritual of preparing the slaw vividly. My mom would mix the dressing ingredients in a large Mason jar, shaking it with precision and then letting it rest in the refrigerator. This allowed the flavors to meld together beautifully. Meanwhile, she would shred the crisp white and red cabbages, grate the carrots, and toss them together in a large bowl. The colors alone were a feast for the eyes, but it was the taste that kept us coming back for more.

Whenever the dressing was poured over the fresh, crunchy vegetables, the slaw transformed into a vibrant, tangy masterpiece. Sometimes, mom would serve the dressing on the side, letting each of us mix our slaw to taste. This flexibility made the dish a hit with everyone, allowing each family member to enjoy their preferred level of tanginess. Those summer days at the cottage, with the smell of grilled food in the air and a bowl of mom’s slaw on the table, are some of my fondest memories. This slaw wasn’t just a dish; it was a testament to the love and care that went into our family gatherings.

Mom’s Slaw

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• Author: The Kilted Chef
• Yield: serves 6-8 1x

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

Dressing:

• 1 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup white vinegar
• 3/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 10 oz. can tomato soup
• 2 garlic cloves cut in large pieces
• 3 tsp HP sauce
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp dry mustard

 

Slaw:

 

• 1 head of white cabbage, shredded
• 1/2 head of red cabbage, shredded
• 2 carrots, peeled, grated

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Instructions

1. Mix all of the dressing ingredients together in a large Mason jar and refrigerate for 1 hour.
2. In a large bowl, combine white and red cabbage and toss together with shredded carrots.
3. Mix the slaw with the dressing as needed or serve the dressing on the side.

• Category: sides, oui chef, recipes