I have adapted this salad from a recipe I once tried from Princess Pamela’s Soul Food Cookbook, which is my favorite cookbook on the subject of Soul Food. Unfortunately, that little paperback book has been out of print since the late 60’s and is very difficult to find. If you happen to run across a copy, you are very lucky; hold on to it and treasure it!
My version of Southern Hot Slaw is less sour and slightly more sweet than the recipe printed in Princess Pamela’s book. Feel free to adjust the sugar and vinegar to your own family’s tastes.
Coleslaw has always been popular in the Southern US, probably because it goes so well with all kinds of barbecue. Even though I'm not from the South, I've always served coleslaw at my cookouts. This warm variation is great served with ribs or grilled meats. It is also crunchy, colorful, and healthy.
Southern Hot Slaw
6 Servings
6 slices bacon
1 small onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 teaspoons flour
3/4 cup vinegar
1 pound package shredded coleslaw mix
Cut the bacon in small pieces and fry until crisp in a large skillet; remove the bacon to drain on paper towels. Leave the bacon fat in the pan and add the onion; sauté over medium heat until the onions are soft and beginning to get golden brown. Mix the sugar, dry mustard, salt, pepper, and flour. Using a wire wish or hand blender, Blend the mixture into the onions, then whisk in the vinegar. Cook and stir over low heat until slightly thickened. Mix the bacon into the dressing. Add the cabbage, a handful at a time, to the dressing in the pan, mixing well. Turn the heat to low and stir until the cabbage is slightly limp, but still crunchy. Serve immediately.
