Tropical Mango Slaw

I love mango. Plain and simple! To me there is no fruit that is more tropical than fresh, sweet, ripe mango!

As a more recent addition to your local grocer, most of us didn’t grow up eating mango. Rich in vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants, Mango should not be over looked for its culinary and nutritional value.

I created this recipe for an all Caribbean themed BBQ that I was having a few years ago for some very special friends who were hard core Parrotheads. I know that they were not well versed in their food repertoire but were somewhat open minded when I cook (provided it was not too off the wall).

In looking to incorporate at least one tropical ingredient into each menu item, Tropical Mango Slaw was born. I have discovered that this is an especially great addition to grilled fish and chicken.

This recipe is a healthy modification of traditional mayo-based slaw and is sure to be a crowd pleaser. Best part, it could not be easier to make.

Ingredients:

• 1 small head of cabbage (white/light green variety)
• 1 large mango ripe**
• 1 large carrot, julienne or grated
• 2 green onion/scallion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 3 tbsp lime juice (fresh squeezed preferred)
• 2 tbsp canola or olive oil
• 1 tsp salt (sea or kosher preferred)
• Hot sauce

Process:

1) Slice cabbage – cut to desired slaw thickness – my preference is thinly sliced

2) Peel and chop mango into large cubes

3) Combine mango, lime juice, oil, and salt in a blender. Process until smooth. Add a few dashes of hot pepper to desired taste. Set aside.

4) Combine sliced cabbage, carrots green onion and cilantro in a bowl and mix

5) Add in mango sauce to vegetables and toss to coat.

6) Place in refrigerator for at least 30 to 60 minutes for flavors to set.

** knowing when mango is ripe: choose a mango with yellow skin that is blushed with red. When mango is ripe it will yield to gentle pressure and give off a pleasant scented odor. If the mango is all red and feels mushy, it is most likely over ripe – avoid using.