Thai Inspired Kohlrabi Slaw and Thank You
“It is never easy to lose a fur baby. They are your children just as much as the ones we give birth to.” Cheryl D Lee of Black Girl Chef’s Whites
Before I get to today’s recipe I want to thank you. I’d specially like to thank Maya (Foodiva’s Kitchen) for her help, support, and for checking up on me:) Thank you Maya for being such a sweet and giving person and friend. It means so much to me and I’ll never forget it.
You know when you are personally going through a difficult time it feels as though you are the only one that has ever felt or experienced that kind of pain and heartache. Last Sunday when I sat down to write the farewell post about my Panchito I didn’t realize the response the post would receive. Thank you for all of the supportive comments, emails, messages, well wishes, poems and for sharing your stories. While all the messages we’ve received have made me feel supported it is your pet stories that make me feel like we aren’t the only ones with this heartache. They make me feel like one day the intense pain and emptiness I feel will begin to subside. Your stories made me realize that the day will come when I’ll be able to only remember all the goofy Panchito stories and to laugh without crying. From the bottom of my heart thank you everyone. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I am so proud of our foodie community for all the friendship, encouragement and support given to one another.
Since Panchito’s passing I have hardly gone into my kitchen. When I have it has been to cook quick and just fill the belly type of meals. Neither of us have had an appetite for much so needless to say I haven’t cooked anything worth blogging about. About 98% of the time when I was in my kitchen Panchito was alongside me and it has been hard standing there alone without him waiting for a taste. One night I was preparing chicken breasts. They come in a pack of 3. Most times it meant a chicken breast for the each of us. I started to cry with the realization that we would only need 2.
I am no longer crying all day long and my swollen red eyes have begun to settle. But throughout the day I’ll see, hear, or remember something and I start to cry again. I can’t help keep looking at the clock at his scheduled walk times. The spot in the entrance where he greeted us when we came in sits empty like the spot beside my desk where he used to lay. It’s all still very raw and I miss him terribly. This morning after yoga I tried meditating. I imagined a warm beach as the sun was beginning to rise. I imagined Panchito running up and down the beach. His legs going as fast as they could and his goofy big ears flopping up and down, a scene repeated every time we went to the beach. That image made me smile, smile from within and it felt good. I know with time it will get easier and for the time being I just keep repeating to myself that Panchito never liked to see me sad. For him and my husband I make myself smile as I attempt to pick up the pieces of my broken heart.
Those of you that know me a little better often hear me say that I am behind, behind on everything. I guess the good thing about being behind is that I’ve accumulated some recipes and photos to share when I am not able to cook. This recipe is one of those accumulated recipes. It is an inspiration of Thai and American cuisine with a dash of Czech. Obviously the Thai inspiration is in the dressing ingredients. The American because Coleslaw comes from America as far as I can tell. The Czech inspiration is because of the purple kohlrabi that is so commonly found here in all the markets.
Kohlrabi is a vegetable related to cabbage and Brussels sprouts . The taste is mild and one I can describe as a bit like broccoli with a hint of cabbage. Kohlrabi comes in a purple or light green color and apparently the purple variety is sweeter. The entire vegetable is edible, I’ve even substituted the leaves for spinach. Try to choose smaller Kohlrabi and that way no peeling is needed. But if you only find a large one then be warned the outer skin is very fibrous almost woody so you’ll need to peel it before eating. Obviously from this recipe you can see that it can be eaten raw as well as cooked. You can steam it, fry it, stew it, mash it, make curry with it or whatever you like.
Kohlrabi is also very low in calories but rich in vitamins and dietary fiber. I’ve mixed Kohlrabi with other vegetables and found it did not over power in taste. Also when cooked I found that it absorbed spices a bit better than when raw. Though native to Europe from what I’ve read it can also be found around the world. So have I convinced you to give Kohlrabi a try? I hope so.
- 1 small purple Kohlrabi, matchsticks
- 1 small carrot, shredded
- 2 cups cabbage, shredded
- 1 tbsp finely chopped ginger
- 1 green onion, finely chopped
- 1 small red or green chile, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1.5 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tsp red curry paste
- 1 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- crushed peanuts
- fresh basil leaves and/or fresh mint leaves
- In a large bowl throughly mix all the dressing ingredients until well combined. Set aside.
- In a separate large bowl toss the vegetables then pour the dressing over them. Gently toss until vegetables are fully coated. Cover and place in the refrigerator for 15 minutes or until ready to serve.
- Before serving crush desired amount of shelled peanuts. Rinse desired amount of fresh basil leaves. Serve the crushed peanuts and basil on the side to allow each person to top as desired.
This coleslaw style salad tasted delicious! It was crunchy, fresh, spicy with a hint of tartness. It can be enjoyed simply on it’s own, as an appetizer or as a side dish. I served it alongside homemade fried rice.
How about you are you a fan of Kohlrabi or have you ever tried it before?
Other Coleslaw and Kohlrabi Recipes:
– Crunchy apple & red cabbage coleslaw with honey-sesame dressing, by Cooking How
– Asian Coleslaw by Just One Cookbook
– Knol-Khol Kootu (Kohlrabi With Spiced Coconut Paste) by My Diverse Kitchen
– Kohlrabi soup by No Onion Please
– Kohlrabi and Greens Pieby Souvlaki For The Soul
**UPDATE: September 04, 2011 :Recipe featured on Foodbuzz Top 9“
Welcome back! And awesome recipe!!! :)
Thank you Guiliettal:)
Nice Post!
Thanks!
I’m sending you lots of hugs and hope your day gets a little bit better everyday. I’ll be thinking of you. Thank you for the link for my Asian Coleslaw. Your coleslaw is the beautiful coleslaw I’ve ever seen. Hugs!
Hi Nami, thank you for you kind words on the two posts. I know only time will help heal our hearts. I loved your coleslaw recipe and would love to try it soon. Hugs back.
I am not big on the gloppy white coated cabbage here they call slaw. However, I seem to be drawn to the crunchy ones with light dressing, so this one gets my vote! The dressing has some great ingredients and love the peanuts on top.
It is hard to be strong after the loss of a beloved pet and the lurking reminders, but time heals all. Wishing you a wonderful weekend!!
Hi Tina, I agree not such a big fan of the white slaw that’s why I experimented with this one. Thank you and I hope you also have a wonderful weekend.
Awww, I’m so sorry for your loss. I hope things start to look better soon! Beautiful pictures btw :)
Thank you Marina.
I have never seen Kohlrabi around here, will have to check into it. This slaw looks fantastic!
Much love and hugs
Alisha I am shocked by that as you always seem to find great and exotic veggies. I think you’ll like Kohlrabi. Thanks sweetie
it’s interesting how you transform something that is used in western cooking into an asian dish! nice!
Thanks Michelle it just all came together out of nowhere but glad you approve.
I have Kohlrabi growing in my garden (mum put it there) I haven’t picked it because I didn’t know what to do with it! Thanks for sharing, I can’t wait to go and get it now.
Hi Julie, Oh how lucky for you! Kohlrabi is really a great and unique veggie and I’m sure you’ll love it so fresh from your garden.
It’s been 4 months, but my heart still stops when I chop vegetables and Sadie doesn’t come in… but I do tell myself that my life was so enriched by her and as my Vet friend says, “God made a mistake with pets. They don’t live long enough.” And so you were enriched and loved. Sending you comfort and hugs.
Your photos shine as ever – love the curry paste in the dressing and glad to see you in the kitchen.
Hi Claudia, I’m so sorry that after 4 months it is still so hard for you. Our lives truly are blessed and better by our furry loved ones, humans are so lucky. Your friend is so right and it just seems so unfair. Sending you big warm hugs back.
Thank you and glad to hear you like the curry paste in this.
Beautiful salad and beautiful thoughts of your dear Panchito. It’s so good to see a post from you…but I know that sadness in your heart is hard to relieve. xoxo
Hi Lizzy, Thank you. Getting back to work is at least keeping me distracted a bit but the sadness I think will be there for a long time. xoxo back at you and have a great weekend.
I want to give you a hug and a shoulder to cry on.
Your recipe sounds great.
Hi Christine, Thank you that is so sweet of you. Sending you back a big virtual hug.
Wonderful recipe and a truly beautiful post…..hugs to you and your hubby and I hope happy memories rise to the surface soon.
Hi Ann, Thank you so much. Happy memories will not be in shortage as we have many of them. We were so lucky to have him be part of our little family.
Yum, kohlrabi is my favourite veg, I’ll definitely give this a go. I make Asian inspired coleslaw with carrot and cabbage and a chilli, soy and fish sauce dressing and sesame seeds and at the moment that’s my favourite salad, kohlrabi will make for a tasty change.
That is great to hear and your coleslaw sound really yummy.
I know of the heart-tugging moments you mentioned in your post, they can be triggered by anything and any memory, and I’ve been there too. ‘Feeling’ them out helps a lot with the healing process. Now, that purple kohlrabi looks magnificent! I used to buy a lot of green kohlrabi in Germany but never came across this regally-colored one. The red curry and peanut dressing is inspired and I can imagine how gorgeous this salad must taste. I think Thailand has got to be your next holiday destination, I know you’ll love it there!
Hi Maya, Yes I’m sure you do when you remember Bruce Lee. Thank you for the advice and will keep that in mind.
Oh you were my neighbor then? The green one is also more popular here and it tastes great too but I can’t resist vibrant colors so the purple is my fave. Thailand is very high on our list of holiday destinations. Well I’d also love to live there for at least 6 months and know we’d love it. We’d be a plane hop away and the trouble we could get into, hehe.
Beautiful recipe, Beautiful pictures and a very heartfelt post. I know you are going through such a hard time right now. I remember the first few weeks still going downstairs first thing to let the dogs out into the back yard for their morning ritual before their walk. How many times I started my march down the stairs to realize that no one had to go out. You are right, eventually you will be able to laugh at your memories of Panchito. But then there are those days when the loss will still overcome you. Even two years later I still sob my eyes out when I see a dog that reminds me of my fur babies. I was a sobbing fool when I saw the movie Marley and Me. But it will get better. I will keep you and your husband in my thoughts and prayers. I will pray that Panchito is playing with my two dogs (Samson and Bailey) and they are having a wonderful time in the green grass of heaven. Sending you a big hug! ~ Ramona
Hi Ramona, Thank you so much. You know exactly what I am feeling. Some days are harder then others and yes the routine things always make me choke up when I think that I won’t be doing them again. Marley and Me brought tears to my eyes but I don’t think I’ll ever be able to see that movie again. I am sure my Panchito is playing with Samson and Bailey:) Big hugs back.
Hey Nancy,
Nice recipe….. time will heal all…… your memories with panchito will always be fresh in your mind and make you happy… Keep cooking and keep loving.
Love,
Maria
Hi Maria, Thank you and I will forever him his love in my heart. Hugs
Yes Nancy hugs and kisses to you as well..sleep tight :)
Thanks Maria, you too. And have a great week ahead.
Absolutely love the slaw and the dressing looks soo yum. Your photos are so amazing .. the purple color is shinning beautifully.
Hi Kankana, Thank you so much and glad to hear you like the recipe.
I am glad to see you posting again, but I feel your pain, but the pain will pass and there will be only happy memories… those happy memories will keep him alive in your heart forever.
Your slaw sounds incredible, and I love that dressing!
Hi Sandra, Thank you and it’s serving as a good distraction right now. Glad to hear you like it.
I am a big fan of both cabbage and brussel sprouts…..but funny…..I have never tried kohlrabi. Your beautiful pictures inspire me to do so! Glad you are taking steps to be back in your kitchen and to see your meditation helps. I wish you both peace in the days to come.
Hi Anne, You must try Kohlrabi sometime and I’m sure you’ll love it. Thank you so much.
I’m so sorry for your loss! Your photos of the kohlrabi are simply stunning.
Hi Katherine, Thank you so much.
hi nancy ,first time here, your kohirabi slaw looks very tasty and appetizing. i am still looking at your kohirabi (purple fruit/ veggie) – looks like radish, never seen this, or perhaps its there in the supermarket, imported, just that i didn’t see it, cos never tried eating this before.
glad i visited. do visit mine, would love to read a comment from you too.
Hi, Welcome and glad to have you visiting. You might want to look out for the green variety as it seems to be more popular. Thanks and I’ll stop by soon.
Congrats to you! It’s a joy to share the Top 9 with you today! Lovely post, GORGEOUS photos. Enjoy the last days of summer.
My best, Pam
Thank you Pam and congrats to you as well. You too enjoy the end of summer and the holiday weekend.
I am sorry about your loss (I’ve been away for a while and just getting up to date), but I’m glad to see your stunning photos and ingenious creations again!
Hi Guvi, Thank you so much.
I love the quote, Nancy. It is so true. I still miss Champagne who died last year after being part of the family for 17 years! Her sibling is getting used to being an “only pet”.
Anyway (sniff) I love your photos as always – what a photogenic kohlrabi! Intrigued to try the slaw.
Hi Hester, You will have 17 years of wonderful Champgane memories the rest of your life. I think no matter how long our fur babies have been gone for we will miss them the rest of our lives. I’m glad you have her sibling to comfort you. Thank you sweetie.
Kohlrabi is a regular in our kitchen, but we’ve never seen it looking so beautiful, Nancy! We usually make a curry – along with the leaves.
Hi Tadka, I think you are the only other one who eats it regularly and how yummy in a curry. Thanks.
I love kohlrabi and would never have thought to make a slaw with it- very creative and healthy;-)
Hi Patty, Thanks and you must try it.
I only recently discovered kohlrabi and love the crunch it ads to salads raw! This salad/slaw looks fantastic. You always have the prettiest foods. :)
Lots of hugs to you during this difficult time.
Thank you Laura and glad to hear that you also love Kohlrabi.
Hi Nancy! I am so glad to read you are doing a bit better! I have been meaning to stop by before but something always got in the way! Cheer up and remember you can count on us for anything! Time will help and the good memories will stay forever! <3
The slaw is amazing btw and your pictures are stunning!
Hi Manu, Thank you and don’t worry I understand everyone gets busy. It means a lot to me:)
In my life, my furbabies have always been family and I know how heartbreaking it is to lose someone you love. I pray that the healing of your heart comes quickly so that you can enjoy the memories of your baby without the deep pain that accompanies them now. I’m happy to hear that you were able to find a happy place. I think that was a good first step in the healing process which always takes time. Now about that slaw…..I have never had kohlrabi. From your description of it, I know I would love it and will be looking for it going forward. This would be a perfect way for me to try it too as I love the Thai flavors you have paired it with in this recipe. It looks delicious! Have a wonderful week! Candace
Hi Candace, Thank you so much for your kind words. I hope you do get to try Kohlrabi and I’m sure you’ll love it.
Beautiful photos and sweet tearful post. I am sorry for your loss. – Tessa
Hi Tessa, Thank you.
i’m very sorry about your panchito :( i missed that post, so just wanted to say i’m very sorry.
Hi Anna, Thank you
I’m not that much of a online reader to be honest but your blogs really nice, keep it up! I’ll go ahead and bookmark your site to come back down the road. Many thanks
Nice topic, I’ve saved it and added to stumble upon. I’ll come again for other good stuff like this. Glad I found you, Exactly what I wanted today.
Thank you!
This slaw is so unique and clever! Great spicy and savory elements – will definitely have to try out this recipe soon!