Curtido

Curtido is to pupusas what ketchup is to fries. Can you eat pupusas on their own? Sure, but why would you when they are so much better together?

Curtido is a fantastic way to add something special to your meals. I am certain that if you were to ask a Salvadoran “what can I serve curtido with?” the answer would be “everything!” The cabbage slaw adds crunch, tang, and spice to whatever it touches.

What Is Curtido?

The word curtido is short for the Spanish word “encurtido” which means pickled, and that is exactly how it is prepared. It is a typical Salvadoran slaw made from cabbage and other vegetables that are pickled in fruity vinegar and served as a side dish or topping. It bears similarities to vinegar coleslaw, sauerkraut, and kimchi.

While every family prepares it in their own way, there are some common ingredients typically found in curtido: cabbage, carrots, red onion, and oregano. Spice is usually added to curtido in the form of sliced jalapenos. The vinegar, normally a fruit-derived one like apple cider vinegar, will also impart a particular flavor to the mix. 

The Secret Ingredient: Fermentation

Curtido’s secret “ingredient” isn’t an ingredient at all: fermentation. Allowing curtido to sit for a few days or more will bring new bold tastes that will make each batch unique and even more delicious. 

To ensure healthy fermentation and curtido that’s safe to eat for weeks, refrigerate the mixture in a clean, well-sealed container. Avoid double-dipping with spoons or forks to keep your curtido free of any cross-contamination. 

How to Serve and Store Curtido

This recipe is tangy and strong, and while you can start eating the curtido the moment you prepare it, it will be so much better after at least 24 hours in the fridge. As the days go by, its flavor will change and evolve. 

However, if curtido is left for too long, the cabbage and other vegetables will lose their signature crunch. It’s best eaten within a few weeks.

Tips for Making Curtido

• Use a glass container or jar for your curtido. Plastic is porous and tends to stain.
• Experiment with different types of vinegar until you find the one you prefer—a sweet, fruity vinegar work best. Pineapple vinegar is traditional in El Salvador.
• Save your strength by using a mandoline or the slicing blade on a food processor to prepare the vegetables. 
• Try different variations by adding vegetables you have lying around. Radishes, cauliflower, or even shredded beets (which will give the curtido a pink tint) all work well.

Use Up Excess Veggies With These Recipes

• Freekeh Vegetable Soup
• Zucchini Fritters
• Sautéed Fennel With Fennel Fronds
• Pickle Slaw
• Easy Vegetable Fried Rice