Thai Kohlrabi Slaw

THAI KOHLRABI SLAW

FOOD AS MEDICINE

If you’ve never heard of kohlrabi, you are probably not alone! But perhaps you have spotted it at your local farmers market or come across it tucked in amongst broccoli and cauliflower at your natural foods grocery store. Kohlrabi is a member of the cruciferous vegetable family (along with broccoli, kale, cauliflower, Brussels etc.) and while it may look like something from another planet, it is actually packet with disease fighting compounds. Kohlrabi contains more than 100% of your daily needs of vitamin C in one cup and it is a powerhouse when it comes to fighting cancer, diabetes and high cholesterol. The  detox-supporting indole-3-carbinols are also seen to improve liver and kidney function and fend off breast, colon and lung cancer.

Here’s what kohlrabi looks like. The greens can be reserved and sauteed like kale or chard and the bulb is great in salads, stir frys and even as a mash!

INGREDIENTS

1/2 pound kohlrabi, about 3-4 bulbs shredded or finely julienned

2 carrots, finely shredded or julienned

1-2 daikon radishes, finely shredded or julienned

2 Tbsp finely chopped fresh mint

2 Tbsp finely chopped fresh Thai basil

2 Tbsp finely chopped fresh cilantro

3 medium shallots, very thinly sliced

2 garlic cloves, peeled and finely minced

1 Tbsp finely grated fresh ginger

1-2 serrano chiles, (or more to taste), very thinly sliced

4 Tbsp fresh lime juice

1 1/2 Tbsp fish sauce

1-2 tsp honey, optional

2 Tbsp sesame oil

1/4 cup dry roasted cashews, roughly chopped

DIRECTIONS

Place the shredded kohlrabi, carrots and radishes in a bowl and stir to combine. Fold in the fresh herbs along with the shallots, garlic,  ginger and serrano peppers. In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, fish sauce, honey if using and sesame oil. Pour the dressing over the slaw and adjust seasoning to taste. Top with the roasted cashews and additional chopped herbs.

Makes 4 servings

Nutrition per serving: 114 Calories, 7g Fat, 13g Carbs, 2g Protein

Want more salad ideas?  Check out the Naturally Nourished Cookbook  for more food-as-medicine recipes like this!