This classic Haitian condiment can be found on every table,
sometimes even when there isn’t a table. The liquid is used as a hot
sauce; in other dishes the thinly sliced vegetables are a sort of
slaw/pickle condiment for meat or vegetable preparations. Scotch bonnet
peppers are traditional –– but their close relatives, habañeros, can be
substituted and are more easily found in local groceries. Pepper
aficionados distinguish between them, but Scotch bonnets and habeñeros
share a flavor profile unique among chilies, as well as a similar
Scoville index – the measurement used to classify chiles’ heat levels.
Both are incendiary: this condiment is not for the faint of heart.Â
- 6 Scotch bonnet peppers, or  substitute habañeros
- 2 c. very thinly sliced cabbage
- ½ c. very thinly sliced carrots
- ¼ c. very thinly sliced onion, not super-sweet, preferably red
- 1 ½ tsp. kosher or sea salt
- 4 whole cloves
- 4 whole allspice berries
- 12 peppercorns
- approximately 3 c. distilled white vinegar
Use
rubber gloves when handling the peppers; alternately, coat your hands
with oil before slicing. Stem the peppers and remove the seeds. Slice
into thin slivers and place into a medium-large non-reactive bowl. Add
the cabbage, carrots, onion and salt and toss to combine. Let stand for
about 15 minutes; the salt will wilt the vegetables.
Crush the
cloves, allspice and peppercorns lightly with a mallet or the back of a
heavy skillet and add to the bowl. Let stand for another 15 minutes, or
about 30 minutes total for the vegetables and spices mixed together.
Put
the mixture into a quart jar, including any liquid. Add enough vinegar
to fill to the top, and stir to combine. Cover tightly and let stand
for at least 24 hours and up to 48 hours before using, then
refrigerate. Makes 1 quart.
This article appears in Mar 4-10, 2010.
