Honduran Curtido (Pickled Cabbage)
Curtido is the bright, tangy pickled cabbage slaw that finishes so many Honduran and Central American dishes. Lightly fermented or quick-pickled, it adds a crisp, vinegary crunch that cuts through rich, fried foods.
It is made from shredded cabbage, grated carrot and onion, seasoned with vinegar, salt and a little oregano. Some cooks let it ferment for a day or two for extra tang, while a quick version is ready in an hour.
Curtido is the classic topping for pupusas and pastelitos, and it pairs beautifully with enchiladas, fried fish and grilled meats. Think of it as Central America's answer to sauerkraut or kimchi, but fresher and milder.
For the best curtido, salt the cabbage first to draw out moisture, then dress it with vinegar so it stays crisp. It keeps well in the fridge and gets tangier over time.
Honduran Curtido Recipe
Prep: 15 min · Cook: 0 min · Yield: 4 cups
Ingredients
- 1/2 head cabbage, finely shredded
- 1 carrot, grated
- 1/2 onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
- Toss the shredded cabbage with the salt and let it sit 10 minutes to soften.
- Add the grated carrot and sliced onion.
- Stir together the vinegar, water and oregano and pour over the vegetables.
- Toss well and press down so the cabbage is submerged.
- Let sit at least 1 hour (or refrigerate 1 to 2 days for more tang) before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is curtido?
Curtido is a tangy Honduran and Central American pickled cabbage slaw made with cabbage, carrot, onion and vinegar. It tops pupusas, pastelitos and fried foods.
What is curtido used for?
It is the classic topping for pupusas and pastelitos, and it pairs well with enchiladas, fried fish and grilled meats, adding a crisp, vinegary contrast.
Is curtido fermented?
It can be. Traditional curtido is lightly fermented for a day or two for extra tang, but a quick vinegar version is ready in about an hour.
How long does curtido last?
Stored covered in the fridge, curtido keeps for a week or more and actually improves, becoming tangier over time.