Culinary SOS: Mustards Grill restaurant’s curried slaw recipe

Dear SOS:

I recently dined at Mustards Grill in Napa. We had the most delicious crispy calamari with a curried slaw that was out of this world. I’m hoping you can get the recipe for the slaw. I would go there every day if I lived in the area.

Thanks,

Sarabeth Rothfeld

Woodland Hills

Dear Sarabeth: We loved the bright flavors and depth of flavor in this so-simple recipe. It works as a perfect side dish, whether you’re hosting a formal dinner or having the gang over to watch a little football.

Mustards Grill’s curried slaw

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Total time: 15 minutes

Servings: 4 to 8

Note: Adapted from a recipe in “Mustards Grill Napa Valley Cookbook” by Cindy Pawlcyn with Brigid Callinan. Indian curry paste can be found in many well-stocked supermarkets as well as specialty cooking stores.

Curry vinaigrette

2 tablespoons prepared Indian curry paste

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

VIDEO: Watch a video of this recipe being made in the L.A. Times Test Kitchen.

2 tablespoons lemon juice

2 tablespoons rice vinegar

1/4 teaspoon salt

3/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

In a medium bowl, whisk together the curry paste, mustard, lemon juice, vinegar, salt and pepper until the salt is dissolved, about 30 seconds. Gradually whisk in the olive oil, and continue to whisk until fully emulsified. This makes a scant cup of vinaigrette, which will keep for up to 3 days, covered and refrigerated.

Slaw and assembly

4 cups thinly sliced green cabbage (about 1/3 head)

1 carrot, peeled and grated

1 red Fresno or jalapeño chile, seeded and thinly sliced

Prepared vinaigrette

1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves

2 green onions, white and light green parts, thinly sliced on the diagonal

1. In a large bowl, toss together the cabbage, carrot and chile.

2. Stir the vinaigrette to make sure it is emulsified and toss the slaw with just enough to coat lightly; you may not use all of the vinaigrette. Place the slaw in a serving bowl or divide onto plates. Garnish the bowl or servings with the cilantro leaves and green onion.

Each of 8 servings: 87 calories; 1 gram protein; 4 grams carbohydrates; 1 gram fiber; 8 grams fat; 1 gram saturated fat; 0 cholesterol; 2 grams sugar; 90 mg sodium.

SOS REQUESTS: Send Culinary SOS requests to noelle.carter@latimes.com or Culinary SOS, Food section, Los Angeles Times, 202 W. 1st St., Los Angeles, CA 90012. Please include your name, phone number and city of residence.