There Ought to Be a Slaw

In our family, cole slaw is a must for our Fourth of July barbecuing. Of course, made with mayo or vinaigrette, it’s a high-fat treat. I decided to come up with a good-tasting alternative: roasted slaw.

Roasting is a great way to give flavor without having to use lots of fat. The cabbage, onions and garlic are sprayed with nonstick cooking spray and roasted about 45 minutes. Keep checking the cabbage and stir it once in a while until it becomes lightly browned with some darker browned spots.

Because sesame oil has a lot of flavor, you have to use only a teaspoon of it in the dressing. Just toss the cooked slaw with the dressing and let it chill while you prepare the won ton strip garnish. The won tons give a great crunch to the salad without adding any fat.

ROASTED CABBAGE SLAW

SLAW

Nonstick cooking spray

1 (3-pound) head green cabbage, coarsely shredded

2 bunches green onions

2 tablespoons sliced garlic

2 tablespoons chopped cilantro

1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

1 carrot

Spray jellyroll pan with nonstick cooking spray. Place cabbage on pan and spray with nonstick spray. Cut 1 bunch green onions in 1-inch pieces. Toss cabbage with green onion pieces and garlic, then spread evenly in pan.

Roast at 450 degrees, stirring occasionally, until cabbage begins to brown around edges, about 45 minutes. Remove from oven and stir in cilantro and sesame seeds.

Meanwhile, shred ends of remaining bunch green onions with small sharp knife. Cut carrot in very thin strips (citrus zester works well). Soak shredded green onions and carrot strips in ice water until green onion ends curl, about 30 minutes. Reserve for garnish.

SESAME WON TON STRIPS

Water

Sea salt

8 won tons, cut into 6 strips

Nonstick canola cooking spray

Black sesame seeds

Fill 3-quart saucepan 3/4 full with water. Bring to boil. Add 2 tablespoons salt. Add won ton strips to boiling water a few at a time. Cook 30 seconds. Using slotted spoon, remove to bowl of cold water. Drain and arrange in single layer on baking sheet sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Lightly spray won ton strips with nonstick cooking spray, then sprinkle with sesame seeds. Bake at 375 degrees until won tons are golden and crisp, 5 to 10 minutes. Lightly sprinkle with salt to taste. Remove to wire rack to cool.

SESAME DRESSING

1/4 cup rice vinegar

1 tablespoon sugar

1 teaspoon sesame oil

1/2 teaspoon minced ginger root

1/2 teaspoon soy sauce

Combine rice vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, ginger root and soy sauce. Pour over roasted cabbage and toss to coat evenly. Chill. To serve, arrange 6 baked won ton strips on each plate. Spoon cabbage slaw on top of strips. Garnish with reserved green onion curls and carrot strips.

Makes 8 servings.

Each serving contains about:

62 calories; 53 mg sodium; 0 cholesterol; 1 gram fat; 12 grams carbohydrates; 2 grams protein; 1.47 grams fiber.