Everyday Cabbage-Shallot Refresher

Cabbage is readily available in the colder months, so this is an ideal winter dish. I like it with grilled fish or grilled meat, or with beef stew, because of its contrasting crispness and bright flavors. This can have a marked hit of heat (red cayenne chiles are very attractive against the green), or less heat if you reduce the amount of cayenne or use a milder chile.

Dressing the shallots 10 to 30 minutes ahead gives them time to soften and get a little milder. Then just toss with