Curtido (Lacto-Fermented) El Salvado

Curtido (Lacto-Fermented) El Salvado
Curtido (Lacto-Fermented) El Salvado
Curtido is my absolute favorite shredded vegetable ferment and the one I make most often. It is one of the national foods of El Salvador, where you can find it on the table of every corner pupusería to accompany the thick corn tortilla pupusas stuffed with meat, beans, and cheese. Don’t skimp on the oregano and the onions - they are the ingredients that make curtido so delicious. If you happen to have fresh loroco on hand, an herb native to Central America, you can toss a bit of that in too. Curtido is excellent as an accompaniment to tacos, burritos, and enchiladas.
  • Preparing Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Served Person: 1
vegetarian white meat free tree nut free nut free gluten free red meat free shellfish free dairy free vegan pescatarian
  • Carbohydrate 0 g
  • Cholesterol 0 mg
  • Fat 0 g
  • Fiber 0 g
  • Protein 0 g
  • Saturated Fat 0 g
  • Serving Size 1 1 Serving (0g)
  • Sodium 0 mg
  • Sugar 0 g
  • Trans Fat 0 g
  • Calories 0 calories

1 small head of cabbage (approx. 2 pounds), shredded 1 red or yellow onion, thinly sliced 4 carrots, peeled and shredded 1 chili de arból, seeded and finely minced 1 teaspoon oregano 1 tablespoon sea salt Place all the ingredients in a large bowl. With very clean hands, knead and massage the mixture until the vegetables begin to go limp and they release their juices. Pack the mix into a sterilized mason jar, pushing down on it as you go to release more juice. If the vegetables are not covered in brine once you reach the top, add more salt water to completely submerge them. Cover with a clean tea towel. Set aside at room temperature for 10-14 days, adding a bit of salt water each day if the top vegetables become dry. Refrigerate when the flavor is to your liking – the flavor will continue to improve for several months.