Does coleslaw belong on the Thanksgiving table?

[Anonymous]

We always have a relish tray with olives, celery, and both sweet and dill pickles. That covers the acidic taste for the meal. Although I think I can remember sauerkraut some years as well, but that’s mostly just because we are German-Americans. They always served gravy and spicy mustard for the turkey.

My cousins were often trying on weird vegan/fruitarian diets so our table would frequently include new dishes. Lots of strange relishes/sauces.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The is none whatsoever.

Actually you are quite wrong. German coleslaw was always served with the turkey in my home (california). It cuts the fattiness of the turkey and gravy. https://www.thekitchn.com/recipe-thanksgiving-slaw-237475

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My mom insists on it. So she makes it, nobody else really eats it or cares if it's there. I don't know why it's a Thanksgiving food for her, but it's not the same type of Cole slaw you find at a summer bbq.

She's making german cole slaw. Has a vinegar base. https://www.craftbeering.com/krautsalat-german-coleslaw-white-cabbage-salad/

No, it's still creamy, jut not nearly as creamy as the summery kind. That recipe doesn't resemble her coleslaw at all. It has more onion and garlic in it but no bacon or caraway seeds. It's her thing but the rest of us aren't big fans. She's not German, but Polish so maybe there's a Polish connection to her recipe.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If someone in the family enjoys it and will eat it then it is appropriate.

+1
I don't understand policing Thanksgiving dinner.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If someone in the family enjoys it and will eat it then it is appropriate.

+1
I don't understand policing Thanksgiving dinner.

Yup, and most people from a recent or even not so recent immigrant background definitely embellish thanksgiving meals with their own touches. And of course the meal we eat today is not really what was eaten at the first thanksgivings - they ate fish, mussels, venison, plums, cabbages, sunchokes. No potato or sweet potato dishes because potatoes hadn’t arrived by then.

[Anonymous]

Grew up in central Ohio. I don’t remember coleslaw on Thanksgiving, but we always had coleslaw on Christmas Day as a counterpoint to the salty ham and cheesy scalloped potatoes.

[Anonymous]

Gross. How Americans love foods like potato salad, macaroni salad, coleslaw etc. (I.e foods drenched in mayo) is beyond comprehension.

[Anonymous]

If one of your family or guests like it, why not? You’re not being graded.

[Anonymous]

I love coleslaw. Haven’t heard of it at Thanksgiving, but if someone brought it I’d eat it (preferably vinegar based).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The is none whatsoever.

Actually you are quite wrong. German coleslaw was always served with the turkey in my home (california). It cuts the fattiness of the turkey and gravy. https://www.thekitchn.com/recipe-thanksgiving-slaw-237475

It's not a traditional slaw and that's why it works.

[Anonymous]

OP here. My initial reaction was, "no way!" unless it's like, a thanksgiving BBQ in Texas. But you guys have given me a lot to consider, I had no idea that sauerkraut was such a popular side dish at thanksgiving in the midwest and baltimore!

I am not sure I am ready to bring coleslaw to my T-giving table, but a relish and pickle tray might be a nice touch.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I love coleslaw. Haven’t heard of it at Thanksgiving, but if someone brought it I’d eat it (preferably vinegar based).

Same! I love vinegar based coleslaw.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Gross. How Americans love foods like potato salad, macaroni salad, coleslaw etc. (I.e foods drenched in mayo) is beyond comprehension.

Yes. All americans just suck and are gross, amirite?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I love coleslaw. Haven’t heard of it at Thanksgiving, but if someone brought it I’d eat it (preferably vinegar based).

Same! I love vinegar based coleslaw.

Never had it but I would love a vinegar slaw, sauerkraut at the table. The only way I'd eat Turkey is in a Turkey Reuben so this solves the problem. Now how do I sneak in the Swiss Cheese and Thousand Island and make a little sandwich with some rolls?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. My initial reaction was, "no way!" unless it's like, a thanksgiving BBQ in Texas. But you guys have given me a lot to consider, I had no idea that sauerkraut was such a popular side dish at thanksgiving in the midwest and baltimore!

I am not sure I am ready to bring coleslaw to my T-giving table, but a relish and pickle tray might be a nice touch.

Relish tray is standard. I was responsible for the dish my entire childhood.