Fresh Coconut Jicama Slaw with Spicy Lemongrass Dressing
Coconut contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) that can be helpful in preventing cancers and may have positive effects on on immunity.
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Ingredients
- 1 fresh coconut (NOTE: Choose a coconut that sounds like it has a lot of liquid sloshing around in it when shaken. Alternatively, you can use 1 cup dried unsweetened flaked coconut; TRY: Bob’s Red Mill Unsweetened Flaked Coconut)
- 4 cups peeled and matchstick-cut jicama
- 1 cup peeled and grated carrot
- 1 cup peeled, pitted and thinly sliced mango
- 2/3 cup loosely packed chopped fresh mint leaves
Dressing
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup fresh lime juice
- 2 tbsp seeded and minced hot red pepper (such as hot cherry pepper)
- 2 tbsp minced lemongrass (NOTE: Remove tough outer layers from stalks and mince the tender inner portion.)
- 1 tsp fish sauce
- 1 tsp reduced-sodium tamari
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
Preparation
- Prepare coconut: Preheat oven to 400°F. Use a hammer and a Phillips-head screwdriver to poke through the 3 “eyes” of the coconut, starting with the one that feels softest. (NOTE: The 3 “eyes” are dimples on one end of the coconut; one tends to be softer than the other two.) Drain liquid into a bowl or measuring cup. Place drained coconut on a rimmed baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes. Let cool.
- Wrap in a clean towel and bang a few times against a hard surface or whack with a hammer to break the shell. Remove meat from the hard shell and if desired, peel the thin brown skin with a vegetable peeler. Grate the large chunks of coconut with the shredding attachment of a food processor, a box grater or carefully slice with a knife to yield 1 cup (reserve remaining coconut for another use).
- In a large bowl, combine coconut, jicama, carrot, mango and mint and toss to combine. In a small bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients. Pour dressing over jicama mixture and toss to coat evenly. Refrigerate, covered, for 30 minutes. Serve chilled.
Nutrition Information
- Serving Size 1 heaping cup
- Calories 121
- Carbohydrate Content 19 g
- Cholesterol Content 0 mg
- Fat Content 5 g
- Fiber Content 7 g
- Protein Content 2 g
- Saturated Fat Content 4 g
- Sodium Content 140 mg
- Sugar Content 8 g
- Monounsaturated Fat Content 0 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat Content 0 g