Camila McConaughey breaks down one of her family’s favorite side dishes — which 'goes with everything'
Camila McConaughey really knows her way around a kitchen. “It's a big, big part of our culture,” the Brazilian native and mother-of-three tells Yahoo Life about cooking. She’s been sharing her recipes since 2015 on her lifestyle site, Women of Today, writing this month about the benefits of reducing added sugars in their everyday diet.
“It was hard for me in the beginning,” McConaughey admits, although now that she’s seen some benefits, it’s been worth it — a notion shared by registered dietitian and nutritionist Maya Feller, who says, “When people consistently consume more than the recommended intake for added sugars, they are at increased risk of developing systemic inflammation and metabolic dysfunction, both of which are precursors to chronic disease.” And there are no downsides, Feller promises, noting that “the impact of reducing added sugars are all beneficial.”
Because sugar lurks in so many unexpected places — supposedly savory dishes as well as sweet — McConaughey’s got a deliciously unexpected way to kick off your sugar reduction: No-Mayo Coleslaw, a healthy, versatile alternative to the usual slaw, which typically contains over 20 grams of sugar.
In order to break down this simple but tasty side dish that her family can’t get enough of, the former model and designer teamed up with the ultimate sous chef: her mother-in-law, Kay McConaughey.
The key factors that really make this harmonious mixture of cabbage, apple and red onion sing are a mandolin slicer and the freshest of seasonings, including mint leaves and lemon juice. Splashes of olive oil, apple cider vinegar and white wine vinegar gives it “a kick,” says Camila, as do the final dashes of salt and pepper. “My favorite salt is flake salt,” she says. As for mixing? “Honestly, you have to use your hands,” she notes.
Camila and Kay work in tandem as the perfect duo, with Kay, an apparently tough critic, lucking out as the designated taste tester. After everything’s blended to perfection, serve the fresh, crunchy slaw on its own, like a salad, or alongside a variety of dishes, such as fish, or, in honor of Latinx Heritage, with tacos, rice and beans. One of Camila’s favorite main dishes to accompany is shredded pork and roasted corn. Says husband Matthew McConaughey (whom you may have heard of), “I can’t think of anything this doesn’t go with.”
The best part, Camila says, is, “You can eat [this for] multiple days, but in different ways. So you never feel like you're eating the same thing.”
For the full recipe, visit Camila’s blog Women of Today.
Video produced by Kat Vasquez
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