### Winter Cabbage Salad with Mandarins and Cashews
As the festive season draws near, many of us become absorbed in the pleasures of baking and creating celebratory dishes. Yet, amidst the lavishness of treats and decadent meals, there might come a moment when your body seeks something crisp and colorful. This is where the Winter Cabbage Salad with Mandarins and Cashews shines—a charming mix of flavors and textures that is both invigorating and fulfilling.
#### Ingredients
**Spiced Cashews:**
– 1 cup (115 grams) cashews
– 2 tablespoons (25 grams) dark brown sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
**Salad Assembly:**
– 1 pound (455 grams) red cabbage, thinly sliced or shredded (approximately 4 cups)
– 1 small or half a large fennel bulb, halved and thinly sliced (around 1 cup)
– 3 regular or 4 thin scallions, finely sliced (both green and white parts)
– A small handful of fresh mint leaves, thinly julienned
– 3 mandarins (clementines or other small oranges), separated
– 2 tablespoons (30 ml) white wine vinegar
– 1 teaspoon kosher salt
– Freshly ground black pepper
– 1 teaspoon sumac, plus extra for finishing
– Spiced cashews (from above)
#### Instructions
**Make the Spiced Cashews:**
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wash the cashews in a colander without shaking off any excess water. This moisture helps the spices stick.
3. In a bowl, mix the cashews with dark brown sugar, kosher salt, cayenne, and smoked paprika. Stir until thoroughly coated. If the mixture seems dry, add a teaspoon of water.
4. Spread the cashews on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast for 8 to 10 minutes, or until they turn darker and slightly toasted. For a crunchier texture, you can roast them for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, but keep an eye on them to avoid burning. Let them cool completely.
**Assemble the Salad:**
1. In a large bowl, mix the red cabbage, fennel, scallions, and mint.
2. Juice one of the mandarins and pour 2 tablespoons of the juice into a small bowl. (Any leftover juice can be enjoyed as a refreshing shot.)
3. To the juice, add white wine vinegar, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and sumac. Whisk to combine.
4. Drizzle the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss to mix. Taste and modify seasoning as necessary. If you prepare this in advance, the mixture can marinate for a few hours without getting mushy.
5. Peel the remaining mandarins and separate them into segments. Layer half of the dressed salad mixture on a serving plate, then add half of the mandarin segments and half of the spiced cashews. Repeat with the remaining components.
6. Serve right away and savor the delightful crunch and vivid flavors.
#### Conclusion
This Winter Cabbage Salad with Mandarins and Cashews is not only a visual treat but also an excellent addition to any holiday gathering, pairing beautifully with classic dishes such as latkes or substantial braises. It can also act as a refreshing brunch choice or a personal delight during the bustling season. The mix of crunchy cabbage, sweet mandarins, and spiced cashews creates a gratifying dish that is bound to become a favorite. Relish the explosion of flavors and the invigorating crunch that this salad brings to your winter dining.