A traditional Guatemalan dish — Curtido is the rosy pickled slaw that brightens enchiladas, pupusas, and tostadas across Guatemala. Shredded cabbage, beets, and carrots rest in a tangy vinegar brine with oregano, turning a vivid pink as the beets bleed their color. It keeps for days in the fridge and only gets better with time.
Curtido Guatemalteco
A traditional Guatemalan dish — Curtido is the rosy pickled slaw that brightens enchiladas, pupusas, and tostadas across Guatemala.

Step by stepInstructions
- Toss the cabbage with a teaspoon of salt and let it sit for 20 minutes, then squeeze out the excess liquid.
- Combine the vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and oregano in a bowl, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Add the cabbage, beets, carrots, onion, and chile, and mix well.
- Transfer to a jar or bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight.
- Serve cold, spooned over enchiladas, pupusas, or tostadas.
💡 Chef tips & storage
The beets will tint the whole slaw pink within a few hours — that is the classic look. Kept refrigerated in its brine, curtido stays crisp for up to a week.

Join the conversation
Only members can comment — it takes a few seconds to create a free account.
Log in Create an account