For this recipe and for any other raw cabbage preparation you are making, it’s critical that the cabbage is sliced really thinly. A mandolin a great tool for this purpose, and a great tool to have in your kitchen in general.

The massaging of the vegetables might seem silly but is not to be underestimated. Try following the method below to the tee. Quantities of ingredients is less important. It’s all about the fundamental principle.

When it comes to seasoning and using vinegar a good rule of thumb is to lightly cover the entire surface of whatever you are seasoning rather than dumping it all in one place.

Ingredients (for approx. two people)

• 1-2 carrots

• 150-200 g red cabbage

• 300-350 g sweetheart cabbage

• 2 sticks of celery

• 2-4 tbsp natural yoghurt (3% or Greek Style)

• 2-3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 1-2 tbsp red wine vinegar

• 1-2 tbsp mayonaise (optional)

• 1-2 tsp whole cumin seeds

• Freshly ground black pepper

• Flakey sea salt

Method

• Thinly slice the celery in diagonally into lengths of about 3-4 cm (2-3 inches). Transfer to a mixing bowl. Add a sprinkling of sea salt and light drizzle of vinegar. Use you hand to scrunch (massage) it.

• Cut the carrots into julienne (matchstick sizes) using a knife or mandolin. Alternatively grate them. Add to bowl with the celery. Scrunch it about for 10-20 seconds.

• Thinly slice the sweetheart cabbage using knife or mandolin. Add to the bowl with celery and carrot. Follow with a little more sea salt and vinegary. Give it a good scrunch.

• In a separate bowl add the thinly sliced red cabbage followed by a sprinkling of sea salt and light drizzle of vinegar. Give a good massage. Live for a few minutes.

• Whilst everything is marinating, toast the cumin seeds for 30-60 seconds in a small pot or frying pan, then lightly crush with a pestle and mortar and add to the main bowl following by the yoghurt, a drizzle of olive oil, mayo (if using), and a 4-5 turns with the pepper mill.

• Add a drizzle of olive oil to the red cabbage and use a spoon to mix it. This treatment seal in the colour of the red cabbage and make for a better looking final result.

• Add the red cabbage to the main bowl and mix it all together well.

• Taste and adjust seasoning.