Hot-and-Sour Cabbage Salad

Source: Gourmet, December 2001

adapted by http://theresalwaysthyme.blogspot.com

1 pound Napa cabbage (about 1/2 head), chopped in small pieces, but not too small

1 scallion, thinly sliced

1/4 cup seasoned rice vinegar

1 teaspoon minced peeled fresh ginger

1 teaspoon sugar

1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon dried hot red pepper flakes (to taste) - I used hot chili oil, very little, a few drops!

some thin slices of sweet red bell pepper

some thin slices of fresh jalapeno

optional: Sriracha sauce or any hot chili sauce (to taste)

Put cabbage, peppers and scallion in a large bowl.

Bring vinegar, ginger, sugar, and red pepper flakes (or chili oil) to a boil in a small saucepan over moderate heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Let dressing cool, and then pour dressing over cabbage, tossing to combine.