The Great Duck Race - Spiced Indian Coleslaw
Thousands of ducks raced by us. The canal was filled with them—little yellow rubber duckies with cute red noses. For a moment, you would have thought someone's bathtub had overflowed. It was the annual Duck Race.
I've never been to a duck race, and it's a big deal. The race is an annual local tradition that we had never gone to. But G was determined not to miss it this year. It's no Indy 500 but super cute nonetheless. You could "buy" a pack of ducks, and if your number won, you could win $500 in local prizes. Your duck could be the one.
Thousands of little rubber duckies are ceremoniously dumped into the local canal. The current carries them down the canal. A sea of yellow lazily floating down to the finish line. Poet and Flower were enthralled. We got to the race early, and the kids got a lot of free stuff. They made ducky paper puppets, i.e., yellow paper bags decorated with pipe cleaners and googly eyes. We ate ice cream and drank a lot of water to beat the heat.
We settled into a prime viewing spot on the canal bank, finding a little spot of shade. I held onto Poet, thinking he might be curious enough to jump in after them. I'm not sure if holding on to his thin t-shirt would do anything, but it gave me a little peace of mind. We ended up just next to a bridge, and the sea of ducks started coming our way—each drifting this way and that. A few volunteers in kayaks helped steer stray ducks into the current.
As they passed by, Poet was determined to see them finish. Who would cross the finish line first? Would it be the yellow one or the yellow one? We braved the crowds and set off following the ducks. We weaved in and out of people to the final bridge. More volunteers were stationed there, waiting for the winning duck. And huge nets were stationed in the canal to catch all the racers. A few brave volunteers in waders and nets stood ready to catch the ducks and dump them into bins, ready to be carried up the canal banks. One of the canal nets broke, and the volunteers rushed to grab the ducks as they floated away. Onlookers grinned and gasped as the ducks were free.
Summer is the perfect time for Indian spiced coleslaw. My mom loved coleslaw growing up. But this is not your average coleslaw with a ton of mayo. Carrots and sweet peppers add a little color and flavor to the salad. And a bhagar, or temper of olive oil and cumin, lightly spices the cabbage. Add in cilantro, chili pepper, and peanuts for crunch. Just a little mayonnaise for creaminess. It's the perfect side for a picnic or enjoying a duck race.
Are we all little rubber ducks in a giant race of life? As I watched these little forms drift down the canal, I couldn't help but think about our small place in the world. They drifted slowly this way and that, the current dictating their course. Perhaps we have a little more control over our course in life, but sometimes it feels like we don't at all. Or maybe I should enjoy the duck race for what it is supposed to be, simple summer fun.
Indian Spiced Coleslaw
I love this summer salad. Not too much mayonnaise and a little cumin make a delicious summer salad. It's perfect for a picnic or at a barbecue. Cilantro and chili peppers give it a little herbal note and heat. Add in peanuts for a little more crunch.
Serves 4
- 1/2 head cabbage (shredded)
- 1 medium carrot (grated)
- 1/2 red pepper (thinly sliced)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 cup or small bunch cilantro (roughly chopped)
- 1/4 cup peanuts (roasted and roughly chopped, optional)
- 1 green chili (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
For bhagar, or temper
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1/2 teaspoons cumin seeds
- In a medium bowl, mix the cabbage, carrots, red pepper, cilantro, salt, green chili and lemon juice. Mix in peanuts if using.
- Meanwhile, make the bhagar. In a small saute pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the cumin. Saute for 30 seconds to a minute until fragrant and they begin to sputter.
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Quickly add the bhagar to the salad and toss. Mix in mayonnaise and serve immediately.