Curtido (El Salvador fermented cabbage slaw)
El Salvador — the canonical pupusa accompaniment; also eaten with other Salvadoran dishes
Curtido is El Salvador's essential fermented cabbage condiment — finely shredded cabbage, carrot, and white onion fermented briefly (2–24 hours) in salted water with dried oregano and lime juice. It is the canonical accompaniment to pupusas. Unlike sauerkraut, curtido is only lightly fermented (not fully soured) and retains a fresh crunch. The salt draws water from the vegetables and begins the lacto-fermentation; the lime adds brightness. Served cold alongside warm pupusas.