Nigella Lawson says coleslaw will be 'zingy' and delicious with one added ingredient

Coleslaw is beloved for its creamy texture and satisfying crunch and is a quintessential addition to many meals or as a delcious side dish. But the majority of us will head to our local supermarket to buy it, as it seems too complicated to make ourselves.

However, it is actually very easy to make-and the main ingredients are so cheap that you can make a big batch of it for pennies. Its two main ingredients are cabbage and carrots. You can pick up a cabbage for £1 and 500g of carrots for around 45p. So for £1.45, you've already got the bulk of the dish that serves several people, and you'll likely have most of the other ingredients in your kitchen cupboards.

Those wanting to make the most 'zingy' coleslaw should consider adding one secret ingredient that you may not necessarily think of. Maple syrup is the perfect ingredient to elevate your coleslaw, as it helps balance the tangy and savoury flavours of the dressing with a touch of sweetness.

As it is a liquid sweetener, it also adds a deeper, richer flavour than granulated sugar. And Nigella Lawson appears to think the same, as her recipe for sweet and sour slaw included 2 teaspoons of maple syrup.

With a rating of 4.9 stars out of five on BBC Food Nigela's recipe is almost a guarantee for the most perfect coleslaw and is ready in just half an hour.

The food writer said: "There is much to slice, but you end up with a bright tangle of slaw that feeds a crowd and has enough zing in it to bring a table of cold cuts to life."

Firstly, Nigella shreds the cabbage thinly and puts it into a large bowl. She then shreds the spring onions and adds to the cabbage.

Now, cut the peppers into very thin slices. Add to the cabbage and spring onions. Then chop the red chilli, the coriander, stalks and leaves. Add the chilli and all but a tablespoon of the chopped coriander to the cabbage bowl.

Finally, in a bowl or measuring jug, mix pineapple juice, the zest and juice of one lime and the juice of half of the second. Sprinkle in the salt, add the sesame oil and the secret ingredient, the maple syrup, and whisk together before pouring over the prepared vegetables.

Nigela added: "Toss to mix, then leave to stand for at least 15 minutes, and up to 2 hours, before serving. Sprinkle the reserved tablespoonful of chopped coriander over the finished slaw."