What to do with already chopped vegetables

[larry_stewart]

So this is the deal. Today, or should I say yesterday I was supposed to go to a party for my niece. There were going to be about 60 people. I was to make a few different salads ( tabouli, bean...). With the bad weather approaching, i was skeptical it was actually going to happen, but I didnt want to be unprepared, so i pre cut all the veggies. today, after 2 ft of snow has fallen, the party was cancelled , so this is what im left with :

About 8 - 10 cups of chopped yellow/ red peppers, carrots, celery, red onion. They are all mixed together. No dressing or anything on it at this point. Sure I can make a bean salad with this, or a stock, or toss in another salad. But, now its only for 4 people as opposed to 60. So , I was wondering what other options can be suggested to used up my 10 cups of pre cut/ mixed veggies.

Keep it vegetarian, and remember, there are only 4 of us.

thanks ,

larry

 

[Andy M.]

Spread them out on a cookie sheet and freeze them.

 

[Wyogal]

I agree, then you can use them as needed for a cooked dish. After the vegetables thaw, the texture will be compromised. One could also saute the vegetables, then freeze in smaller portions to add to soups, stews, etc.

 

[powerplantop]

Sounds like you had the makings of some great dishes (I love tabouli). For me cold weather means stew. Perhaps you could use up some of the veggies with a roasted veggie stew.

Something along the lines of this.

Roasted Vegetable Stew Recipe - The Veggie Table - Vegetarian Recipes and Info

 

[Selkie]

Sounds like the beginning of a great soup, to me! Just add water, a few herbs, and simmer!

 

[ChefJune]

So this is the deal. Today, or should I say yesterday I was supposed to go to a party for my niece. There were going to be about 60 people. I was to make a few different salads ( tabouli, bean...). With the bad weather approaching, i was skeptical it was actually going to happen, but I didnt want to be unprepared, so i pre cut all the veggies. today, after 2 ft of snow has fallen, the party was cancelled , so this is what im left with :

About 8 - 10 cups of chopped yellow/ red peppers, carrots, celery, red onion. They are all mixed together. No dressing or anything on it at this point. Sure I can make a bean salad with this, or a stock, or toss in another salad. But, now its only for 4 people as opposed to 60. So , I was wondering what other options can be suggested to used up my 10 cups of pre cut/ mixed veggies.

Keep it vegetarian, and remember, there are only 4 of us.

thanks ,

larry

Sounds like Soupe au Pistou to me! PM me if you'd like a recipe.

 

[jabbur]

I agree with the freezing. They can also be used on a nice veggie pizza. I often chop up extra when I'm chopping and freeze it so I have some on hand for soup, or to add to chili, spaghetti and other casseroles.

 

[velochic]

If you freeze them, I would blanche them first. In particular, the peppers and celery are likely to be slimy if you don't blanche before you freeze. The higher the water content, the more likely they will not freeze well... with or without blanching. In fact, I would probably pick out the celery and not even attempt to freeze that. I doubt that you could get a good result from freezing celery at all.

Personally, I would probably dehydrate them.

 

[ChefJune]

That's odd you should say that, velochic. I freeze raw chopped celery and peppers all the time with no ill effects.

 

[Chief Longwind Of The North]

1. Add a bit of cilantro, hot peppers, and tomatoes, and you have
salsa. This can be canned or frozen after it's cooked, with no ill effects
to the sauce.

2. You can also use the ingredients to make gazpacho.

3. Soups

4. Confetti rice, or chop and add to corn, along with some coriander and a little cayenne pepper.

5. Dice and add to diced potatoes with diced, firm tofu to make hash.

6. Make into a fajita type sandwich, adding slice avacado to the mix.

7. Blend into a vegie smoothie.

A couple of ideas for you.

Seeeeeya; Goodweed of the North

 

[velochic]

That's odd you should say that, velochic. I freeze raw chopped celery and peppers all the time with no ill effects.

I've had bumper crops of both over the years. Before I had a dehydrator, I would freeze them and they always became slimy after thawing. If you are able to have crispy celery after you freeze, I'd love to know your secret. When something like celery or watermelon are frozen, the freezing process compromises the cell structure and when thawed, the cells explode, causing the water to be released and making them soggy. I haven't found a way to combat this natural process with these foods when frozen. One of the main reasons I use veg like celery and peppers is for their texture contrast in my foods. When you dehydrate, it doesn't destroy the cell structure and when rehydrating, they maintain their integrity better. If you have freezing tips, though, please share. I'm always ready to learn a new technique!

 

[larry_stewart]

Thanks for all the ideas, I appreciate everyones help. Already made a soup, and a mini bean salad.