The 7 Vegetables Worth Buying Pre-Cut, According to a Food Editor and Busy Mom
Pre-cut vegetables can save time and make cooking easier for busy individuals. Here are seven pre-cut vegetables recommended by a food editor and busy mom.
1. Vegetable Medley
A bag of pre-cut broccoli and cauliflower florets with baby carrots is a versatile option that can be steamed, roasted, or used in pan-fried dishes. It can be served as a quick side or incorporated into various recipes, such as teriyaki chicken or beef and broccoli. It can also enhance the flavor of soups.
Image: Simply Recipes / Nick Evans
2. Broccoli Florets
Pre-cut broccoli florets are convenient for frequent broccoli consumption. They can be tossed on a sheet pan with frozen nuggets or Mandarin Orange Chicken for a quick meal. They also work well in stir-fries and can be roasted and tossed with Caesar dressing for pasta night or added to cheesy chicken and rice casserole.
Image: Simply Recipes / Mihaela Kozaric Sebrek
3. Shredded Cabbage
Buying pre-shredded cabbage allows for precise portioning and prevents waste. It's perfect for making slaw for pulled pork sandwiches or shortcut fish tacos. Avoid the hassle of a whole head of cabbage taking up fridge space.
Image: Simply Recipes / Nick Evans
4. Hearty Greens
Pre-chopped collard greens and pre-shredded kale are excellent choices when you want to save time and fridge space. Collard greens can be cooked with bacon or ham, adding flavor. Pre-shredded kale is ideal for salads or creamed kale dishes.
Image: Simply Recipes / Elise Bauer
5. Spiralized Sweet Potato
Spiralized sweet potatoes and squash are time-saving options for dishes like fritters or Japanese-style egg pancakes. They are sturdier than other vegetables typically spiralized, making them more convenient to use. Try roasting them with Parmesan as a side dish for pork tenderloin or hearty sausages.
Image: Sally Vargas
6. Butternut Squash
Pre-chopped butternut squash eliminates the need to struggle with cutting it on a busy evening. Buy the exact amount needed for recipes like butternut squash mac and cheese without worrying about weight miscalculations.
Image: Simply Recipes / Jessica Gavin
7. Riced Cauliflower
Pre-riced cauliflower enables the preparation of mashed cauliflower without the hassle of manually processing it. Perfect for those who enjoy this side dish frequently, as it saves time and effort.
Image: VOICES
