Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Don't Throw Broccoli Stems Away!


In our house we eat lots of broccoli. When we aren't growing it, we're buying it at the grocery store. My only problem is the stalks. NOBODY likes the stalks so those usually get thrown in the compost bin. But here's a new idea for you.

You know those expensive bags of broccoli slaw you can get at the grocery store? Why not make your own. Now when I'm using broccoli I take the stems and run them through my food processor to make my own homemade slaw. Then I use it in whatever recipe calls for store bought broccoli slaw and I've essentially made an extra meal out of something that I would have just thrown away.

It can be used in Teriyaki Pasta , Homemade Broccoli Slaw or even Mu Shu Chicken.

So think twice before you throw those stems away.

For more Works For Me Wednesday tips go HERE.

25 comments:

Jeana said...

I peel the stalk and slice it, then serve it with the rest of the broccoli. If you peel off the tough outer layer, the inside is tender and quite tasty.

Anonymous said...

We love broccoli slaw around here. I make it with just a little oil, rice wine vinegar, cilantro, green onion, salt and pepper. So light and perfect as side dish with Mexican food.

Stalks are also perfect for cream of broccoli soup.

Holly said...

My family LOVES broccoli slaw- and I even peel the stems and slice and steam with the rest of the broccoli when we have it. but I never thought to shred it! Thanks!

Unknown said...

Awesome idea!! Thanks!

mom2priceboys said...

Oh my goodness what a great idea, and I just threw some stalks away last night that could have been a bump up in my slaw with my dinner tonight.

Kristin said...

What agreat idea! I'll have to try it!

Bri said...

You could also make them into a soup.

Jodi said...

If you peel the outside layer, the stalk can be tender and tasty.

Mel said...

Awesome idea. Thanks for sharing!

Jackie @ Munching Madness said...

That is such a great idea! I can't believe I never thought of doing that.

Thanks for sharing!

Rita said...

That's such a good idea! My husband is the worst offender of avoiding the stalks, so I think I'll have to give it a try!

Candi said...

When you do the Broccoli Slaw (a huge hit here in the South) do you grate it or cut it into match-sticks?

Shirley said...

They can also be frozen and then when you have enough of them, use them to make broccoli soup.

Paulita said...

I cut it down and mix it with my dog's kibble. They love it. I also mix other veggies like carrots

Annie said...

Hi! I've been reading your blog for close to a year now, but don't post often. When we were living in Central Africa, broccoli was a VERY expensive, but much-loved treat. We used every part of it, even though I, too, had thrown away the stalks in the "before-time". I always used the stalks to make Cream of Broccoli soup. It all gets pureed anyway! I would use stalks for about 90% of the recipe's broccoli, then add in just enough of the florets to add the green flecks typical of the soup.

I love the broccoli slaw idea though. It's something new for me to try. Thanks!

Chef Owings said...

peel rough layer off and dice or slice thin for stir frys,julienne for salads and slaw, use to make Broccoli"broth" to make cream of broccoli soup( especially good with dried milk. I have even dehydratate them in dices to throw in soups later.

staci @ teaching money to kids said...

If you peel like it, like mentioned by others you can just eat it raw, too.
I just just it into strips, and treat it like a cucumber spear. It doesn't usually make it to the table, though. I usually much on it while i am making the rest of the dinner.

Busy-at-Home.com said...

Excellent idea, Gayle!
Thanks!

Anonymous said...

My dog loves them as a treat! He chews it up like it were a stew bone, but we call it a "broccoli bone."

Christy said...

I just recently learned that you don't throw the stalk away...crazy huh? I have been peeling and cooking with the tops but I love this alternative too. Thanks for the idea!

Katie said...

Wow interesting idea! I don't eat slaw but I guess soup would be a good idea!

The WalMart Vegan said...

I love broccoli slaw, so I'll definitely be trying this. What I've been doing is slicing them in rings and using them in stir fries where I really want some crunch.

Speaking from the Heart said...

I never thought about making broccolli slaw out of the stalk. Thank you for an awesome idea !

Melissa said...

Great idea! Thanks!!

Coupon Newbie said...

That's a great idea! My family (excluding me) doesn't like veggies, so I usually use the stems for Sneaky Chef recipe for green puree

http://www.thesneakychef.com/free_recipe_green_puree.php

Yeah, I'm *that* kind of mom. LOL