I also find it hard to use up all my produce before it goes bad. Especially potatoes and peppers and onions. For some reason, I always buy them at Aldi in a bag (where they are cheaper) even though I only need one or two for the forseeable future, so they sit in the back of my fridge where they either freeze or mold and then I end up throwing them away. Which I HATE.
Enter my inspired breakfast hash. It's nothing new or special, everyone makes some version of it already, but I only recently remembered it so I LOVE it right now. It saves me every time because I can chop and FREEZE these random veggies before they go bad and, when I have enough saved up, whip up an awesome breakfast in less time than it takes to make pancakes. :) It's extremely versatile--you just use up whatever you have chopped and stored in the freezer, proportions don't really matter, it can be a great side or the main attraction, and you can make this vegetarian/vegan or not. It's a GREAT way to make something hearty and satisfying (and nutritious :) for pot lucks, camping breakfasts (try it in foil!), etc...it works great for big crowds. It also saves pretty well if, like us, you cook for only one or two.
So, without further ado, I give you: my breakfast hash. :)
("Chopped" in this case means you cut everything into relatively similarly-sized cubes...mine are at most 1/2", give or take. The more uniform all your veggies and everything are, the better it will be, but don't worry about making it perfect. I turned on a TV episode and did all my chopping and freezing into baggies while enjoying some entertainment. Again, I love the easiness of it.)
- Chopped fresh or frozen potatoes (in this recipe I used 3 medium potatoes)
- Chopped fresh or frozen veggies (bell peppers or various squash in a variety of colors) (in this recipe I used 3 bell peppers--two orange and one yellow)
- Chopped fresh or frozen onion (I use red, not that it matters. :) (I'd use 1 large or 2 small)
- Pepper, to taste
- For a heartier, meaty breakfast hash, add in a pound or so of browned and drained sausage--any variety you like (although I don't recommend the maple...while I love the sweet & salty combo, it's not my favorite in this dish)
- For a vegan/vegetarian meal, add in a package of grape tomatoes or chopped & seeded tomatoes!
Whatever combo you're going for, heat a Tbsp or so of olive oil in a large skillet or wok. Add in your potatoes, veggies, and onion, and cook until potatoes are heated through, stirring frequently. Add pepper to taste. Add either sausage (already cooked and drained) or a package of grape tomatoes (or chopped and seeded tomatoes) and stir until everything is heated through. Serve hot.
If eggs and dairy aren't a problem, you can add in some scrambled egg or top it with some shredded cheese. Like I said, it's extremely adaptable to your family's needs and taste buds. Which is why I love it. :)
