Veg-All
Also known as: mixed vegetables, canned
A brand of canned mixed vegetables (typically potatoes, carrots, green beans, peas, corn, celery, and lima beans) sold pre-cooked and ready to heat, meant as a one-can shortcut for a vegetable soup or stew base instead of prepping and cooking each vegetable separately.
Buying guidance
Sold in various can sizes; a "large" can is commonly 29 oz. Any store-brand equivalent "mixed vegetables" product works the same way if the specific brand isn't available.
Substitutions
- Frozen mixed vegetables, cooked -- fresher tasting and firmer texture, needs its own cooking time first rather than going straight into a soup already tender.
- A homemade mix of chopped fresh vegetables -- more work and more control over the exact mix and texture.
- Any other canned vegetable on hand (corn, green beans, peas) -- not a full substitute for the variety, but works in a pinch.
Tips & common mistakes
Simmering it as long as raw vegetables would need cooks it into mush, since it's already fully cooked -- add it later in a recipe, just long enough to heat through.
Storage
An unopened can keeps for a year or more in the pantry. Once opened, refrigerate any leftover in a sealed container and use within a few days.