Finding the perfect celeriac substitute can feel like a secret mission. Guess what?
It’s easier than you think. We’ve all been there, halfway through a recipe only to realize, oops, no celeriac in the pantry.
No need to scrap the whole dish. We’ve got you covered with five incredible swaps that might just be better than the original. Ever tried parsnip in that hearty stew?
Or maybe some butternut squash in your next mash? These aren’t just stand-ins; they’re flavor enhancers ready to elevate your meals.
And the best part? You probably have some of these alternatives lying around in your kitchen already.
Stick with us, and we’ll turn that recipe hiccup into a culinary win.
The 5 Best Substitutes for Celeriac
Kohlrabi is a unique vegetable known for its crunchy texture and subtly sweet flavor.
However, if you’re unable to find kohlrabi or simply want to explore alternative options, there are several substitutes available.
In this guide, we will compare the top 5 substitutes for kohlrabi, discussing their key characteristics and suggesting proper ratios to help you achieve similar flavors and textures in your recipes.
| Substitute | Key Characteristics | Proper Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| Turnips | Root vegetables with a slightly bitter and peppery taste; offer a crisp texture | Use an equal amount of turnips as a substitute for kohlrabi |
| Radishes | Crunchy root vegetables with a peppery and slightly spicy flavor; provide a crisp bite | Use an equal amount of radishes as a substitute for kohlrabi |
| Jicama | Mexican root vegetable with a mild, sweet flavor and a crisp texture | Use an equal amount of jicama as a substitute for kohlrabi |
| Broccoli Stems | Stems of broccoli florets that offer a mild and slightly sweet taste; provide a crunch | Use an equal amount of broccoli stems as a substitute for kohlrabi |
| Celeriac | Root vegetable with a mild celery flavor; offers a crunchy texture when raw or cooked | Use an equal amount of celeriac as a substitute for kohlrabi |
Now let’s delve into each substitute in more detail:
1 – Turnips
First on our list is the turnip.
This root vegetable is a great substitute for celeriac, especially in soups and stews.
Turnips look like small, white potatoes and slightly sweet and peppery flavor.
They’re also low in calories and a good source of fiber.
It has a slightly sweet flavor and a crunchy texture that perfectly adds to dishes.
When choosing turnips, be sure to pick small and firm ones.
Avoid those that are soft or have blemishes, as they will not be as flavorful.
You can substitute turnips one-to-one for celeriac in any recipe.
Depending on the recipe, you may need to peel and chop the turnip before adding it to your dish.
- Key Characteristics: Turnips are root vegetables with a slightly bitter and peppery taste. They have a crisp texture similar to kohlrabi, making them a suitable substitute.
- Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of turnips as a substitute for kohlrabi. Adjust the quantity based on your recipe requirements and desired texture.
2 – Parsnip
For our second root vegetable, we have the parsnip.
This veggie is similar in appearance to a carrot, but it has cream-colored flesh and a sweeter flavor.
Parsnips are often used in soups, stews, and roasted or mashed dishes.
Parsnips are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including potassium, vitamin C, and magnesium.
When choosing parsnips, look for firm ones and have smooth skin.
You don’t need to peel parsnips before cooking, but you may need to chop them into smaller pieces.
Whether you’re looking for a soup or stew or want to try something new, parsnips are a great substitute for celeriac.
Just keep in mind that they have a sweeter flavor, so you may need to adjust your seasonings accordingly.
- Key Characteristics: Radishes are crunchy root vegetables with a peppery and slightly spicy flavor. While they offer a different taste profile than kohlrabi, their crisp bite can be a refreshing alternative.
- Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of radishes as a substitute for kohlrabi. Adjust the quantity based on your recipe requirements and desired texture.
3 – Jicama
If you’re looking for a crunchy vegetable to substitute for celeriac, jicama may be a perfect choice.
This root vegetable has a crispy texture and a slightly sweet flavor.
Jicama is often used in salads or as a snack, but it can also be cooked in other ways.
It’s important to choose jicama that is firm and has no brown spots.
You’ll also want to make sure that the jicama is not too big, as it can be difficult to peel.
When peeling jicama, it’s best to use a sharp knife or vegetable peeler.
Once you’ve peeled the jicama, you can cut it into thin slices or chop it into small pieces.
For recipes that call for cooked jicama, you can boil or steam the jicama until tender.
Jicama can also be stir-fried or added to the soup.
- Key Characteristics: Jicama is a Mexican root vegetable with a mild, sweet flavor and a crisp texture. While it may not have the same taste as kohlrabi, its crunchiness can bring a similar texture to dishes.
- Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of jicama as a substitute for kohlrabi. Adjust the quantity based on your recipe requirements and desired texture.
4 – Daikon Radish
Another excellent substitution for celeriac is daikon radish.
This white, bulbous vegetable is a staple in Asian cuisine and has a clean taste with a slightly peppery finish.
It can be eaten raw or cooked, making it a versatile option for your dish.
Daikon is also very low in calories and high in fiber, making it a healthy choice.
Depending on the dish you are making, daikon radish may not be the best option if you are looking for an exact replacement for celeriac.
The flavor is quite different, but it can still be a delicious addition to your meal.
When substituting daikon radish for celeriac, keep in mind that it has higher water content, so you may need to adjust your recipe accordingly.
In terms of texture, daikon is a bit more fibrous than celeriac, so it may not be the best choice for dishes that require a finer consistency.
All in all, though, daikon radish is a great substitute for celeriac and can add a new dimension of flavor to your dish.
- Key Characteristics: The stems of broccoli florets have a mild and slightly sweet taste. When sliced thinly, they offer a crunchy texture that can be reminiscent of kohlrabi.
- Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of broccoli stems as a substitute for kohlrabi. Adjust the quantity based on your recipe requirements and desired texture.
5 – Rutabaga
Last on our list of substitutes for celeriac is the rutabaga.
If you can’t find any celeriac at the store, rutabaga makes a good recipe replacement.
Rutabagas have a similar flavor to celery root but are slightly sweeter and less earthy.
Texture-wise, rutabagas are more firm than celeriac but can still be easily mashed or cut into small pieces.
When substituting rutabaga for celeriac, you may need to cook it a bit longer to soften it up.
Depending on the recipe, you may also need to adjust the number of other seasonings, as rutabagas can be a bit sweeter than celeriac.
You can find rutabaga in the produce section of most grocery stores.
- Key Characteristics: Celeriac is a root vegetable with a mild celery flavor. It offers a crunchy texture when raw or cooked, which can provide a similar mouthfeel to kohlrabi.
- Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of celeriac as a substitute for kohlrabi. Adjust the quantity based on your recipe requirements and desired texture.
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