5 BEST Celeriac Substitutes You Should Try

If you’re looking to add some variety to your favorite recipes, celeriac is a great veggie to try.

But what if you can’t find celeriac? Don’t worry – there are several alternatives that can stand in for celeriac in a pinch.

In this article, we’ll look at five celeriac substitutes that you can use in recipes when celeriac isn’t available.

Read on to learn more.

What is Celeriac?

Celeriac, also known as celery root, is a bulbous vegetable that belongs to the parsley family.

Native to the Mediterranean region, it has long been a popular ingredient in European cooking.

It is most commonly eaten raw or cooked and has a mild celery-like flavor.

Celeriac has a distinctive knobby exterior, and its creamy white flesh is crisp and juicy.

Celeriac is an excellent source of dietary fiber and vitamins C and K.

It also contains potassium, manganese, and magnesium.

Its mild flavor makes it a great addition to salads and wraps, and it can also be incorporated into soups and stews.

Additionally, celeriac makes a great substitute for potatoes in dishes such as mashed potatoes and potato salads.

When selecting celeriac, look for firm, heavy bulbs that are free of soft spots.

Keep in mind that celeriac will keep in the refrigerator for up to three weeks.

It can also be frozen, although it is best used within two months.

When preparing celeriac, it should be peeled and washed thoroughly before cooking.

As it contains a lot of moisture, it needs to be cooked slowly on low heat.

Steaming or boiling is the most common way to cook celeriac.

If it is added to a soup or stew, it should be added towards the end of the cooking time as it does not need too long to soften.

If you cannot find celeriac or if you are looking for other options, there are some great celeriac substitutes.

Parsnips, turnips, and kohlrabi are all excellent stand-ins for celeriac in many dishes.

For a more potato-like texture, potatoes and sweet potatoes can also be used.

Finally, apples, pears, and jicama can all be used as alternatives in salads and wraps.

5 BEST Celeriac Substitutes You Should Try

Celeriac is a root vegetable that adds a unique flavor and texture to dishes.

Its nutty, earthy taste and crunchy texture provide a great contrast to otherwise light and smooth ingredients.

Unfortunately, celeriac isn’t always available in stores, and sometimes, it’s hard to find a good substitute.

If you’re looking for a delicious celeriac substitute in a pinch, here are five clever options worth trying:

1 – Parsnips

Parsnips are an excellent substitute for celeriac, especially when you are looking for that same earthy and robust flavor profile.

Parsnips, native to the Mediterranean, have a creamy white or yellowish flesh and have a sweet, nutty flavor when cooked.

They also have a similar texture to celeriac, making them an excellent stand-in.

When selecting parsnips, be sure to look for ones that are firm and free of any blemishes.

If you can, try to purchase organic parsnips, as this will ensure you get the freshest and most flavorful variety.

When storing parsnips, keep them in a tightly sealed plastic bag in the refrigerator.

To prepare parsnips, you can cook them in a variety of ways, including roasting, boiling, sautéing, and steaming.

They can be used in a variety of dishes, including soups, stews, and even roasted vegetables.

They can also be pureed and used as thickeners for sauces or gravies.

Parsnips also make a great addition to salads, roasted side dishes, and veggie burgers.

Additionally, parsnips can be used as a substitute for potatoes in dishes such as mashed potatoes, french fries, and hash browns.

Overall, parsnips are an excellent alternative to celeriac and can be used in a variety of dishes.

They are flavorful and have a similar texture and flavor profile to celeriac.

Be sure to look for fresh parsnips and store them properly for the best flavor and texture.

So, if you are making a dish that calls for celeriac but doesn’t have any, don’t worry – parsnips are a great substitute.

2 – Jicama

For those looking for a celeriac substitute when they can’t find the real thing, jicama is a great option to try.

This crispy, crunchy, and subtly sweet root vegetable is perfect for any dish that calls for celeriac.

As with all other products, jicama is highly seasonal, so check your local farmer’s markets for fresh jicama in summer and early fall, although it is typically available year-round in supermarkets.

Jicama is a tuberous, knobby-skinned root vegetable with white flesh.

The flavor of jicama is sweet, mild, and slightly vegetarian.

It’s similarly textured to a radish, with a crunchy and juicy interior.

The best way to prepare jicama is to peel off its thin skin, cut it into cubes or slices, and then enjoy it raw with a sprinkle of salt or lime or cooked as an accompaniment to savory dishes.

Jicama is a popular addition to salads, tacos, and stir-fries and can also be used as a substitute for potatoes in mashed dishes.

Like celeriac, jicama is a great source of dietary fiber and prebiotic-resistant starches.

It is also high in vitamins C and A, as well as iron and calcium.

Jicama can be a great addition to a balanced diet and is often used in traditional medicinal remedies for digestion and detoxifying.

Overall, jicama is a tasty and healthy substitute for celeriac and can be used in a variety of recipes.

Those looking for a stand-in for celeriac should definitely give jicama a try.

3 – Turnips

Turnips are one of the most popular celeriac substitutes, and for a good reason.

They are relatively inexpensive and versatile and can be used in a wide variety of dishes.

Despite having a slightly different texture and flavor compared to celeriac, turnips are a great alternative for dishes that require a bit of bulk and sweetness.

They have a mild flavor and crunchy texture, which makes them ideal for dishes such as soups, stews, and roasts.

To bring out the flavor and sweetness of turnips, it is best to roast them in the oven or sauté them in a pan.

Roasting turnips yield a crispy and caramelized texture while sautéing them brings out their natural sweetness and texture.

When selecting turnips, make sure that they are firm, with no signs of softness, wrinkling, or mold.

Additionally, younger turnips will have a sweeter and milder flavor, while older turnips may have a more pungent, earthy flavor.

Turnips can also be boiled or steamed, and the resulting mashed potatoes make a great side dish.

The boiled and mashed turnips can also be used as a thickener for soups and stews.

Just make sure to watch the cooking time – turnips can become mushy and watery if overcooked.

When using turnips as a celeriac substitute, keep in mind that turnips tend to be more pungent and earthy than celeriac.

Additionally, the texture can vary depending on the particular variety of turnips and the cooking method used.

Finally, turnips can also be used to make pickles, which makes them the perfect addition to any platter or salad.

Pickled turnips will add a sweet and slightly vinegary flavor to any dish, as well as a nice crunch.

Overall, turnips make an excellent celeriac substitute, and their mild flavor and texture make them versatile for a wide variety of dishes.

So, the next time you’re looking for a celeriac substitute, give turnips a try.

4 – Rutabaga

Rutabaga is an excellent substitute for celeriac, a root vegetable often used in French and German cooking.

Rutabaga, sometimes called swede or yellow turnip, is a root vegetable that is part of the cabbage family.

It is related to the turnip, but it is larger and more flavorful.

The name rutabaga comes from the Swedish word rutabaga, which translates to “root bag.

” The most common variety of rutabaga is round and yellow, but there are also purple varieties.

Rutabaga has a sweet and nutty flavor, similar to a turnip but more intense.

It is a great source of vitamin C, phosphorus, and potassium, as well as the antioxidants beta-carotene and lutein.

When cooked, rutabaga has a texture similar to a potato or a turnip.

It is a versatile root vegetable that can be used in various dishes.

Rutabaga can be used in place of celeriac in many dishes.

It can be boiled, mashed, or roasted, and it can also be used as a substitute for potatoes in potato salads, gratins, or soups.

It can also be pureed and used as an alternative to mashed potatoes.

Rutabaga is also delicious when paired with other root vegetables, such as carrots, parsnips, and potatoes.

5 – Kohlrabi

Kohlrabi, also known as “German turnip” or “turnip cabbage,” is a popular root vegetable that is often used as a celeriac substitute in many recipes.

The unique flavor and texture of kohlrabi make it an excellent alternative to celeriac in many dishes.

It is a member of the Brassica family, which includes broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and cabbage.

It has a mild and sweet taste with a slight hint of celery.

The edible part of the vegetable is actually its swollen stem, which has an apple-like texture.

The leaves of the kohlrabi can also be eaten, as they are high in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber.

Kohlrabi is often used in salads and slaws, as well as soups, stews, and stir-fries.

It can also be roasted, grilled, steamed, and mashed.

When cooking kohlrabi, it’s important to remember to remove the tough outer skin before eating.

It is high in fiber and low in calories, making it a healthy substitution for celeriac in many recipes.

It is also rich in vitamin C and potassium and is an excellent source of antioxidants.

In terms of flavor, kohlrabi is less sweet than celeriac but has a similar mild taste.

Conclusion

There you have it.

Five great celeriac substitutes to help you out when you’re in a pinch and don’t have celeriac on hand.

All of these substitutes are delicious and versatile and can be used in a variety of recipes ranging from soups to roasts.

Whether you’re looking for a crisp jicama, a mild-flavored turnip, or a sweet parsnip, there’s sure to be a celeriac substitute for fitting your needs.

With the right spices and seasonings, these vegetables will bring a fresh, new flavor to your everyday dishes.

So the next time celeriac isn’t available, don’t panic.

There are plenty of great substitutes that can get you out of a pinch.