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Savory Tweaks: 5 BEST Celery Root Substitutes

Are you looking for the best substitute for celery root?

Do you want to replace it with ingredients that have a similar flavor? Then you’ve come to the right place.

In this article, we’ll discuss celery root, plus five alternative options like fennel and kohlrabi.

You’ll be able to choose the perfect ingredient for your next recipe.

What’s Celery Root?

Celery root, also known as celeriac, is an unusual vegetable that has a unique flavor and texture.

It is available fresh, frozen, or pickled during the winter months when other root vegetables are at their peak.

Celery root can be cooked in many different ways and its nutty, almost sweet taste makes it a favorite among chefs looking to create something special.

Celery root comes from a variety of the wild celery plant and has a potato-like texture and taste when cooked.

Its skin is too tough to eat, so it must be peeled before using.

Once peeled, celery root may be chopped into cubes or grated to create delicious soups or salads.

This vegetable can also be boiled and mashed like potatoes or roasted with other vegetables for a delicious side dish.

The leaves of the celery root can also be used in salads or as an herbal topping for soups.

5 Best Celery Root Substitutes to Consider

If you don’t have access to celery root, there are substitutes that are readily available in most grocery stores.

The best substitutes for celery root mimic its flavor profile and can easily be used in place of the real thing.

Here are the five best substitutes for celery root:

1 – Parsnip

Parsnip is a close relative of carrots and celery root, so makes an excellent substitute.

It has a slightly sweet and nutty flavor when cooked and can be used both raw or cooked.

Parsnips are typically lighter in color than celery root, but have a similar texture.

When using as a celery root substitute in mashed potatoes or roasted vegetable dishes, parsnips can be cut into cubes and cooked much like celery root.

Parsnips can also be shaved into thin ribbons for salads, grated in coleslaw, or sliced thinly for potato chips.

They’re an incredibly versatile vegetable that adds an interesting flavor to any dish.

2 – Turnip

Turnip is a great celery root substitute.

Like celery root, turnip has a subtle herbaceous flavor, similar to that of celery, and a crunchy texture.

This root vegetable is available all year round and may often be found at farmers markets in the fall.

Although it has a mild taste, its white flesh can quickly become bitter if not cooked properly.

To get the most benefit from turnip’s flavor, it should be cooked slowly — steaming or boiling will work — so that it has time to release its flavors before becoming tough in texture.

3 – Carrot

Carrots are one of the most popular root vegetables, boasting a sweet and crunchy flavor when cooked.

While not a perfect substitute for celery root, carrots can be used as a replacement in dishes that don’t require too much celery root.

Carrots can be cooked or eaten raw, depending on your recipe and preference.

Just like celery root, carrots offer a slightly sweet flavor that works nicely when combined with other vegetables or spices.

If you’re looking for an easy stand-in for celery root, try swapping in some carrots instead — just adjust any seasonings or liquids you would typically use to accommodate the difference in flavor.

4 – Rutabaga

Rutabaga is a root vegetable that can be used as a celery root substitute in some recipes.

It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor and it’s slightly firmer and denser than celery root.

It’s also higher in vitamin C than celery root.

Rutabaga can be peeled and diced or grated, which is best for recipes that call for finely chopped celery root.

It can also be cooked like a potato with butter or mashed and served as a side dish.

However, it does take longer to cook than celery root so be sure to plan accordingly if you’re substituting rutabaga for celery root in your dish.

5 – Jerusalem Artichoke

Jerusalem artichoke, also known as sunchoke, is an earthy root vegetable that makes a great substitute for celery root.

It has a slightly sweet flavor with delicate hints of artichoke and chestnut.

It’s relatively easy to prepare — simply peel it and then boil, steam, or grill.

Jerusalem artichokes can be eaten both raw and cooked and are excellent in salads and soups.

They can also be used as a substitute for potatoes in dishes such as gratin dauphinois or mashed potatoes.

For the best results, look for young immature tubers; they’ll have the most tender texture and the sweetest flavor.

Conclusion

When you find yourself short of celery root, any of these five great alternatives will get the job done.

Every recipe calling for celery root is slightly different, so it is important to consider what flavor and texture profiles work best for that dish.

Use stalks or leaves from other varieties of celery if you want a milder version.

For a heartier celery flavor, try parsnips or firm turnips.

Substitute water chestnuts for crunch and sweetness, fennel bulbs for an herby earthiness, or jicama for a light and crunchy texture that pairs well with acidic flavors.

Whichever vegetable you choose, make sure to familiarize yourself with its flavor before attempting the dish to make sure it works in the recipe.

5 Best Celery Root Substitutes to Consider

5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Substitutes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 – Parsnip
  • 2 – Turnip
  • 3 – Carrot
  • 4 – Rutabaga
  • 5 – Jerusalem Artichoke

Instructions
 

  • Choose your preferred substitute from the list of options.
  • Organize all of your ingredients.
  • Use the proper substitute to cook your recipes.
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