Celeriac is a root vegetable that has a unique flavor and texture. It can be used in many different dishes, but it’s not always easy to find.
If you can’t find celeriac at your local grocery store, don’t worry! There are plenty of substitutes that will give your dish the same flavor and texture.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss 14 of the best substitutes for celeriac.
We’ll explain the differences and similarities between each substitute, and we’ll provide the exact ratios to use when substituting. Plus, we’ll give you some examples of how to use these substitutes in your recipes!
Substitutes For Celeriac:
- Celery Seed
- Celery Salt
- Parsley Root
- Parsnips
- Kohlrabi
- Daikon
- Carrots
- Jicama
- Fennel Bulb
- Rutabaga
- Turnips
- Butternut Squash
- Sweet Potatoes
- Pumpkins
Celery Seed
Celery seed is a great substitute for celeriac because it has a rich flavor and requires a lesser amount than celeriac. 1 teaspoon of celery seed is equivalent to 2 average-sized celery roots.
Celery seed also adds an earthy flavor to the dish, so it can be a good substitute for celeriac in dishes that need that depth of flavor.
The only downside to using celery seed as a substitute is that it may not have the same nutritional value as celery root. Also, the former is a more expensive substitute for the latter, so if you’re on a budget, you may want to consider another option.
Celery Salt
Celery salt has a sharp taste and is perfect for when you want to give your dish a little extra flavor. Plus, it’s dried so you don’t have to worry about it going bad.
To make your celery salt, start by roasting a few celery stalks. It is followed by cooling and drying the stalks. Now you just have to grind and add salt to make your celery salt to add to your dish.
Substituting it in your dish is also a great way to add flavor to soups and stews. Simply add celery salt to the pot when cooking and let the flavors come together.
Also, celery salt is a versatile spice that can be used in a variety of dishes. So next time you’re looking for a celeriac substitute, reach for the celery salt without thinking twice.
Parsley Root
Parsley root is one of the best substitutes for celeriac. It is from the same family as celeriac and is similar in taste and texture.
Parsley root is carrot-shaped and can be peeled, cooked, and grated just like celeriac. Also, it can be eaten raw or cooked.
The biggest difference between parsley root and celeriac is that less parsley root is required in the majority of the dishes because it is more potent. Another big difference is that parsley root does not have the same earthy taste as celeriac.
When substituting parsley root for celeriac, keep this in mind and use less than you would celeriac. We would suggest starting with half the amount of parsley root and then adjusting to your taste.
Parsnips
Parsnips are one of the best substitutes for celeriac. They are similar in appearance to parsley roots and have the same taste and texture.
They can be used in a one-to-one ratio in place of celeriac and will add a touch of sweetness to the dish. But you can always add a bit of salt to balance the sweetness out.
However, parsnips can also be slightly more fibrous than celeriac, so they may not be the best choice if you are looking for a truly identical substitution. Nevertheless, they are a delicious and versatile vegetable that makes an excellent stand-in for celeriac.
Kohlrabi
Kohlrabi is one of the best substitutes for celeriac. It is crisp when raw and has the same texture when cooked. Also, it is sweet and comes in different colors.
You can use the same quantity of kohlrabi as you would celeriac. It can be eaten raw or cooked, sweet or savory, according to what you desire, which makes it a particularly great addition to salads.
Kohlrabi can be used as a substitute in any recipe that calls for celeriac. When substituting kohlrabi for celeriac, remember that they have the same texture when cooked, so there’s no need to make any specific adjustments.
Daikon
Daikon is a good substitute for celeriac because it is mild and versatile. As it does not have a strong aroma, it can be used in different dishes, especially in soup, stews, and casseroles.
It can also be eaten raw or baked or used as a side dish.
Daikon is different from celeriac because it has a milder flavor. So it can be used in different dishes without overpowering other flavors.
Carrots
One of the best substitutes for celeriac is carrots. Carrots are available year-round and are sweet when cooked. They have a similar texture and consistency to celeriac, making them a good choice as a substitute.
However, you will need to use the same quantity of carrots as you would celeriac, and you may need to add some celery leaves, parsley, or celery salt for flavor.
Carrots are an excellent choice as a substitute for celeriac, and they can be used in many of the same dishes.
Jicama
Jicama is a great substitute for celeriac because it has a similar fibrous, crunchy texture. It is also a root vegetable, so it has layers that can be easily peeled off.
Additionally, jicama is sweet and crunchy, making it a perfect addition to salads or as a raw snack.
Jicama also contains a lot of water, so it is important to avoid overcooking it. Seasoning it with salt, pepper, and lemon juice will help to bring out its flavor.
When substituting jicama for celeriac, use a 1:1 ratio. This means that if the recipe calls for 1 cup of celeriac, you would use 1 cup of jicama instead.
Fennel Bulb
The fennel bulb is one of the best substitutes for celeriac. This vegetable is similar to celeriac in that it is green and has a sharp flavor.
It is not as starchy as celeriac, so it will not thicken a soup or purree as much. You can grind it with any starchy vegetable to make a purree.
While the fennel bulb can be blended into a soup or purree, you should avoid overcooking it, as it has a delicate flavor that can be easily overpowered by other flavors.
If you want to add some bulk to your soup or purree, consider adding some potatoes or carrots. You will need almost an equal amount of fennel bulbs to substitute celery.
Rutabaga
Rutabaga is not a very common vegetable, but it is one of the best substitutes for celeriac. It has yellow flesh and a milder flavor than celeriac, but the texture is similar.
Rutabaga can be used in the same amount as celeriac. It has a sweet taste but gives a bitter taste with pepper flavor upon cooking, so a little experiment can result in the desired flavor!
Turnips
Turnips are the closest substitutes for celeriac in terms of texture. They have a crunchy texture, which is lost when they are cooked. But they have a touch of sweetness to them, which can be balanced by adding some spices.
Turnips can be added to the dish whole or diced. Additionally, the leaves of the turnips can also be used to add flavor to the dish. They can be found in most grocery stores and are a cheaper alternative to celeriac.
Substitute an equal quantity of turnips for celery and enjoy the dish.
Butternut Squash
Butternut squash has a similar taste and texture to that of celeriac, but it is slightly sweeter. You can add celery leaves, celery salt, or celery seeds to butternut squash to get a more similar flavor.
It is also good for purees and soups because it is softer than celeriac. Overall, butternut squash is a good substitute for celeriac and can be used in many of the same dishes.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are one of the best substitutes for celeriac. They are sweeter and softer, making them a great substitute for soups, stews, and baked dishes.
Sweet potatoes also cook faster than celeriac, so they are a great choice for those who need a quick fix. However, because they are sweeter, they may not be suitable for all recipes.
For example, if you are making a savory dish like a soup or stew, you may want to use less sweet potato than you would celeriac.
Additionally, sweet potatoes can be easier to find than celeriac. If you can’t find sweet potatoes at your local grocery store, try looking for them at a farmers’ market or natural food store.
Try substituting it and enjoy new recipes even when you are out of celeriac!
Pumpkins
Pumpkins are often thought of as a Halloween decoration, but they can also be a great substitute for celeriac in many recipes. While they have quite a different taste than celeriac, they can be used in many of the same ways.
They can be used in stews, baked, or pureed, and they cook much faster than celeriac. However, pumpkins are stronger and sweeter than celeriac, so you may need to adjust the amount of sugar or other sweeteners in your recipe.
Overall, the taste difference between these two vegetables is not significant, so pumpkins make an excellent substitute for celeriac in most recipes if celery is not available.
Related Questions
What is celeriac?
Celeriac is a type of celery that is grown for its root, which is used as a vegetable. It has a very strong flavor and is often used in soups or stews to add thickness and flavor.
What are the benefits of eating celeriac?
Some benefits of eating celeriac include:
- Celeriac is a good source of Vitamin C and potassium.
- It has a high fiber content, which can help with digestion.
- Celeriac is low in calories and carbohydrates.
How do you prepare celeriac?
Preparing celeriac is easy. Simply peel off the skin with a sharp knife and cut it into pieces. You can then cook it in a soup or stew, or mash it to make a purree.
What are some recipes that include celeriac?
Some recipes that include celeriac are:
- Celeriac and Potato Soup
- Celeriac and Apple Salad
- Celeriac Gratin
How can I use up leftover celeriac?
If you have leftover celeriac, you can use it in a variety of ways. One option is to make celeriac and potato soup. Peel and chop the celeriac and potatoes and cook them in a pot with some chicken or vegetable broth. You can also add some garlic, onion, and other herbs for flavor.
Conclusion
Although celeriac is a unique and flavorful vegetable that is a bit challenging to find or replace, the substitutes above will give you the same great taste in your dish. And, depending on what you’re looking for, some of these substitutes might even be a healthier option for you. So, if you can’t find celeriac or don’t have it on hand, try one of these substitutions in your next recipe.