Before I knew all about celery root substitutes, whenever I didn’t have any at home and needed to make a dish that required it, it was always a headache.
Why? Because I had never made a dish with a substitute before, so I was always a little worried.
Some time ago, I decided to confront the issue head-on. I did some research and found a few good substitutes. The one I ended up using was butternut squash. It was a perfect substitute! The dish came out great and I didn’t even notice the difference.
If you’re looking for a celery root substitute, just chill, I’ve got you covered. I’ve compiled a list of 11 substitutes that taste just as good (or better).
Keep reading to learn more about the differences and similarities between these vegetables.
Substitutes for Celery Root
If you’re in a pinch and need a substitute for celery root, here are 11 substitutes that will work just as well:
- Carrot
- Potato
- Parsley root
- Parsnip
- Fennel bulb
- Daikon radish
- Jicama
- Chopped celery
- Rutabaga
- Turnip
- Butternut squash
- Celery Seed
- Kohlrabi
Carrot
Carrots can be used as a substitute for celery root in many cases. They are easy to find and can be eaten raw or cooked.
You may not get that celery root aroma with carrots, but they have the same sweet taste. Carrots can be added to soups, salads, and stir-fries.
In addition, they are a healthy alternative to celery root. Low in calories and fat, they are a good source of fiber. Carrots are also a good source of vitamins A, C, and K.
What’s more? Eating them can help you reach your daily recommended intake of vegetables. Try substituting carrots for celery root in your next meal!
Potato
Potatoes are another versatile vegetable that can be used as a celery root substitute. They can be boiled, mashed, roasted, or fried.
Like carrots, potatoes are also low in calories and fat. They are a good source of fiber, vitamins C and B six, and minerals such as potassium and magnesium.
Potatoes are a great substitute for celery because they have a similar potato-like flavor. They’re pretty easy to come by and can be used in a variety of dishes. When cooked, the potatoes give off an umami flavor that will do wonders for your dish.
Parsley root
Parsley root is a type of parsley that has a long, white root. It’s sometimes called Hamburg parsley or turnip-rooted parsley.
It can be used as a celery substitute in soups and stews. When cooked, it has a slightly sweet and creamy taste with hints of celery and parsley flavor. It’s perfect for baked, boiled, or steamed recipes.
This vegetable is a good source of vitamins A and C. It’s also a good source of fiber, folic acid, and potassium.
Parsnip
Parsnips are a type of root vegetable that resembles a white carrot. They have a sweet, nutty flavor and can be eaten raw or cooked. The taste is similar to celery root, but the flavor is not. Parsnip has a potent herbal flavor and a crunchy texture.
When substituting parsnips for celery root, it’s important to remember that they are sweeter than celery root. As a result, you may want to use less parsnip than the recipe calls for celery root.
Parsnips are a good source of fiber, vitamins C and K, and folate. They also provide minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus.
Fennel bulb
Fennel is a type of herb that has a bulbous base and long stalks. The stalks are used as a celery substitute in salads and the bulbs can be eaten raw or cooked.
It has a sweet, anise-like flavor with hints of licorice. It’s crunchy and refreshing, making it a great addition to salads and slaws. The stalks can be used as a celery substitute in soup, stew, or stir-fry recipes.
They’re delicious and nutritious, which makes them ideal for a variety of dishes. Keep in mind that since the fennel bulb is softer, it cooks faster than celery root.
Daikon radish
Daikon radish is a type of radish that has a long, white root. It’s sometimes called White Radish, Chinese Radish, or Loose-leaf Radish. Its appearance could actually pass for a white carrot.
It can be eaten raw or cooked and has a slightly sweet and peppery flavor. When substituting daikon for celery root, it’s important to remember that it is slightly sweeter and more pungent.
It’s a good source of vitamins C and B, potassium, and calcium. Daikon radish is also a good source of fiber and antioxidants.
The best way to consume it is as a side dish with salads or fried meals, but you can also use it in meat recipes. The daikon radish has a mild pepper flavor and a crispy texture that are very similar to celery root.
Jicama
Jicama is a type of root vegetable that has brown, fibrous skin and white flesh. It’s sometimes called Mexican Yam or Mexican Turnip.
An excellent substitute for celery root, jicama is similar in appearance, texture and taste to celery root.
You’ll also need to peel the jicama before consuming it as a substitute; cut it into thinner sticks after removing the peel.
This is a tasty and nutritious dish that does not take long to prepare. It may be enjoyed raw or cooked, and you’ll like its crispy texture.
Chopped celery leaves
Celery leaves are the green, leafy part of the celery plant. They have a strong celery flavor and can be used as a herb in soups, stews, or salads.
The leaves can also be used as a garnish or added to recipes for extra flavor. Celery leaves are a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as calcium and magnesium.
For a crunchy taste and salty taste, chopped celery will deliver, and it would be ideal for many of the celery root recipes.
Rutabaga
Rutabaga is a type of root vegetable that has yellow or orange flesh. It’s sometimes called Swedish Turnip or Yellow Turnip. It is a root that comes from a hardy biennial plant and can competently replace celery root.
It has smooth leaves that resemble cabbage, although they are somewhat different. Rutabagas have a yellow color and a firm texture when cooked.
It has a pleasant flavor with savory undertones and can be served either raw or roasted. You may also eat it uncooked, roast it, cook it, mash it, and add it to soups and stews.
Turnip
If a recipe calls for celery root to be used as a crunchy and firm-textured vegetable with a PCI taste, turnip would be a suitable replacement.
Turnips have a similarly sweet, nutty, and earthy flavor to celery root, but they are also a bit more versatile in terms of what dishes they can be used in.
Turnips can be used in stews, soups, and roasted vegetable dishes. They are also a good source of vitamins and minerals, so substituting them for celery root can also add some extra nutrients to your dish.
Butternut squash
Butternut squash is a type of winter squash that has orange flesh. It’s sometimes called Butternut Pumpkin or Buttercup Squash.
It can be used as a celery root substitute in soups, stews, and casseroles. When substituting, use the same amount of butternut squash as you would celery root.
Butternut squash has a sweet, nutty flavor and is a good source of vitamins A and C. It’s also a good source of fiber and potassium.
When you use this substitute, I recommend including celery leaves, celery seeds, and/or celery salt to bring the flavor of the celery to the forefront. It is naturally sweet, so add a pinch of salt to balance things out.
One thing to be wary of is that this alternative is softer than potatoes and becomes mushy when fully cooked. Because the color may affect the entire meal, use sparingly.
Celery Seed
Celery seed is the dried fruit of the celery plant. It’s often used as a spice in soups, stews, salads, and other dishes.
Celery seed has a strong celery flavor and can be used as a substitute for celery root. When substituting, use the same amount of celery seed as you would celery root.
Celery seed is a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as calcium and magnesium.
One thing to keep in mind when using celery seed is that it has a strong flavor. If you’re not careful, it can easily overpower other flavors in the dish. Use it sparingly and taste it as you go.
If you want celery root’s starchy consistency, celery seeds might not be the best option. But, if you want those earthy celery root tastes, they’re a wonderful substitute.
Kohlrabi
Kohlrabi is a type of root vegetable that has green or purple flesh. It’s sometimes called Turnip Cabbage or Turnip-rooted Cabbage. This type of cabbage has a thick, green stalk and leaves.
Kohlrabi can be used as a celery root substitute in soups, stews, and casseroles. When substituting, use the same amount of kohlrabi as you would celery root.
When raw, it will have a crunchiness to it but will have the same texture as celery root when cooked. Depending on how it is prepared, kohlrabi might taste like cabbage, cauliflower, or broccoli.
Kohlrabi is a great celery root alternative because it’s similar in taste and texture. It’s also a good source of nutrients.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does celery root look like?
Celery root is a type of root vegetable that has a brown, gnarled exterior. The interior is white and has a starchy texture. Celery root is often used in soups, stews, and casseroles.
What does celery root taste like?
Celery root has a mild, celery-like flavor. It’s often used in soups, stews, and casseroles.
What is the best way to eat celery root?
Celery root can be eaten raw or roasted. You may also eat it uncooked, roast it, cook it, mash it, and/or puree it.
Where can I buy celery root?
Celery root is often found in the produce section of your local grocery store.
Conclusion
That’s it! I have shared with you my best substitutes for celery root. I hope you found this article helpful and informative.
Substituting is much easier than you think! With a little creativity, you can easily find an alternative that tastes just as good as the original.
Don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun with it! The worst thing that can happen is you end up with a dish that doesn’t quite taste right. But, even then, it’s a learning experience. And, who knows? You might just create a new favorite dish in the process.
There are many substitutes for celery root that can be used in different types of dishes. Each substitute has its own unique flavor and texture.
So, take charge. The kitchen is your stage.
Rock on!