I was so excited to make mashed parsnip and potatoes for Thanksgiving last year. I thought I had all of the ingredients ready, but then I realized that I was out of parsnips. I didn’t want to miss out on this dish, so I started looking for a substitute.
I found a recipe for mashed parsnip and potatoes with celery root and decided to give it a try. It was delicious! The celery root gave the mashed potatoes a slightly earthy flavor that was a perfect complement to the other Thanksgiving dishes.
So thankfully, there are other parsnip substitutes apart from celery root, so, we have more to choose from.
In this article, we’ll give you the 10 best parsnip substitutes. We’ll also explain the differences and similarities between the substitutes.
Let’s get started!
Substitutes For Parsnip:
- Celery Root
- Sweet Potatoes
- Potatoes
- Turnips
- Parsley Root
- Salsify
- Carrots
- Radish
- Kohlrabi
- Arracacha
Celery Root
Celery root, also known as celeriac, is a great alternative to parsnips. It has a similar taste and texture. The best part about celery root is that it is easily available year-round.
To prepare and use celery root as a substitute, simply peel it and cut it into the desired shape. It can then be cooked using any method you would use for parsnips. When substituting celery root for parsnips, use a 1-to-1 ratio.
Also, when choosing celery roots, look for firm, heavy roots with smooth skin. Avoid roots that are soft or have blemishes. Celery root is a great way to add flavor and nutrition to your favorite recipes.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are another parsnip substitute that is easy to find and versatile. Sweet potatoes have a slightly sweet flavor, which can enhance the flavor of your dish.
While sweet potatoes can be used as a parsnip substitute, there are some things to keep in mind. Sweet potatoes are much sweeter than parsnips, so you may need to adjust the amount of sugar in your recipe.
Additionally, keep in mind that sweet potatoes have a different texture from parsnips. They are moister and softer than parsnips which can affect the overall texture of your dish
Potatoes
Potatoes are also considered a parsnip substitute. And they can be used in a 1-to- 1 ratio, making them a versatile and convenient substitute.
Potatoes offer many benefits, such as being less expensive than parsnips, being easier to find in stores, and having a milder flavor that works well in many dishes.
Additionally, potatoes can be cooked in a variety of ways, making them a versatile ingredient. When substituting potatoes for parsnips, be careful not to overcook them or they’ll become mushy.
With their versatility and mild flavor, they are sure to please any palate.
Turnips
Turnips are another great alternative for parsnips. They have a similar taste and texture. When substituting turnips for parsnips, use a 1-to-1 ratio.
Turnips are available year-round, making them a convenient parsnip substitute. They are also less expensive than parsnips.
When substituting with turnips, always remember that they are slightly sweeter than parsnips. You can enhance this sweetness by roasting or mashing the turnips.
Parsley Root
Parsley root is an often overlooked parsnip substitute. However, it has a similar taste and texture to parsnips, but without sweetness. Additionally, you can use this vegetable in savory or sweet dishes.
Parsley is a good source of vitamins A and C, making it a healthier alternative to parsnips. A 1-to-1 ratio should be used when replacing parsley with other vegetables.
To prepare parsley for cooking, simply peel and chop it into the desired shape. Parsley root can be roasted, mashed, or added to soups and stews.
Salsify
Salsify is a type of root vegetable that is often used as a parsnip substitute. As a substitute, use a one-to-one ratio. It has a similar taste and texture to parsnips.
Salsify can be roasted, mashed, or added to soups and stews. This root vegetable is a good source of fiber, potassium, and vitamin C. It is also lower in calories and carbs than a parsnip.
Salsify gives your dishes a slightly earthy flavor. But unfortunately, this root vegetable can be difficult to find in stores.
Carrots
Carrots are a great substitute parsnip substitute because they are easily available and have a similar taste though carrots are sweeter.
Carrots can be roasted, mashed, or added to soups and stews. They also have a few advantages over parsnips. First of all, carrots are more nutritionally dense than parsnips. They contain more vitamins and minerals.
Secondly, carrots are lower in calories and carbs than parsnips. Therefore, when substituting carrots for parsnips, use a 1-to-1 ratio.
Also, note that carrots can change the color of your food. They are often used as a natural food dye because of their deep orange color.
Radish
Yes, radishes are a great alternative for parsnip. They have a sharp, peppery flavor that is similar to parsnips.
Radishes are also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. They can be roasted, mashed, or added to soups and stews.
To prepare radishes for cooking, simply wash and chop them into the desired shape. And when substituting radishes for parsnips, use a 1-to-1 ratio.
Kohlrabi
Kohlrabi is a type of cabbage that can be used as a parsnip substitute. It is a versatile vegetable that has a mild and slightly sweet taste.
There are three things you should know about kohlrabi.
- First, it can be eaten raw or cooked.
- Second, you should peel it before eating or cooking.
- Third, it is a great source of fiber and antioxidants.
Kohlrabi can be substituted for parsnips in a 1-to-1 ratio. Kohlrabi can be roasted, mashed, or added to soups and stews.
Arracacha
Last on our list of parsnip substitutes is arracacha. Arracacha is a white root vegetable with a purple top, and it is often used as a parsnip substitute.
It has a similar taste and texture to parsnips, but without the sweetness. It is a versatile vegetable that you can use in savory or sweet dishes.
Arracacha is also a good fiber, potassium, and vitamin C source. It is lower in calories and carbs than parsnips. When substituting arracacha for parsnips, use a 1-to-1 ratio.
Arracacha can be used in soups, stews, or casseroles. However, this root vegetable can be difficult to find in stores like salsify.
FAQ
What are the best parsnip substitutes?
The best parsnip substitutes are carrots, radishes, kohlrabi, and arracacha.
Can you substitute carrots for parsnips?
Yes, carrots are a great parsnip substitute because they are easily available and taste similar though carrots are sweeter.
Can you substitute potatoes for parsnips?
Yes, you can. However, potatoes are not considered the best parsnip substitute because they have different tastes and textures. Potatoes are also higher in calories and carbs than parsnips.
Which parsnips substitute is more nutritious?
Carrots are more nutritionally dense than parsnips. As a result, they contain more vitamins and minerals.
What is the nutritional value of parsnips?
Parsnips are high in fiber, potassium, and vitamin C. Compared to other root vegetables, they are lower in calories and carbohydrates.
Conclusion
So, there you have it! These are the best parsnip substitutes that you can use in your cooking. Be sure to let us know if you have any other suggestions. Drop your suggestions in the comment section.