Celeriac is one of those foods that adds a distinct sweet and nutty flavor to any soup, mash, or salad. But what if you can’t find the celeriac bulb in your local grocery store or just want to replace it with some other ingredient in a pinch?
Don’t worry, we’ve compiled all of the celeriac substitutes you can use and we have all the specifics on the flavor, quantity, and final result.
If you’re planning a delectable meal, keep reading below to find the finest celeriac root substitute.
The best substitutes for celeriac
Table of Contents
Celeriac is a fascinating plant to use in cooking since it adds a musky and earthy flavor to any meal, but it can also be extremely refreshing and zesty when eaten raw.
This is the allure and versatility of celeriac that we all admire. When coarsely chopped, it makes an excellent addition to any soup, or it can be mashed up and pureed as a side dish of your choosing.
This wonderful root has several health advantages, the most significant of which are enhanced digestion, bone and heart health, and anticancer properties.
It can be eaten raw in salads or as dipping chips if you like a stronger flavor.
Celeriac can be purchased in grocery stores and it looks like a rough root, but once peeled, it has a meaty and delicious flesh that complements many recipes. However, keep in mind that it is not accessible at every store and can be out of season at times.
This is why, in addition to the celeriac replacements we will discuss below, it is a good idea to keep celery seeds and salt on hand at all times.
1. Parsley root
When looking for the finest substitute for celery root, parsley root should be one of the first items you consider.
While we are all familiar with the leaves and the wonderful scent they give to every meal, the root can also be used. It has a similar texture and color to celeriac, therefore it might be one of the finest items to substitute it in a meal.
Keep in mind that parsley has a stronger flavor, so you can want to reduce the amount used. However, if you enjoy the fresh scent and don’t mind the extra taste, go ahead and add some more.
The parsley root, like celeriac, takes some time to cook, so you can add it at the beginning and not worry about it being mushy by the end. You can add parsley leaves or even celery seeds for an additional dose of earthy flavor.
Even if you don’t consume all of the vegetables in your soup, the parsley will linger in the flavor and create a wonderful scent.
2. Celery
First and foremost, despite their similar names, celery and celeriac are not from the same plant. However, while celeriac is not the root of celery, it does have a similar flavor.
Celery is your best choice if you’re looking for a decent substitute for celeriac. However, there are a few factors to consider.
While the taste is similar, the texture is not, as celery is often light and watery. Keep this in mind because your meal will almost certainly require some thickening ingredients, such as corn starch or potatoes, to maintain the desired consistency.
Celery has a mild flavor, but you can use the leaves as well since they are edible and contain a lot of flavors.
This green is a great option to consider if you need that raw and crunchy addition to your salads, as it will add the taste but will not overwhelm other ingredients.
3. Carrots
Carrots appear to be the polar opposite of celeriac, so their inclusion on this list can come as a surprise, but stay with us.
If the color of the meal is not important, carrots can be used as a celery root replacement. Keep in mind that the color will be different because carrots have a distinct orange tint, but they can still look and taste wonderful.
Carrots can be a little sweeter, but a tiny amount of celery seeds or celery salt can do the work and restore the dish’s nutty flavor.
You may use carrots instead of celeriac in soups, mashes, and even salads if the color isn’t crucial.
4. Turnips
If you’re short of celeriac but have a turnip on hand, you’re in luck since it can be a great celery root substitute. The texture is comparable, and turnips will not dominate the meal in terms of color or flavor, so you can add a few celery seeds and you’re ready to go.
Furthermore, if not overdone, the turnip will retain its crisp texture, and you can use it in soups and stews in place of celeriac.
Don’t forget to add the turnip leaves since they are packed full of flavor and will add a bit more zesty taste to the entire dish.
5. Potatoes
This celeriac substitute has to be on this list since there is nothing more suited to replace this root. Potatoes are available all year and have the same off-white hue and mild flavor that complements any recipe.
They are a wonderful substitute since you can add some parsley leaves, celery seeds, or salt to make your meal taste like it contains celeriac.
It’s wonderful for casseroles, mashes, and soups, and it adds the starchy thickness you need for the greatest texture.
6. Parsnip
Frequently confused with white carrots, parsnip has a similar “root vegetable” appearance but tastes entirely different. It adds a nutty and earthy fragrance to the recipe, which is why it can be used as a substitution for celery root.
Because parsnip has rough skin, make sure to peel it before cooking the meal.
It will go well with soups, stews, and salads. Remember that this root is sweeter than celeriac, so alter the other ingredients appropriately.
In addition, if you are not used to the strong flavor of this vegetable you might want to start slow and add more as you go.
7. Butternut squash
Butternut squash is another sweeter vegetable on our list that can be used in place of celeriac. This ingredient, like carrots, will affect the color of the meal, but if that isn’t crucial, its sweet and nutty flavor can be an excellent addition to any purée or soup.
Because this squash has rich and meaty flesh, it mixes effortlessly into a variety of recipes and provides a touch of taste similar to celeriac. Keep in mind that it is rather sweet, so you can need to add a little extra salt to make it savory.
Butternut squash is excellent for making pies and casseroles, but if you want that celeriac taste you need to add celery seeds or salt.
8. Jicama
Jicama is one of the final items on our list since it isn’t always accessible, but if you get the chance, acquire this potato-looking plant and use it as a substitute for the celeriac bulb.
It is used as a salad substitute since it can be eaten raw and adds crispness to the meal. You can also cook it, but add the jicama last because it cooks quickly and becomes too soft if overcooked.
Adding a few leaves of the parsley or some celery sticks will amplify the flavor and it should taste like you added celeriac.
9. Daikon radish
The root of daikon radish resembles that of a white carrot or parsnip, but it is smoother and has a milder flavor.
Because it is crunchy and can be eaten raw or cooked, daikon radish is an excellent substitute for celeriac. It’s best incorporated with salads or meals with meat since the pepper taste brings out the rest of the spices.
10. Rutabaga
Among the vegetables on our list, rutabaga is perhaps the one that most closely resembles the celeriac root in appearance.
This wonderful plant may be eaten raw, boiled, or even blended into a mash, making it an excellent alternative for celeriac.
Keep in mind, however, that the flavor is a little sweeter and not as powerful as celeriac. If you feel like your dish needs a little more flavor, you can season it with parsley or celery salt.
11. The bulb of fennel
We’ll conclude our list of celeriac alternatives with a fantastic and nutritious option: the fennel bulb. It is the white portion of the fennel and has a wonderfully crisp texture as well as a mild flavor.
If you wish to replace celeriac, leaving the funnel bulb uncooked can be the best option because it will taste the finest that way. If you opt to cook with it, bear in mind that the taste will alter to a more anise-like flavor.
With that in mind, it might be the best option for salads and as a crispy addition to fresh meals.
How to choose a celeriac substitute
Choosing the finest celeriac alternative depends on a variety of factors, the most important of which is the meal you are attempting to create.
Celeriac is not the same as celery, but if flavor is what you’re after, celery can be the greatest alternative of all.
If you’re seeking the perfect complement to your soups, combine parsnip, parsley, and carrots with celery seeds and leaves.
If, on the other hand, you’re making salads and want to substitute a fresh item for the celeriac, jicama, or fennel bulb are the finest options.
Because celeriac can be cooked and blended into a variety of side dishes and dips, you can substitute potato or butternut squash. As long as the color isn’t critical to the outcome, you can always use carrots with some celery seeds mixed in.
The good thing about celeriac is that you can almost always add a few celery seeds or salts that will mimic the taste, while some other vegetables can be added to replace the texture.
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