The 5 Best Substitutes for Parsnips

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Despite the fact that parsnips do not receive as much attention as many other vegetables, they pair well with a wide variety of spices and other vegetables.

If you have a few of these vegetables in your kitchen, you can create any dish you want that will be delicious.

Their flavor is enhanced in any way you choose to prepare them—raw, roasted, fried, boiled, or steamed—so choose wisely.

Parsnips aren’t as common as other root vegetables, so you might not be able to find them very often.

However, there are a great many other vegetables that, when cooked, produce an aroma and flavor very similar to parsnips.

You should therefore not be concerned and should instead select one of the options presented below.

We have narrowed the list down to the five items that we believe are the most suitable alternatives to parsnips, and these can be used in a variety of recipes.

What Are Parsnips?

The appearance of parsnips is comparable to that of carrots and radishes. Parsnips are classified as root vegetables.

Parsnips, which are classified as winter vegetables, have a flavor that is deeper and more earthy than that of carrots, but it is not as overpowering as the flavor of turnips or radishes.

They are sweet, but there is also a touch of heat to them.

The crisp vegetables are adaptable, and there are a variety of different ways to prepare them in the kitchen.

You can also incorporate it into a variety of dishes, such as salads, stews, stir-fries, and meat preparations, among others.

If you want some variety in your life, you can also put them in baked goods.

Parsnips are not only delicious but also beneficial to one’s health because they are full of important nutrients.

You need to remember to peel the skin before making any dish because the skin can impart a bitter flavor. This is one thing that you need to keep in mind.

The 5 Best Substitutes For Parsnips

As was just discussed, there are a variety of other vegetables that can serve as a suitable substitute for parsnips.

However, given that we can only discuss five of them, here they are:

1 – White Carrots

Both parsnips and white carrots come from the same family of root vegetables and share a similar appearance.

They have a flavor and a texture that are very comparable to one another.

Therefore, white carrots can be used in place of parsnips in any dish that normally requires the latter ingredient.

The versatility of white carrots lies in the fact that they can be utilized in both sweet and savory preparations.

Carrots are incredibly versatile and can be used in a wide variety of dishes, from carrot cakes and muffins to stir-fries and salads.

Carrots can also be interesting when prepared as a soup or as a side dish with a glaze.

Carrots, especially white carrots, are not only delicious and versatile, but they are also nutritious and provide a number of benefits to one’s health.

Suitable ratio.

  • Equal to one cup of chopped or shredded white carrots is one cup of chopped or shredded parsnips.

2 – Orange Carrots

Carrots of a bright orange color can stand in for parsnips if the hue isn’t offensive to your eyes.

Carrots that are orange are identical to white carrots; the only difference is that orange carrots are more common.

Therefore, you can substitute the former ingredient for any dish when the other two can’t be found.

Because they are so versatile, orange carrots can be eaten raw, roasted, fried, boiled, steamed, or puréed. Other preparation methods include puréeing them.

It makes no difference whether you add them to savory or sweet dishes; they always taste incredible.

You can make a wide variety of dishes whenever you like because they are not only easily accessible but also readily available.

Carrots of any color, including white, yellow, and orange, all contribute to numerous positive effects on our health.

Because of their high calcium and vitamin K content, they are beneficial to bone health.

In addition to that, they are rich in anti-oxidants, vitamins A, beta-carotene, and C, as well as iron and potassium.

When substituting carrots for parsnips, you can use a quantity that is comparable.

Suitable ratio.

  • Equal to one cup of chopped or shredded orange carrots is one cup of chopped or shredded parsnips.

3 – Turnips

Turnips, like parsnips, are classified as root vegetables; hence, you may substitute turnips for parsnips in situations when the former is unavailable.

Turnips are a great substitute for parsnips in a variety of recipes, despite the fact that most people think of them as being similar to radishes.

However, you must choose turnips while they are still young and not after they have matured, since turnips have a tendency to grow more astringent as they age.

The taste can be too strong for the meal, and the result might not be what you were hoping for.

Raw young turnips, on the other hand, have a taste that is sweet with a trace of pepperiness.

It is common practice to consume turnips raw in salads; however, you may also cook with them, puree them, or add them to stews and soups.

In addition, you may prepare them in a stir-fry by themselves, together with other vegetables, or even with meat.

They also have the ability to maintain their quality for weeks when stored in the refrigerator, relieving you of the need to dash out to the store every time you need more.

Suitable ratio.

  • 1 cup of chopped or sliced young turnips is equivalent to 1 cup of chopped or sliced parsnips.

4 – Celeriac (celery root)

In addition, a root vegetable known as celeriac or celery root is an alternative ingredient that can be used in place of parsnips in a variety of recipes.

It has a flavor that is not overpowering and is a very versatile ingredient. Additionally, it is sweeter than celery stems.

It is known by a variety of names, including celery root, turnip-rooted celery, and knob celery.

Despite the fact that celery stalks and celery root are both members of the same family, celery root comes from a completely different plant. Celery stalks are a common ingredient in many dishes.

It is somewhat round, similar to the shape of a turnip bulb, but the surface is knobbly, and it has several small rootlets.

The texture of fresh celeriac is crisp, and it has a color that is similar to that of cream.

Because it can be consumed both fresh and cooked, it works well in salads as well.

Its flavor becomes sweeter when cooked, so you can bake, roast, boil, or fry it depending on the requirements of the recipe you are following.

Suitable ratio.

  • 1 measuring cup of chopped or shredded parsnips is equal to 1 measuring cup of chopped or shredded parsnips.

5 – Kohlrabi

Kohlrabi is a vegetable that can be substituted for parsnips. It is also known as the German turnip and the cabbage turnip.

Although it does not enjoy the same level of popularity as many other vegetables, its flavor is comparable to that of parsnips.

It is a cruciferous vegetable like broccoli and cabbage, and while the outside of the vegetable is green, the inside is white or very light yellow in color.

Kohlrabi can be consumed in a variety of ways, including when it is raw.

Therefore, you can utilize it in dishes such as salads, stews, and soups.

You can also prepare stir-fries with other vegetables and cook with them.

You could also boil, roast, bake, or steam it if that better suits your needs.

It has a mildly sweet flavor, but there is also a smoky undertone to it.

As kohlrabi matures, its flavor also tends to intensify, making it more flavorful overall.

Therefore, you should make sure to get the younger ones, preferably with their leaves still on top.

Even when it is cooked, the layer of fibrous tissue that lies beneath the skin does not become more pliable.

Therefore, in order to get to the juicy flesh underneath, you need to peel off not only the skin but also that layer.

Suitable ratio.

  • 1 cup of chopped or shredded kohlrabi is equivalent to 1 cup of chopped or shredded parsnips.

Conclusion

All of the aforementioned vegetables, including parsnips, share some characteristics as well as some distinct distinctions.

However, almost any dish can benefit from the addition of any of these alternatives.

Therefore, you will never be at a loss for choices.

You can have fun preparing delicious meals using the recipes that are provided, or you can come up with some of your own.

In addition to these five, you could also make use of celery, rutabaga, salsify, sweet potato, and parsley in your dish.

You might not get the same flavor as you would get from parsnips, but there is no question that the dish will taste fantastic.

Since all veggies are versatile, you can have a different dish every day, even with a singly variety.

FAQs

What’s a good substitution for parsnips?

Substitute for Parsnips

You could use turnips, which are not difficult to locate either. OR – You could use celery root to achieve a distinctively different flavor profile. OR You Could Use Sweet Potatoes, Which Taste Great When They’re Pureed Or Mashed.

Can carrots be substituted for parsnips?

In the kitchen, you can absolutely substitute parsnips for carrots in many different dishes to get a finish that is gentler and more understated. However, parsnips may be substituted by root vegetables from the Brassica family, such as turnips and rutabagas, when roasting and mashing are the cooking methods in question. But enough about that; now is the time for the parsnip to take the spotlight.

Can I substitute potatoes for parsnips?

Potato Substitute

As a healthier alternative to potatoes, which are higher in sugar and carbohydrates, parsnips have gained popularity as a root vegetable. However, you do not need to be concerned about your carbohydrate intake in order to enjoy parsnips. They are a flavorful addition to any meal and deserving of the distinction of being a vegetable that gets people’s attention.

What vegetables are related to parsnips?

Root vegetables such as parsnips are related to carrots and parsley through their close ancestry. According to recorded history, the Romans were the first people to use parsnips. In spite of the fact that parsnips are a biennial root vegetable, they are typically grown as annuals.

Is parsnips good for weight loss?

May Be Helpful for Losing Weight

Because they are low in calories and high in fiber, parsnips are an excellent food to include in a diet that is designed to help one lose weight in a healthy way. Fiber passes slowly through your digestive tract, helping to keep you feeling fuller for longer which may reduce your appetite and food intake