Turnips, with their earthy, slightly peppery flavor, are a staple in many recipes, from soups and stews to mashes and roasts. However, several factors can lead you to seek an alternative, including personal taste preferences, dietary needs, or simply finding a bare produce aisle. Fortunately, the world of root vegetables and beyond offers a wide array of options that can mimic the characteristics of turnips with great success.
The Top Turnip Substitutes
Choosing the best substitute depends on your desired outcome, whether you are trying to replicate the flavor, match the texture, or simply need a root vegetable for a cooked dish. Here are some of the most reliable options.
Rutabaga
Often called a Swedish turnip, the rutabaga is arguably the most similar substitute. It is a hybrid of a turnip and a cabbage, resulting in a slightly sweeter, mellower, and nuttier flavor when cooked, compared to the turnip's more pungent taste. Rutabagas are denser and starchier than turnips, making them an excellent choice for mashing, roasting, or including in hearty stews.
Parsnips
Parsnips, shaped like a white carrot, offer a distinctly different but equally delicious flavor profile. They are sweeter than turnips and have a nutty, caramel-like flavor that intensifies when roasted. Parsnips are a fantastic replacement in dishes where a touch of sweetness is welcome and work particularly well in roasts, purees, and soups. Their texture becomes soft and creamy when cooked.
Celeriac (Celery Root)
For an earthy, savory alternative, celeriac is a superb choice. This gnarled root has a mild, celery-like flavor and a creamy texture when cooked. It holds up well in soups and stews, absorbing the flavors of the liquid and adding a unique depth. Celeriac can also be mashed or roasted, though its texture is slightly different from a turnip.
Carrots
Very widely available and familiar, carrots are a simple and effective substitute, especially for cooked recipes. They are much sweeter than turnips and have a denser texture that requires a longer cooking time. Carrots work well in soups, stews, and roasts where a softer, sweeter vegetable is desired. They also add a vibrant color to any dish.
Kohlrabi
Though not a root vegetable, kohlrabi is a member of the cabbage family and makes an excellent substitute. With a slightly sweet, peppery flavor similar to broccoli stems, kohlrabi can be used both raw and cooked. It offers a satisfying crunch when grated into salads and becomes tender when sautéed, steamed, or roasted, making it highly versatile.
Potatoes
In a pinch, potatoes are a budget-friendly and versatile option for replacing turnips in cooked dishes like stews, roasts, or mashes. Remember that potatoes are significantly starchier and less sweet than turnips, and they can thicken sauces. For a texture closer to turnip, choose a lower-starch variety like a Red or Yukon Gold.
Jicama
For raw turnip applications, jicama is an ideal substitute. Also known as the Mexican turnip, jicama has a sweet, nutty flavor and a firm, crisp texture. It adds a satisfying crunch to salads and slaws where a raw turnip would be used.
Comparison of Turnip Substitutes
| Substitute | Best for (Cooked) | Best for (Raw) | Flavor Profile | Texture | Cooking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rutabaga | Mashing, stews, roasting | Not ideal | Earthy, nutty, slightly sweet | Dense, starchy, creamy when cooked | Cook longer than turnips; use 1:1 ratio |
| Parsnips | Roasting, purees, soups | Not ideal | Nutty, sweet, caramelizes well | Soft, creamy, not as fibrous | Cooks similarly to carrots |
| Celeriac | Soups, stews, mashes | Yes (grated) | Earthy, mild celery flavor | Creamy when cooked, firmer than turnip | Takes slightly longer to cook |
| Carrots | Soups, stews, roasting | Yes (grated) | Sweeter than turnips | Firmer and denser | Cook longer, will add sweetness |
| Kohlrabi | Sautéing, steaming, roasting | Yes (grated, sliced) | Mildly sweet, peppery | Crunchy when raw, tender when cooked | Cooks faster than root vegetables |
| Potatoes | Mashes, stews | Not ideal | Starchy, neutral | Starchy, fluffy when mashed | May thicken dishes; use lower-starch varieties |
| Jicama | Not ideal | Yes (salads, slaws) | Sweet, nutty | Crisp, watery | Best used raw where texture is key |
Tips for Substituting Turnips in Any Dish
When making a swap, a few general guidelines can help ensure your dish turns out perfectly:
- Match the Purpose: Consider whether the turnip in your recipe was for flavor, texture, or simply to add bulk. Choose a substitute that aligns with that primary role. For a low-carb alternative, for instance, cauliflower can be mashed to a similar consistency to turnips.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Denser vegetables like rutabaga and carrots will need longer to cook than turnips, while something like kohlrabi may cook faster. Monitor your dish to prevent over or undercooking the new ingredient.
- Consider the Flavor Profile: Keep in mind the flavor impact of your substitute. Adding a sweeter ingredient like parsnip to a savory dish may alter the final taste, so be mindful of other spices and seasonings you use.
- Taste as You Go: Always taste your dish and adjust seasonings accordingly. A rutabaga may require less salt than a turnip, while a potato might need a boost of seasoning to avoid a bland taste.
- Consider Texture: If a crunchy texture is a must-have for a raw application, opt for jicama or raw kohlrabi. For a creamy mash, rutabaga, celeriac, or cauliflower are all strong contenders.
Conclusion
There is no single perfect answer to the question, what is a good substitute for turnips? The best replacement depends on the specific recipe and your personal preferences for flavor and texture. By understanding the unique characteristics of each vegetable, you can make an informed choice that not only rescues your dish but might even introduce you to a new favorite ingredient. From the familiar and widely available carrots and potatoes to the more distinct rutabaga and celeriac, you have plenty of options to explore. Don't be afraid to experiment to find the substitute that works best for you and your culinary creation. For more information on vegetable substitutions, authoritative culinary sources like Tasting Table offer excellent guidance on a range of ingredients.
