Here is the ultimate guide to all possible substitutes for a turnip in your recipes.
I have compiled this one-stop list after a couple of recipe experiments and going through the notes of chefs and home cooks from around the world.
So, let’s get right into it.
Best Turnip Substitutes
The Best Turnip Substitutes are- Rutabages, Parsnips, Celeriac, Carrots, Jicama, Potato, Kohlrabi, Salsify, Sweet Potatoes, Parsley roots, Radishes, and Mangold Wurzel.
They are discussed in detail here-
1. Rutabages
Rutabages or Swede is one of the best alternatives to turnips in almost any recipe. It has a taste that is a cross between turnips and cabbages.
It is packed with fiber, vitamins, and anti-oxidants and is roasted or added to soups and stews.
How to Substitute?
Because of how similar they are, you can use rutabages interchangeably with turnips in almost any recipe that you like.
Here are three rutabaga recipes that you can try when you don’t have turnips to work with –
2. Parsnips
Parsnip is a winter veggie, with flavors that resemble carrots and can be a great substitute for turnips.
They are perfect when roasted or fried as well as steamed. They have sweeter notes of flavor and can be added to soups, stews, or mashes.
How to Substitute?
You can use more or less the same measure of parsnips as turnips in your recipes and they should work just as well.
Check out this super simple grilled parsnips recipe that you can give a shot –
3. Celeriac
Celeriac or celery root is another great alternative to turnips in your recipes, with its nutty earthy flavor and hints of celery-like taste.
It is perfect in creamy soupy recipes, and can even be added to stews or roasts.
How to Substitute?
You can replace turnips with the same measure of celeriac in most recipes, although you might want to consider its longer cook time.
If you want to go fancy and make a vegan stake, check out this celeriac recipe –
4. Carrots
Carrots are easily accessible and found all year round, and work as great alternatives to turnip in most recipes.
They are easy to work with and versatile enough to be used in soups, stews, casseroles, roasts, and more.
How to Substitute?
You can use the same portions of carrots as a turnip is called for in the recipe, although the flavors might be different.
Here is a roasted carrots recipe that you would definitely want to give a try –
5. Jicama
Jicama is a root vegetable that tastes like it’s a cross between apples and potatoes.
They are quite popular in the Mexican regions and are perfect in both raw and cooked recipes.
You could add them to stews and soups as well as salads.
How to Substitute?
You can add the same measure of jicama as turnips in your recipe, keeping in mind that there will be slight flavor differences.
Here are the basics of cooking jicama to your liking –
6. Potato
If you are looking for a quick fix solution, there is no better bet than potatoes.
Although it lacks the same flavors or feels as turnips it is a great option when you don’t have any other option to work with and it is versatile enough to go in almost any recipe that you like.
How to Substitute?
Although you could use the same measure of potatoes as a turnip is called for in the recipe, you might want to adjust the seasoning to get the flavors right.
7. Kohlrabi
Kohlrabi is a root veggie that has tastes that are a cross between cabbage and broccoli.
Though it has unique flavors, different from turnips, it works as a great substitute because of how it is prepared as it works best in stews and roasts.
How to Substitute?
You can use the same measure of kohlrabi as turnips in your recipe, though there may be slight flavor differences.
Here is a kohlrabi salad recipe that you can try when you don’t have turnips to work with –
8. Salsify
If you are looking to experiment with unique flavors, then you must try salsify instead of turnip in your recipes.
They are also known as oyster plants and this root veggie has a taste that hints at the taste of oysters. They work great in soups or as fries.
How to Substitute?
You can go ahead and use more or less the same portions of salsify as turnips in your recipe with slight differences in flavor.
Check out this salsify puree recipe for when you want to make something simple yet sophisticated –
9. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are yet another quick fix option for turnips in your recipe and they work well in stews and roasts as well as when fried.
It is a good option for when you want to try something different and something warmer.
How to Substitute?
You could use the same measure of sweet potatoes as turnips in your recipes and adjust the seasoning to get the preferred results.
10. Parsley Roots
Parsley root is a great alternative to turnips because of its similar texture and flavor profile, along with its being a rich source of nutrients.
The drawback is that it might not be the easiest find on this list and it is tougher to process before you get to cooking with it.
How to Substitute?
You can substitute turnips with parsley roots in more or less the same measure and it should work just as well.
Check out this simple and easy parsley root fry –
11. Radishes
Radishes are yet another nutritious and flavorful alternative to turnips, especially if you like some peppery spicy taste.
They work well both raw as well as cooked and go great in roasts, stews, and casseroles.
How to Substitute?
Using the same portions of radish as a turnip is called for in the recipe will do just as well, though there will be flavor differences.
Here is a YouTube tutorial to make a lovely roasted radish recipe –
12. Mangold Wurzel
Mangold Wurzel is yet another root veggie that is best used in roasts or mash recipes. They are rich in nutrients and anti-oxidants.
They are versatile enough to be eaten both raw or cooked and can be used in anything ranging from salads and pickles to soups.
How to Substitute?
Mangold Wurzel can be used in the same measure as a turnip is used in most recipes, but there may be flavor differences.
Bottom Line
I hope this article has given you an exhaustive list of alternatives of turnips to pick from.
If you have any doubts or would like to share some recipes or substitutes of your own, it would be great to hear from you.
Feel free to share this article with your veggie-loving family and friends.