Saint InnocentPerhaps you were not aware that parsnips are root vegetables that are very similar to carrots and parsley, and this is mostly because of their appearance, which is long, white, and tapered in shape.
That aside, parsnips are also very popular for their taste which is slightly sweet and earthy, accompanied by a little touch of peppery flavor, bringing its mild flavor inside of your soups, stews, and roasted vegetables.
Finally, before putting them into use, you have to get them mashed or pureed first, as only when you get this done can you enjoy having them inside of your creamy and flavorful side dish.
However, regardless of all the goodies parsnips have got to offer you inside of your dishes since it is a seasonal root vegetable, there might be some period of time where it might just not be in season, making it difficult for you to locate at any one of the local grocery stores in your neighbors.
Well, should that be a challenge you do face consistently, well, worry no more as below have been highlighted 7 of the very best substitutes for parsnips you can always trust to come to your rescue on days when parsnips are unavailable for you to use.
Best Substitute For Parsnips
1. Carrots
Undeniably one of the most suitable substitute for parsnips out there, carrot is a root vegetable that shares a similar level of sweetness and earthy flavor with the parsnip, making it a better fit as an alternative option.
Their importance just cannot be overemphasized since they are always used in a large variety of dishes, regardless of them being soups, stews, roasted veggie dishes, purees, or mashes. As a substitute for parsnip, it is recommended that you go for the white variety of carrots since they are the most visually identical substitute.
2. Parsley Root
Unlike the aforementioned carrots, parsley root might not be visually similar to parsnips, but it remains that white root vegetable that can also be easily substituted for the parsnip, particularly in vegetable soups and savory dishes.
However, you should always have it at the back of your mind that since their white flesh lacks some of the sweetness of parsnips, it might not be a great choice inside recipes where the sweet flavor of parsnips is desired, especially in purees.
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3. Celery Root
The funky outer texture of the celery root as a substitute for parsnip might be deceiving times, but the fact that inside of its celery root, it has got this white color appearance similar taste to parsnips qualifies it as a better fit of a substitute.
Offering the blend of fresh celery, parsley, and potatoes tastes, celery root as a substitute for parsnip works best Inside soups where its earthy flavors are often desired here. To get started, all that is expected of you to do is remove the rough outer layer and dice the celery root to your desired shape.
4. Sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes, known majorly for their high level of sweetness, ss, can also be considered an excellent substitute for parsnip mainly because of the sweet flavor it has to offer inside of your recipes.
Its increased level of sweetness aside, sweet potatoes as a substitute for parsnip have also gotten a creamy texture that blends and combines well with different vegetables in your roasted recipe preparations.
Finally, you should always bear it at the back of your mind that sweet potato flesh tends to be softer compared to parsnips when cooked as a substitute, meaning it shouldn’t be a substitute for you to go for if you desire, so I would the final texture of your dish to remain intact and firm.
Read also, 10 Best Substitute For Sweet Potatoes
5. White Potatoes
Similar to the characteristics shared with the other aforementioned substitute for parsnip, white potatoes can also come in place of parsnip as a substitute because of its white starchy flesh, making it possible to swap for parsnips in many dishes.
Known to have a much milder taste, white potatoes have also been proven to be an alternative option for parsnips in soups and roasted dishes, though they might not always get to offer as much fiber as parsnips ordinarily will.
Finally, you should also be wary of the high starch content of white potatoes as a substitute for parsnip especially in purees, since they are always known to give the puree a gummy texture.
6. Turnips
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Turnips as a substitute for parsnip are a popular choice that is best enjoyed when consumed raw because of their peppery flavor and crunchy texture, accompanied by an earthy, slightly bitter taste when cooked.
Since they are root vegetables, they can always swap in for parsnip in the same dishes, especially inside soups and stews in their roasted or mashed form. To get the right proportion of Turnips to substitute for parsnips, it is suggested that you use one turnip in place of about two parsnips.
7. Rutabagas
Rutabagas, as a substitute for parsnip, is one you should always have at the top of your priority list should you want something slightly sweeter with a nuttier flavor. Interestingly enough, they do share a similar appearance with the aforementioned turnips, though they appear to have a much sweeter taste compared to turnips.
As a substitute for parsnip, rutabagas are commonly found inside of soups, stews, and roasted vegetables; and just like every other root veggie you might have come to know about, they can also be mashed or pureed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, should you be in search of a root vegetable with a sweeter, earthier, or nuttier flavor, you should always have it at the back of your mind and rest assured of the fact that there are quite a few options of great substitute for parsnips out there you can always run to.
Ranging from carrots down to rutabagas, every single one of the aforementioned substitutes for parsnips is a delicious and nutritious option to choose from, with their different flavor profiles and textures making it possible for you to experiment with any one of them based on your preference.
Henry
Emmanuel
Saint Innocent
