6 Best Substitutes for Beets: Root Out The Best

Using sweet potato as a substitute for beet can work in certain recipes, but it’s important to note that they have distinct flavors and textures. Beets have a unique earthy and slightly sweet taste, while sweet potatoes are naturally sweet and have a more starchy texture. However, in some dishes, the substitution can be successful and still result in a tasty meal. Here are some considerations and examples:

1. Flavor: Beets have a specific earthy taste that sweet potatoes don’t fully replicate. To enhance the beet-like flavor in your recipe, you might add a touch of balsamic vinegar or a bit of lemon juice to the sweet potato.
2. Texture: Sweet potatoes tend to be softer and less firm than beets. Depending on the recipe, this can affect the final dish’s texture. In recipes where the beet’s firmness is crucial, sweet potatoes may not be the ideal substitute.
3. Color: Beets have a vibrant red color that can add an appealing visual element to dishes. Sweet potatoes typically have a deeper orange hue, so the substitution may alter the final appearance of the dish.

Examples of when sweet potatoes can be used as a substitute:

1. Roasted Vegetables: If you’re making a medley of roasted vegetables, sweet potatoes can work well alongside other root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and turnips.
2. Purees and Mashes: In recipes that call for beet puree or mashed beets, sweet potato puree or mashed sweet potatoes can be used instead.
3. Salads: Sweet potato cubes or slices can be used in salads, adding a sweet element to complement other ingredients.
4. Soups and Stews: In certain soups or stews where beets contribute more to the overall texture rather than a specific flavor, sweet potatoes can be a substitute.

Remember, the substitution may not work in every recipe, especially those where the beet’s unique taste, firmness, or color is crucial.

Red cabbage can be used as a substitute for beet in some recipes, but there are certain differences in taste, texture, and color that you should consider. It is a versatile vegetable with a slightly sweet and peppery flavor, while beets have a distinct earthy and sweet taste. Additionally, red cabbage does not have the same vibrant red color that beets provide, so the appearance of the final dish may differ.

Here are some considerations and tips for using red cabbage as a substitute for beets:

1. Flavor: Red cabbage has its own unique taste, which may not be as sweet as beets. If the recipe requires the sweetness of beets, you might need to adjust the flavor by adding some sweetener, such as a touch of honey or maple syrup.
2. Texture: Beets are known for their tender texture when cooked, whereas red cabbage can be a bit firmer and crunchy. If your recipe calls for cooked beets, you might want to blanch or sauté the red cabbage to soften it.
3. Color: As mentioned earlier, red cabbage won’t provide the same vibrant red color that beets do. If the visual appeal of the dish is essential, this may impact your decision to use red cabbage as a substitute.
4. Cooking time: Red cabbage typically requires less cooking time compared to beets. If the original recipe requires beets to be cooked for an extended period, you might need to adjust the cooking time when using red cabbage to prevent it from becoming too soft.
5. Staining: Beets are known for their ability to stain other ingredients, which can be useful for providing a rich color to certain dishes. Red cabbage might not have the same staining effect, so you might need to find alternative ways to achieve the desired color.

Ultimately, the success of using red cabbage as a beet substitute will depend on the specific recipe and your preferences.

Celeriac (also known as celery root) can be a suitable substitute for beets in certain dishes, but it’s important to note that they have distinct flavors and textures. It is a root vegetable with a mild celery-like taste, while beets have a sweeter and earthier flavor.

If you want to use celeriac as a substitute for beets, consider the following points:

1. Flavor: Celeriac’s flavor is milder and less sweet than beets, so the resulting dish may not have the same sweetness or earthiness that beets provide. You might need to adjust the seasoning or add other ingredients to compensate for the flavor difference.
2. Texture: Beets are firm and have a unique texture, while celeriac is more fibrous and has a denser texture. When using celeriac, be aware that the final dish’s texture may be different from what you would get with beets.
3. Color: Beets are known for their vibrant red color, which can add visual appeal to dishes. Celeriac, on the other hand, has a pale beige or light brown color, so if you were counting on the bright red hue of beets, you might lose that aspect in the dish.
4. Cooking Methods: Celeriac can be cooked in various ways, such as boiling, roasting, or mashing, just like beets. Consider the cooking method you intend to use and how it might affect the celeriac’s flavor and texture in the dish.
5. Dishes: Celeriac can be a reasonable substitute for beets in certain dishes, especially those where the beets’ unique color or sweetness isn’t essential. For example, you can use celeriac in soups, stews, gratins, or salads as a replacement for beets.

Ultimately, whether celeriac works as a substitute for beets depends on the specific recipe and your preferences.

Carrots can be used as a substitute for beets in certain recipes, but it’s important to note that they have different flavors and textures. Beets have a unique earthy and slightly sweet flavor, along with a vibrant red or purple color, while carrots have a sweeter taste and come in various colors, including orange, purple, yellow, and white.

When using carrots as a substitute for beets, consider the following:

1. Flavor: Carrots are sweeter than beets, so they may add more sweetness to the dish. You might need to adjust other seasonings or ingredients to balance the flavors accordingly.
2. Color: If you’re using carrots as a replacement for red beets in a recipe where the vibrant red color is important (like in salads or pickles), keep in mind that carrots won’t provide the same intense red hue.
3. Texture: Beets have a firmer and denser texture compared to carrots. While carrots can be firm when raw, they tend to soften more quickly during cooking. Be aware of this difference when using them in recipes where texture matters.
4. Cooking time: Carrots typically cook faster than beets due to their softer texture. If you’re substituting them in a recipe that requires a long cooking time, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Here are some examples of dishes where you can consider using carrots as a substitute for beets:

1. Salads: Grated or thinly sliced carrots can be used as a crunchy addition to salads, adding a touch of sweetness.
2. Soups: Carrots can be used as a replacement for beets in soups, especially if you’re going for a sweeter flavor profile.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Carrots can be roasted alongside other root vegetables for a delicious and colorful side dish.
4. Juices and Smoothies: Carrots can be used in place of beets in juices and smoothies to add sweetness and nutrients.

While carrots can be a versatile substitute for beets in certain dishes, keep in mind that they won’t provide the exact same taste, color, or texture.

While turnips and beets are both root vegetables, they have distinct flavors and textures. As a result, using turnips as a substitute for beets may not always yield the same results, but it can work in certain recipes. Here are some considerations and possible applications for using turnips as a beet substitute:

1. Flavor: Turnips have a milder and slightly peppery taste compared to the earthy sweetness of beets. Keep in mind that using turnips may alter the overall flavor profile of the dish.
2. Color: Beets are well-known for their vibrant red or purple color, which can add visual appeal to various dishes. Turnips, on the other hand, are typically white or cream-colored with purple tops. If the visual aspect is essential, you might need to adjust the dish’s presentation.
3. Texture: Beets tend to be denser and sweeter, while turnips can be a bit lighter and less sweet. Depending on the recipe, this difference in texture could affect the final outcome.
4. Culinary Uses: Here are some applications where you can consider using turnips as a substitute for beets:

• Salads: Raw or roasted turnip slices can add a nice crunch and mild flavor to salads. They won’t provide the same sweetness as beets, but they can still complement other salad ingredients.
• Roasted or Grilled: Turnips can be roasted or grilled, creating a tasty side dish or accompaniment to various main courses.
• Soups and Stews: Turnips can be used in soups and stews as a substitute for beets to add texture and flavor to the dish. However, keep in mind that the result will not have the same color and sweetness as the original beet-based recipe.
• Pickling: Just like beets, turnips can be pickled to create tangy and flavorful pickles.

Remember that cooking is about experimentation, so don’t be afraid to try using turnips as a substitute for beets in your favorite recipes. While the flavor and appearance may differ, you might discover a new and enjoyable variation of a dish!