In our everyday cooking, root vegetables are a staple. They are used in a wide variety of meals, not simply salads.
Root vegetables like beets are incredibly versatile and can be used in a wide variety of healthful and delicious ways. It’s not hard to travel the world and not come across a dish that features these big root plants.
Your meal will be quite good and distinctive because of the earthy, sweet flavor and the bitter tones provided by the beets. The beets’ unique hue is one of their most appealing qualities. The root’s pulp, which is often a deep crimson hue, has a somewhat sweet flavor.
They complement a wide range of foods and can be cooked in a variety of ways (boiling, steaming, sautéing). When beets are unavailable, do you have any other options?
Beets can be replaced by other vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, red cabbage, spinach, Swiss chard, sweet potatoes, turnips, and celeriac if you like.
If you’re looking for a certain type of vegetable for a specific dish, all you have to do is read about it here and make your decision.
The Best Substitutes For Beets
Remember that beets are interchangeable. Avoiding beets or finding a suitable alternative is possible, but it may be difficult. They’re a one-of-a-kind color and flavor. As a result, that is why we are here to lend a hand. Here are some of the greatest substitute vegetables we’ve found for beets.
1. Canned or frozen beets
Be sure to use canned or frozen beets if you can’t find any fresh ones. Beets, whether fresh or preserved in a can or freezer, are unlike any other vegetable. You can expect close to the same level of flavor, and the nutritional content will remain intact.
In addition to being a great source of fiber, iron, and folate, they also supply other essential elements. If a recipe calls for fresh beets, you can use any of these as a suitable replacement. They will keep in the fridge for quite some time.
2. Chioggia beets
Chioggia beets are an excellent substitute for common beets and are among the many varieties of beets available. The internal red and white rings that are concentric on garden beets make them stand out. Both fresh and cooked dishes yield tasty results.
They have a crunchier texture and a much stronger earthy flavor when eaten raw. They have a delicate texture and a sweeter flavor once they’ve been cooked. They are a great alternative to beets in any dish. You may bake them or throw them into dips and end up with something beautiful and tasty.
3. Carrots
Carrots are another vegetable that can step in when necessary. Vegetables like these, which are both nutritious and tasty, are easily available and convenient. Use them raw or boil them up for a tasty meal.
Their bright orange color will liven up your cuisine, and their naturally sweet flavor will take it to the next level. You can use them in place of beets in salads, soups, stews, and more. They pack a lot of nutritional value. You should not feel guilty about incorporating them into your meals.
4. Parsnips
Parsnips are another root vegetable that shares many similarities with beets. To use them instead of beets in recipes is a fantastic idea. The sweetness is reminiscent of beets, but the parsnip’s distinctive spiciness sets it apart.
A parsnip can be substituted for a beet in most cases. This is the best root vegetable for you if you want a little heat.
5. Red cabbage
Beets can usually be replaced by red cabbage. They are all crimson and have an earthy taste in common. Salads, soups, and other dishes that often use beets are enhanced by the addition of red cabbage.
You may feast your eyes on the beautiful colors as your taste buds enjoy the most delicious flavors. Additionally, red cabbage is a great source of vitamins and minerals.
6. Sauteed Spinach
Spinach is a good example of a green vegetable that is frequently included in modern diets. This can be used instead of beets in any recipe calling for them. The spinach leaves are the common factor between the two.
It’s easy on the taste buds and has several health advantages. It tastes great both raw and cooked. It’s easy to find in supermarkets everywhere and incorporate into your regular meals.
7. Swiss chard
Swiss chard is an excellent substitute for beets, though it may be more difficult to find than other veggies. The flavor is reminiscent of beets, with earthy overtones and somewhat bitter undertones.
The color red is another similarity, as is the fact that the stalks can be eaten. It can be used in the majority of recipes, notably the ones that call for cooked beets.
8. Sweet potatoes
If you can’t get beets, another useful but less expensive vegetable, sweet potatoes, are widely available and can do the trick. True to their name, these potatoes are pleasantly sweet.
The hint of heat from their roots is what sets them apart. You may roast them, make a stew out of them, or utilize them in any other way you would use beets.
9. Turnip
You can also use turnips as a substitute for beets in recipes. These veggies taste similar to beets in that they are mild but yet rather tasty, with a hint of heat.
If you prefer turnips over beets, feel free to swap them out in any recipe that calls for beets. Like beets, it softens when cooked.
10. Celeriac
Lastly, celery root is another root vegetable that can stand in for beets in a dish. Its crunchiness and sweetness make it a good substitute for beets, and you can eat it either cooked or raw. It’s versatile enough to be used raw in salads or cooked and mashed in a variety of dishes.
FAQs
What Can I Substitute For Beets In A Salad?
When making a salad, you can substitute cabbage or carrots for the beets. Tomatoes and radishes are two other possible additions. Whatever you choose, you’ll be eating a good, nutritious salad.
