10 Fun Kohlrabi Recipes (2024)

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These kohlrabi recipes are the best ways to use this unique vegetable! Try it in fritters, salads, slaws, and more.

10 Fun Kohlrabi Recipes (1)

Got a bulb of kohlrabi and not sure how to use it? Kohlrabi is a cruciferous vegetable and belongs to the same family as cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower and kale. So it’s no surprise that the flavor of kohlrabi is like broccoli stems! Also known as the German turnip, it’s popular in German and Hungarian cuisine. It comes in both green and purple varieties and is easiest to find at farmer’s markets, though you can also come across it at grocery stores, too.

The texture of kohlrabi is crunchy and hydrating: it’s similar in texture and flavor to jicama. So it’s at its best used raw, like in salads or slaws. Perhaps you’re not immediately sure how to use this alien-looking veggie? Here are our top kohlrabi recipes for ways to use using this unique vegetable, from fritters to salads!

And now…10 fun kohlrabi recipes!

10 Fun Kohlrabi Recipes (2)

Kohlrabi Slaw

Here’s a perfect way to highlight the crunchy raw texture of this veggie:Kohlrabi Slaw! Since it's related to cabbage, kohlrabi is a natural stand-in: especially in coleslaw! It’s bright, crunchy and zingy paired with tart apple, sweet carrot and a Mediterranean-style vinegary dressing. It’s our favorite kohlrabi recipe: bar none.

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Kohlrabi Fritters with Avocado Cream Sauce

This kohlrabi fritters recipe is a uniquely delicious way to eat this vegetable! Add shredded carrot and pan fry them, and they come out savory and crispy. Even better, top them with avocado cream sauce—a sauce made simply of avocado, yogurt, and a bit of fresh squeezed lemon juice. You'll find they're incredibly addictive!

10 Fun Kohlrabi Recipes (4)

Kohlrabi Salad with Grapefruit Vinaigrette

Kohlrabi is fantastic raw, and it simply shines in this kohlrabi salad! Slice the veggie into matchsticks, then pair it with raw beets,carrots, and kale. Toss it with a tangy and sweet grapefruit vinaigrette, and who knew healthy veggies could taste so good? Top with pepitas for some salt and crunch and grapefruit slices for sweetness.

Kohlrabi is fantastic raw, so why not slice it up and use it with all your dips? Here we sliced it into sticks and paired it with a bright pink beet hummus. The beets bring loads of nutrients and the beautiful pink color: and a lightly sweet flavor to the dip too. It’s beautiful and eye catching as a party appetizer.

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Veggie Power Bowls

A great way to use kohlabi? Add it raw to a Veggie Power Bowl or Grain Bowl! This tasty way to make a meal mixes roasted veggies, raw veggies, and a whole grain like rice or quinoa. Peel and slice the kohlrabi bulb, then slice it into matchsticks to add a crunch to this tasty bowl meal.

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Photo Credit:karalydon.com

Kohlrabi Fries (Baked or Air Fryer)

Kohlarbi is ideal for roasting into seasoned fries as a delicious side dish! With options for both the air fryer and baked in the oven, there’s fries for everyone! via Kara Lydon

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Photo Credit:yupitsvegan.com

Easy Cream of Kohlrabi Soup

Not sure what to do with kohlrabi? Simmer it into soup! This veggie works well in soup, along with potatoes which add a creamy texture. It's a crowd pleasing soup everyone will love. via Yup It's Vegan

Here's an interesting way to serve kohlrabi: stuffed! This is a traditional Hungarian dish that uses the entire vegetable: greens and all! It's a delicious way to turn this veggie into a main course. via Love and Olive Oil

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Photo Credit:www.therusticfoodie.com

Mashed Kohlrabi with Roasted Garlic

Another fun way to turn kohlrabi into a side dish? Mash it! Mashed kohlrabi makes a great vegetarian side dish, made with pureed kohlrabi, oven roasted garlic, and heavy cream. via The Rustic Foodie

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Photo Credit:www.esterkocht.com

Kohlrabi Quiche

Another way to turn kohlrabi into a meal? Quiche! This quiche stars kohlrabi, carrots, spring onions, and Gouda cheese. Make it with store-bought puff pastry and it's ready in under 50 minutes. via Ester Kocht

Why not to make roasted kohlrabi?

Roasting vegetables typically brings out a sweet and tender flavor. You’d think that roasted kohlrabi is a natural way to use cook it: right? Unfortunately, roasted kohlrabi isn’t the best way to highlight this vegetable. It comes out bland and squishy, a much less satisfying bite than the hydrating crunch of its raw self.

Roasted kohlrabi tastes a bit like roasted turnips (which we don’t love either). Even when we doused it in butter and Parmesan cheese, it still didn’t taste great. All three of us in this household gave it 2 thumbs down. So we recommend using kohlrabi in raw preparations (or those fritters, above). You’ll be glad you did!

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10 Fun Kohlrabi Recipes (12)

10 Fun Kohlrabi Recipes

★★★★★5 from 1 review
  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x
Print Recipe

Description

Looking for kohlrabi recipes? This kohlrabi slaw is bright, crunchy and zingy: the perfect way to highlight this unique vegetable!

Ingredients

Scale

  • 3 cups kohlrabi (1 pound), peeled and cut into matchsticks
  • 1 cup carrots (about 2 large carrots), julienned or shredded
  • 1 apple, cut into matchsticks
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup, honey or sugar
  • ½ tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

  1. Chop the kohlrabi, carrots, apple, green onion, and parsley as noted above.
  2. Mix in a bowl with the olive oil, white wine vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and kosher salt. Enjoy immediately or refrigerate 1 to 2 days.
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Raw
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegan

Keywords: Kohlrabi recipes

vegan vegetarian gluten free

Published on / Last updated on

Categorized In:

  • Recipe Collections
  • Recipes

Tagged with:

  • Dairy-Free
  • Easy
  • Gluten-Free Recipes
  • Healthy
  • Kohlrabi
  • Plant-Based
  • Vegan Recipes
  • Vegetarian Recipes

About the authors

10 Fun Kohlrabi Recipes (13)

Sonja & Alex

Hi, we’re Alex and Sonja Overhiser, married cookbook authors, food bloggers, and recipe developers. We founded A Couple Cooks to share fresh, seasonal recipes for memorable kitchen moments! Our recipes are made by two real people and work every time.

About Us

10 Fun Kohlrabi Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What's the best way to eat kohlrabi? ›

To enjoy the crunch of raw kohlrabi, you'll want to cut it into delicate pieces. Chop it into julienne matchsticks, shred it using the shredding attachment on your food processor or thinly slice it with a mandoline. Or, if you're cooking it, you can cut it into coins or wedges.

Is it better to eat kohlrabi raw or cooked? ›

All parts of the kohlrabi are edible, though most people just stick to the bulbous bottom. The leaves and stems are best sautéed or added to a stir-fry. The bulb can be eaten raw, which maintains its super-crisp texture and mild bite, or it can be roasted, sautéed, steamed, or boiled and mashed like a potato.

Is kohlrabi good for diabetics? ›

in 2014 showed that extracts from the kohlrabi vegetable inhibit the insulin resistance associated with obesity and diabetes. Kohlrabi extracts can prevent diabetes, aid in diabetes treatment and reduce long-term diabetic complications. The study shows that kohlrabi might be helpful in people with diabetes.

What does kohlrabi taste like when cooked? ›

What Does Kohlrabi Taste Like? Kohlrabi tastes similar to a broccoli stalk, but a bit more tender and sweet. Don't forget to remove the tough outer peel, then use the bulb either raw or cooked. It can be prepared much like a broccoli stalk, too—if raw, shred it and use it in slaw or thinly slice and use in a salad.

How do Germans eat kohlrabi? ›

Throughout Europe and around the globe, kohlrabi is considered a typical German vegetable. Kohlrabi goes very well with roasts, steaks, Schnitzel, poultry, fish, and egg-dishes. Start by giving the kohlrabi a good wash with warm water.

Is kohlrabi a laxative? ›

Supports Gastrointestinal Health

Kohlrabi is rich in both soluble and insoluble (doesn't dissolve in water) fiber. Insoluble fiber can't be broken down by your digestive system, speeding up the movement of food through your stomach and intestine. It also adds bulk to your stool.

Is kohlrabi better for you than potatoes? ›

A cup of cubed or sliced kohlrabi has just 36 calories and 8 grams of carbs - about one-third of the carbs and calories found in potatoes. Blood-pressure friendly: A cup of kohlrabi slices has just 27 mg sodium, with more potassium than a medium banana, making it doubly beneficial for managing blood pressure.

Is kohlrabi inflammatory? ›

All color varieties of kohlrabi are high in isothiocyanates and glucosinolates, which are powerful antioxidants associated with a lower risk of certain cancers, heart disease, and inflammation ( 16 , 17 , 18 ).

Is kohlrabi good for the kidneys? ›

Research has shown that the phytochemical content of kohlrabi makes it a powerhouse when it comes to fending off cancer, diabetes and high cholesterol while improving liver and kidney function.

What is the closest vegetable to kohlrabi? ›

Broccoli stems are my favorite substitute when I can't find kohlrabi at the farmers market. Both broccoli and kohlrabi are in the brassica family (cabbage family), and have a similar flavor and texture. Plus, you get broccoli stems for free when you buy a full broccoli crown, so using it is a total win-win.

Is kohlrabi a super food? ›

Kohlrabi, also known as turnip cabbage or German turnip, might not be the most familiar vegetable in your kitchen, but its nutritional prowess makes it a superfood worth exploring.

Do you peel kohlrabi before cooking? ›

If you're interested in cooking with kohlrabi, you may be wondering whether or not you should peel it. I recommend that you do peel kohlrabi, since it's surrounded by such a tough outer layer. Plus, it's good to remove any damaged or bruised areas before eating.

Do I need to peel kohlrabi? ›

If you're interested in cooking with kohlrabi, you may be wondering whether or not you should peel it. I recommend that you do peel kohlrabi, since it's surrounded by such a tough outer layer. Plus, it's good to remove any damaged or bruised areas before eating.

What does kohlrabi taste similar to? ›

The taste and texture of kohlrabi is most similar to broccoli. Specifically, broccoli stems. Both have a fresh, crunchy bite with a mild and slightly sweet taste. Use a mandoline or julienne peeler or prep kohlrabi to use in place of broccoli slaw.

Is kohlrabi a superfood? ›

Kohlrabi is an excellent source of vitamin C and a good source of fiber, vitamin B6 and potassium. Vitamin C plays an essential role in repairing wounds and forming scar tissue, as well as maintaining bones, teeth, and cartilage. Vitamin C rich foods also support absorption of iron.

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