As spring truly gets into full swing, I find myself drawn to all the exciting new produce popping up at the farmer’s market. And lately, there’s one veggie that’s been stealing the show in my kitchen: kohlrabi! If you’ve ever wondered how to cook kohlrabi or even what on earth it is, you are in for a delightful discovery. This quirky, crunchy vegetable is incredibly versatile and utterly delicious. Let’s find out more.
What is Kohlrabi?
Kohlrabi is often affectionately called the “German turnip” (though it’s not actually a turnip at all!). It is one of those wonderfully unique vegetables that looks like something straight out of a whimsical garden. It belongs to the Brassica family, making it a cousin to cabbage, broccoli, and kale. You’ll recognize it by its distinctive round, bulbous stem that grows above ground, with leafy stems sprouting from its sides, often looking a bit like a spaceship. You can find it in pale green or a vibrant purple variety, both equally delicious.
Growing kohlrabi is relatively straightforward, and it’s a favorite among home gardeners for its resilience. It thrives in cooler weather, making it a fantastic spring or fall crop. It’s usually harvested when the bulbs are about 2-3 inches in diameter, ensuring they are tender and sweet. When you bring kohlrabi home, make sure to separate the leaves from the bulb, as they can draw moisture away. Store the bulb in the fridge for up to a week, and the greens can be stored separately and used like kale or collards.
How to Cook Kohlrabi
So, how do you use this marvelous veggie? Its flavor is mild, slightly sweet, and a bit peppery, often described as a cross between broccoli stems and a radish, but without the strong bite of the latter. Its texture is wonderfully crisp and juicy when raw, making it perfect for salads or simply sliced into sticks for a healthy snack with a dip.
And when cooked, kohlrabi softens beautifully while retaining a slight bite. It’s incredibly versatile: you can roast it to bring out its sweetness, sauté it with a little garlic and butter, steam it for a light side, or even mash it like potatoes. I love adding it to stir-fries or making a gratin with thinly sliced kohlrabi and a cheesy sauce.
Preparing Raw Kohlrabi for Salads
Before you do anything, you need to peel that tough outer skin away with a sharp knife or vegetable peeler to reach the crisp interior. Its mild, peppery flavor tastes like a cross between broccoli stems and a radish. I love slicing it into thin matchsticks for fresh slaws or cutting it into thick wedges for a crunchy snack board paired with your favorite creamy dip.
Roasting for Caramelized Sweetness
If you want to unlock a deeper, sweeter side of this vegetable, high-heat roasting is the way to go. Chop the peeled bulb into bite-sized cubes or wedges, toss them with a little oil, salt, and pepper, and spread them out on a baking sheet. As they roast, the natural sugars caramelize, giving you tender centers and golden edges that taste incredible alongside roasted meats.
Sautéing and Stir-Frying in a Skillet
For a fast weeknight side dish, the stovetop is your best friend. Cut the bulb into thin strips or half-moons and toss them into a hot skillet with butter or oil. Sautéing keeps the pieces tender-crisp while letting them absorb garlic and herbs. I love tossing them into a bustling wok with other veggies for a quick stir-fry that keeps its wonderful crunch intact.
Steaming, Boiling, and Mashing
When you want something extra cozy, you can treat kohlrabi much like potatoes or turnips. Cut the peeled bulb into chunks and steam or boil them until they are fork-tender. Once soft, mash them up with a pat of butter, cream, and seasoning for a fantastic side dish. Don’t forget that the leafy greens are edible too, making a great addition to sautés or green smoothies.
Ready to bring this amazing veggie into your kitchen? Here are 16 delicious kohlrabi recipes that I absolutely adore
1. Kohlrabi Kale Pizza Crust
Indulge in a slice (or three) of this Kohlrabi pizza and enjoy every healthy bite of seasonal winter flavors. Cheddar cheese, kale, and shredded kohlrabi bake into a delicious pizza crust you’ll be happy to devour, plain or topped.
Recipe by: Yummy Addiction
2.Crispy Apple and Kohlrabi Salad
This slaw is so refreshing and perfect for a spring picnic. The crisp kohlrabi pairs beautifully with sweet apples and a tangy dressing—a vibrant burst of flavor!
Recipe by: Cookie and Kate
3. Kohlrabi Fries
If you’re looking for a healthier take on fries, these are a revelation. Crispy on the outside, tender inside, and fantastic with a zesty dipping sauce. So addictive!
Recipe by: Girl Heart Food
4. Creamy Kohlrabi Soup
On a cooler evening, this creamy soup is pure comfort. The kohlrabi blends beautifully into a velvety texture, making it both hearty and surprisingly light.
Recipe by: My Darling Lemon Thyme
5. Sautéed Kohlrabi with Greens
Never throw out those greens! Sautéing them with garlic is simple, delicious, and a wonderful way to use the whole vegetable. A healthy and flavorful side.
Recipe by: It’s a Veg World After All
6. Kohlrabi Carrot Fritters
These golden-brown fritters are a delightful way to enjoy kohlrabi. Crispy, savory, and perfect as a snack or a light lunch with a dollop of avocado cream.
Recipe by: A Couple Cooks
7. Kohlrabi Gratin
Oh my goodness, this is a showstopper! Thinly sliced kohlrabi baked in a rich, creamy sauce with bubbly Gruyère cheese is pure indulgence.
Recipe by: The Rustic Foodie
8. Kohlrabi Pickles
If you love tangy, crunchy pickles, you must try this! Spicy garlic pickled kohlrabi is fantastic on sandwiches, salads, or as a vibrant side to rich dishes.
Recipe by: That Recipe
9. Kohlrabi and Radish Salad
This salad screams springtime! The crispness of kohlrabi and radishes, combined with fresh dill, makes for an incredibly light and flavorful dish.
Recipe by: Blooming Glen Farm
10. Stir-Fried Kohlrabi
A quick and healthy weeknight meal! The kohlrabi retains a lovely crunch in this savory stir-fry, absorbing all the aromatic ginger and garlic flavors.
Recipe by: Off The Muck
11. Kohlrabi Spaghetti
Spiralizing kohlrabi into noodles is a fun, low-carb alternative to pasta. Tossed with a nuts and garlic, it makes for a fresh and satisfying meal.
Recipe by: Inspiralized
12. Roasted Kohlrabi with Parmesan
Oh, this is simply divine! Roasting brings out kohlrabi’s natural sweetness, and a sprinkle of salty Parmesan makes it an irresistible side dish. So easy, so flavorful!
Recipe by: Cook What You Love
13. Kohlrabi Potato Purée
This is a wonderful way to lighten up traditional mashed potatoes. The kohlrabi adds a subtle sweetness and freshness, making it incredibly flavorful.
Recipe by: Jamie Geller
14. Crispy Kohlrabi Hash Browns
For a delicious and hearty breakfast or brunch, this hash is fantastic. Shredded kohlrabi, made into hash brown and topped with a perfectly fried egg.
Recipe by: The Mindful Fork
15. Vegan Shepherd’s Pie with Kohlrabi
This is packed with protein and fiber, making it a filling lunch or dinner. The kohlrabi topping adds a lovely texture contrast to the creamy white beans.
Recipe by: Very Vegan Gal
Conclusion
Next time you’re at the farmer’s market, don’t walk past that quirky kohlrabi bulb! Grab a few, bring them home, and get ready to experiment. Whether you enjoy it raw and crunchy in a salad or cooked until tender and sweet, this often-overlooked vegetable is truly a spring delight. I promise, once you invite kohlrabi into your kitchen, you’ll wonder how you ever cooked without it. Let me know how you get on.
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