Root Vegetables

Produce in Canadian winters can be slim picking. If you are looking for new and exciting recipes to jazz up your winter meal routine you’ve come to the right place. You’ve likely cooked with carrots, potatoes, and beets, but these unique root vegetables below are often forgotten! Not only are these root vegetables delicious, but they are also packed with essential vitamins and minerals that are essential for a healthy diet. The best thing about root vegetables is they are incredibly versatile, and can be roasted, mashed, turned into soup and even baked into cake! In this post, we are looking at 15 creative root vegetable recipes for everyone from the novice cook to Michelin star chef.

Celeriac

Celeriac or celery roots are sturdy like a potato but have an herby fresh flavour similar to parsley or celery. Roast them as a side or turn them into a main dish!

Easy – Root Vegetables in Blanket Appetizer

Intermediate – Celeriac & Pear Soup

Advanced – Celeriac & Tahini Potato Gratin

Sunchokes

Sunchokes, also known as Jerusalem artichokes, are a unique and delicious root vegetable They have a slightly sweet, nutty flavor that is similar to a cross between a potato and a water chestnut. They are a versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes, from soups and stews to salads and side dishes.

Easy – Smashed Sunchokes with Butter & Thyme

Intermediate – Sunchoke Pasta with Herbs

Advanced – Sunchoke Risotto

Turnips

One of the best things about turnips is their unique flavor. They have a slightly sweet and earthy taste, similar to a radish or a cabbage. They can be used in a variety of dishes, from soups and stews to roasted and even pickled!

Easy – Middle Eastern Pickled Turnips

Intermediate – Parmesan-Crusted Smashed Turnips

Advanced – Turnip Fried Rice – switch up your cauliflower rice with this seasonal veg!

Rutabaga

Rutabaga also known as a Sweedish Turnip or Swede are a cross between a turnip and a cabbage. They are sturdy and slightly bitter (less sweet than a carrot), when cooked they become sweeter and creamy like a potato.

Easy – Raw Rutabaga Salad with Apples & Dates

Intermediate – Rutabaga Soup with Smoked Cheddar and Rosemary

Advanced – Roasted Balsamic Beets and Rutabaga

Parsnips

Packed with flavour and nutrition, parsnips are also a great source of vitamin C, potassium and folate! Like many other root vegetables they can be used in a variety of root vegetable recipes.

Easy – Baked Parnship Fries

Intermediate – Root Vegetable Hash

Advanced – Parsnip Orange Cake – you may have had a carrot cake, but have you ever had a parsnip cake?