Vegetarian Kohlrabi Recipes: Easy & Delicious Ideas

If you’re on the lookout for a unique, nutritious vegetable to jazz up your vegetarian meals, kohlrabi is a fantastic choice. This often-overlooked member of the cabbage family boasts a crisp texture and mildly sweet, peppery flavor that can transform simple dishes into culinary delights.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or simply trying to incorporate more plant-based meals into your routine, these vegetarian kohlrabi recipes offer fresh inspiration for your kitchen.

Kohlrabi is not only versatile but packed with vitamins C and B6, fiber, and antioxidants, making it a wholesome addition to your diet. From refreshing salads to hearty stews and satisfying roasts, kohlrabi works beautifully in a variety of preparations.

In this blog post, we’ll explore several delicious vegetarian kohlrabi recipes, share expert tips, and guide you through everything you need to know to cook this delightful vegetable with confidence.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Kohlrabi is incredibly adaptable, lending itself to raw, roasted, sautéed, or steamed dishes. Its mildly sweet and slightly peppery flavor pairs well with a wide range of ingredients, making it a perfect canvas for experimenting with spices, herbs, and sauces.

These vegetarian kohlrabi recipes are easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and perfect for meal prepping. They offer a refreshing change from your usual veggies and provide a satisfying crunch or tender bite depending on how you cook them.

Plus, kohlrabi’s impressive nutritional profile means you’re treating your body to a healthy boost with every bite.

Whether you want a light side dish or a filling main course, kohlrabi’s versatility shines. And if you’re curious about pairing it with other vegetables or international flavors, check out our Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals for exciting ideas!

Ingredients

• 2 medium kohlrabi bulbs, peeled and thinly sliced or diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for smoky flavor)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup vegetable broth (for steaming or braising)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
• Fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives for garnish
• Optional add-ins: shredded carrots, chickpeas, feta cheese (for vegetarians), or toasted nuts

Equipment

• Sharp chef’s knife for peeling and chopping
• Cutting board
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Steamer basket or pot with lid for steaming
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
• Baking sheet if roasting
• Vegetable peeler

Instructions

1. Prepare the kohlrabi: Peel off the tough outer skin of the kohlrabi bulbs with a vegetable peeler. Then, slice or dice the bulbs into your preferred size and shape depending on the recipe you want to try.
2. Roasting option: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the kohlrabi pieces in olive oil, sea salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway, until tender and golden brown.
3. Sautéing option: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
4. Add kohlrabi: Add the diced kohlrabi to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and stir well. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Steam or braise: Pour in the vegetable broth, cover the skillet, and reduce heat to low. Let the kohlrabi simmer for 10-12 minutes until tender but still slightly crisp.
6. Finish with acidity: Remove the lid, let any remaining liquid reduce slightly, then stir in lemon juice or apple cider vinegar to brighten the flavors.
7. Garnish and serve: Transfer to a serving bowl, sprinkle with fresh herbs and optional add-ins like toasted nuts or feta cheese if desired.

Tips & Variations

“Kohlrabi pairs beautifully with tangy and smoky flavors, so consider adding a dash of smoked paprika or a squeeze of fresh lemon to elevate your dish.”

• Try shredding raw kohlrabi for a crunchy salad base mixed with carrots, cabbage, and a light vinaigrette.
• Make a creamy kohlrabi soup with potatoes, vegetable broth, and a splash of coconut milk for a comforting meal.
• Use kohlrabi noodles as a low-carb pasta alternative, tossing them with a rich vegan béchamel sauce or your favorite pasta sauce.
• For a heartier dish, add cooked chickpeas or lentils to sautéed kohlrabi and spices.
• Roasted kohlrabi cubes can be tossed into grain bowls alongside quinoa, roasted vegetables, and a zesty dressing.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Kohlrabi dishes can be served as a delightful side or a satisfying main depending on how you prepare them. Serve roasted kohlrabi alongside your favorite grain or protein for a balanced meal.

Incorporate sautéed kohlrabi into a veggie stir-fry or toss it into fresh salads for added crunch.

For a cozy dinner, pair creamy kohlrabi soup with crusty bread or a fresh green salad. You could also experiment by adding kohlrabi to your next vegetable casserole or gratin, inspired by recipes like our All Vegetable Casserole Recipes for Easy Healthy Meals.

Delicious Vegetarian Kohlrabi Recipes to Try

Roasted Kohlrabi with Garlic and Herbs

This simple roast brings out the natural sweetness of kohlrabi. Toss diced kohlrabi with olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.

Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 25 minutes until golden and tender. Perfect as a side for your weeknight dinners!

Kohlrabi and Carrot Slaw

For a refreshing crunch, shred equal parts kohlrabi and carrots. Mix with a dressing of apple cider vinegar, olive oil, a touch of honey or maple syrup, salt, and pepper.

Garnish with fresh dill or parsley. This slaw pairs beautifully with spicy dishes or sandwiches.

Creamy Kohlrabi Soup

Dice kohlrabi and potatoes, sauté with onions and garlic, then simmer in vegetable broth until soft. Blend until smooth and stir in coconut milk or cream for richness.

Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Serve warm with toasted bread.

Kohlrabi Noodle Stir-Fry

Use a spiralizer or peeler to create kohlrabi noodles. Stir-fry with bell peppers, snap peas, and tofu or chickpeas.

Add soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for an Asian-inspired dish. Serve immediately for a light and healthy meal.

Stuffed Kohlrabi Boats

Halve large kohlrabi bulbs and scoop out the center to create boats. Fill with a mix of cooked quinoa, sautéed mushrooms, herbs, and crumbled feta or a vegan cheese alternative.

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until tender and bubbly.

For more creative vegetarian ideas, explore our Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals and Vegetarian Tex Mex Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners.

Conclusion

Kohlrabi is a versatile, nutritious vegetable that deserves a spot in every vegetarian kitchen. Its unique flavor and satisfying texture make it an excellent addition to a broad range of recipes, from light salads to hearty mains.

By experimenting with roasting, sautéing, steaming, or even spiralizing kohlrabi, you open yourself up to a world of delicious possibilities that will keep your meals both exciting and healthy.

These vegetarian kohlrabi recipes are designed to be approachable and adaptable, perfect for any skill level or lifestyle. So next time you visit the market, grab a couple of kohlrabi bulbs and start cooking.

Don’t forget to explore our other vegetable-packed recipes for more inspiration and flavor-packed meals!

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