Gourmet Hacks: 5 BEST Substitutes for Beets

Beets are a no-go for you? No sweat, we’ve got you covered.

Finding a sub for beets can seem like a tricky quest. Guess what? It’s easier than you think.

We’ve all been there, staring at a recipe thinking, “Now what?”

The good news is, several veggies and fruits can step in and save the day, no magic wand needed.

Reds, purples, and even golden hues – there’s a rainbow of alternatives out there.

Each substitute brings its own unique spin to dishes, making your meals pop with color and flavor.

Ready to turn that recipe frown upside down? Stick with us, and you’ll be swapping like a pro in no time.

What is Beet?

It’s a root vegetable that belongs to the Chenopodiaceae family, including spinach and chard.

Beet is a rich source of nutrients, including folate, potassium, manganese, and magnesium.

It also contains betaine and nitrates, which have been shown to have health benefits.

Beet is a mild-flavored, sweet vegetable with a slightly earthy flavor that may be eaten roasted, boiled, or salads.

It’s also used in smoothies and juices.

It can blend in with various foods since people of all ages can eat it to its earthiness and sweetness.

When selecting beets, look for firm and have smooth skins. Avoid those that are soft or have blemishes.

Beet can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks.

It’s important to remember that beet will bleed its color, so it’s best not to store them with other vegetables.

The 5 Best Substitutes for Beets

Beets are a versatile vegetable known for their vibrant color, earthy flavor, and nutritional benefits.

However, if you’re unable to find fresh beets or simply want to explore alternative options, there are several substitutes available.

In this guide, we will compare the top 5 substitutes for beets, discussing their key characteristics and suggesting proper ratios to help you achieve similar flavors and textures in your recipes.

Substitute	Key Characteristics	Proper Ratio
Carrots	Root vegetable with a sweet and slightly earthy flavor; provides crunch and vivid color to dishes	Use an equal amount of carrots as a substitute for beets
Rutabaga	A cross between a cabbage and a turnip; sweet and nutty flavor with a texture similar to potatoes	Use an equal amount of rutabaga as a substitute for beets
Sweet Potato	Root vegetable with a natural sweetness and creamy texture; adds a touch of sweetness and vibrant color to recipes	Use an equal amount of sweet potato as a substitute for beets
Red Cabbage	Leafy vegetable with a mild flavor and crunchy texture; offers a vibrant purple color and slight earthiness	Use an equal amount of red cabbage as a substitute for beets
Celeriac	Also known as celery root; has a subtle celery flavor and a starchy texture; adds a unique flavor profile and creaminess to dishes	Use an equal amount of celeriac as a substitute for beets

Now let’s delve into each substitute in more detail:

1 – Carrots

Carrots are a great substitute for beets in terms of color.

They also have a sweetness to them that can balance out dishes.

They are earthier than beets and provide a unique flavor profile in terms of taste.

When it comes to cooking carrots, there are many different ways to go about it.

You can roast them, puree them, or even fry them.

Carrots can be used as a side dish or even as the main ingredient.

There are many different types of carrots available on the market.

The most common type is the orange carrot.

However, there are also yellow, white, and purple carrots.

Depending on the dish you’re making, you may want to consider using a different color carrot.

For example, orange carrots would be the best option if you’re making soup.

However, if you’re making a salad, purple carrots would be a better fit.

Carrots are available all year long and can be found in most grocery stores.

• Key Characteristics: Carrots are a root vegetable with a sweet and slightly earthy flavor. They provide crunch and vivid color to dishes, making them a suitable substitute for beets.
• Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of carrots as a substitute for beets. Adjust the cooking time if necessary, as carrots may cook faster than beets.

2 – Rutabaga

Rutabaga is a root vegetable that is part of the cabbage family.

It is also known as a Swedish turnip or yellow turnip.

This vegetable has a similar appearance to a turnip but is larger and has yellow-tinged flesh.

The taste of rutabaga is somewhere between a cabbage and a potato.

You can also expect a slight sweetness and nuttiness.

Rutabaga can be eaten raw, roasted, or mashed.

It is also a popular ingredient in soups and stews.

This vegetable is available all year long but peaks from November to March.

You can find the rutabaga in the produce section of most grocery stores.

• Key Characteristics: Rutabaga is a cross between a cabbage and a turnip. It has a sweet and nutty flavor with a texture similar to potatoes. Rutabaga can provide a unique taste and texture when used as a beet substitute.
• Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of rutabaga as a substitute for beets. Adjust the cooking time to ensure that the rutabaga is tender and cooked through.

3 – Sweet Potato

For those looking for a healthier option, sweet potatoes are a great substitute for beets.

Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins and minerals. They are also a good source of fiber.

In terms of taste, sweet potatoes are much sweeter than beets.

This can make them a good choice for those who are not fans of the earthy taste of beets.

Most importantly, sweet potatoes can be cooked in a variety of ways.

They can be roasted, baked, mashed, or even made into chips.

The next time you are looking for a healthy side dish, consider giving sweet potatoes a try.

You may be surprised at how much you enjoy them.

• Key Characteristics: Sweet potatoes are root vegetables with a natural sweetness and creamy texture. They add a touch of sweetness and vibrant color to recipes, making them a flavorful substitute for beets.
• Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of sweet potato as a substitute for beets. Adjust the cooking time, as sweet potatoes may cook faster than beets.

4 – Red Cabbage

If you want that beautiful red hue in your dish without the sweetness of beets, then look no further than red cabbage.

This vegetable can provide a similar color to dishes as beets do, but with a more savory flavor.

You can use red cabbage in salads, slaws, or roasted as a side dish.

In terms of texture, red cabbage is more firm than beets and will hold up better in dishes where you don’t want the vegetable to break down.

When cooking with red cabbage, make sure not to overcook it, leading to a mushy texture.

You should look for a tightly packed cabbage with no bruises or brown spots that is brightly colored.

It’s important to note that red cabbage will bleed its color, so be careful when cooking with it.

If you want to avoid this, you can always cook the cabbage separately before adding it to your dish.

• Key Characteristics: Red cabbage is a leafy vegetable with a mild flavor and crunchy texture. It offers a vibrant purple color and a slight earthiness when used as a substitute for beets.
• Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of red cabbage as a substitute for beets. Adjust the cooking time, as red cabbage may require less time to cook compared to beets.

5 – Celeriac

Beets are a favorite amongst many, but celeriac can take their place if you don’t want anything too strong.

It has an almost identical taste and texture to beets – only less potent than the original.

The celeriac must have a soft, squishy texture with no crunch.

The best part? This low-calorie veggie tastes better than its counterparts–peel them raw if needed so they won’t be too tough or stringy when cooked.

It is also sweet and tangy like an apple but has no bitterness, which makes for an interesting contrast in taste combinations.

Since both beets and celeriac are root vegetables, they can be cooked in the same ways.

You can roast, steam, or even pickle them.

One great thing about celeriac is that you can find it all year round in most grocery stores.

It’s usually located in the produce section near other root vegetables.

Make sure to give it a good wash before using.

• Key Characteristics: Celeriac, also known as celery root, has a subtle celery flavor and a starchy texture. It adds a unique flavor profile and creaminess to dishes when used as a beet substitute.
• Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of celeriac as a substitute for beets. Adjust the cooking time to ensure that the celeriac is tender and cooked to your desired consistency.

Conclusion

Beets are a delicious, earthy root vegetable that can be used in various dishes.

However, if you’re looking for a substitute, there are plenty of other vegetables that can give you a similar flavor and texture.

The best substitutes for beets are sweet potatoes, red cabbage, celeriac, rutabaga, and carrots.

Each of these vegetables has its unique flavor and texture that can add something special to your dish.

So next time you’re looking for a beet substitute, don’t be afraid to try one of these vegetables.