Kohlrabi
A staple vegetable in Germany and India, kohlrabi is delicious, healthy and easy to cook! It’s versatility means you can enjoy it prepared in a huge variety of meals.
A member of the brassica family, kohlrabi is related to broccoli, radishes, cabbage, and more. In fact, the word kohlrabi means ‘turnip cabbage’ in German. It tastes like a milder and sweeter broccoli stem and can be cooked and eaten in a similar way too.
Although kohlrabies look and cook like root vegetables, they are not technically considered to be one since the bulb grows above the ground out of the stem of the plant. They come in white or purple and all parts of the plant, including the stems and leaves, are edible.
For more information about kohrabi, check out https://www.goodfood.com.au/recipes/news/kohlrabi-everything-you-need-to-know-20210902-h1ybmu, or https://www.bonappetit.com/test-kitchen/ingredients/article/from-the-market-kohlrabi or https://www.thespruceeats.com/how-to-prepare-kohlrabi-1447265.
Storage & Preparation
Kohlrabi leaves should be stored separately to the bulb, ideally in a closed container or reused plastic bag in the fridge, and used within 3-4 days. Kohlrabi bulbs can be stored loosely in the veggie crisper of the fridge and should stay fresh between 2-3 weeks.
Kohlrabi can be eaten in so many ways! Try slicing them and dipping in hummus, roasting with other veg, boiling in soups, shredding in salad, or cooking with pasta. Make sure to peel the bulb before cooking. They can also be steamed, boiled, baked, grilled, stir-fried, grated or julienned. Just make sure to peel the tough skin first.
You can also eat the leaf and stem, in addition to the bulb, so nothing goes to waste! Cook the greens and stem like kale or silverbeet.
See the recipes below for a bit of inspiration.
RECIPES
Appetizers
Crisp Apple and Kohlrabi Salad
This super simple kohlrabi salad features apple, lemon, tarragon and olive oil. It’s a delicious and unique fall side salad.
https://cookieandkate.com/crispy-apple-kohlrabi-salad-recipe/
Raw Kohlrabi Kim Chi Salad
This is more like a salad than Kim Chi, but uses similar spices and is just as refreshing in warm weather.
https://jeanetteshealthyliving.com/kohlrabi-kim-chi-salad/
Kohlrabi Fritters with Avocado Cream
These are an easy, gluten-free snack or appetizer for both kids and adults.
https://www.acouplecooks.com/kohrabi-fritters-with-avocado/
Creamy Kohlrabi and Mushroom Soup
With just a few pantry essentials, you can make this hearty, delicious, cream-base soup.
https://www.happyandharried.com/2014/11/06/creamy-kohlrabi-and-mushroom-soup/
Mains
Vegetarian Spring Rolls with Kohlrabi
These spring rolls, featuring kohlrabi, are easy to make, and make a light and delicious lunch, appetizer, side dish or snack.
https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/12351-vegetarian-spring-rolls-with-kohlrabi
Kohlrabi Soup with Kohlrabi Greens
Not sure what to do with kohlrabi leaves? Make this beautifully orange Kohlrabi Soup with kohlrabi greens, sweet potato, and carrots!
https://www.chocolatemoosey.com/hungarian-kohlrabi-soup-kalarabeleves/
Easy Kohlrabi Curry
Doused in a tasty and light creamy sauce, this Easy Kohlrabi Curry is bursting with lovely flavours.
https://theflexitarian.co.uk/recipe-items/easy-kohlrabi-curry-vegetarian/
Beef, Kohlrabi, and Beetroot Stirfry
This hearty dinner recipe is flexible too; you can substitute the beef for chicken, change around the veggies used, and more. Serve with rice or noodles.
https://thefeedfeed.com/dinnercontrol/beef-kohlrabi-and-beetroot-stir-fry
Sides
Roasted Kohlrabi
The tender caramelized sweetness in this simple dish is delicious. It’s beautiful on its own, but some fresh herbs or a drizzle of balsamic vinegar will bring out even more of its natural flavor. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese is also a delicious finish to the dish.
https://www.thespruceeats.com/roasted-kohlrabi-recipe-2216540
German-style Kohlrabi in Creamy Sauce
In the eastern areas of Germany, it has been traditional to serve cooked vegetables in a creamy sauce as a side dish. This sauce is thinned with broth so as to be healthier.
https://www.thespruceeats.com/kohlrabi-side-dish-recipe-1447381
