8 Best Substitutes for Carrots

Carrots

Vegetables are one of the ingredients that have a very important part of our meals. Without vegetables no meal is complete. Also, they are very healthy and nutritious, which means that they play an important role in our lives as well.

Read below the article so you can find out more about how to use them and also how to substitute carrots in a carrot cake. We hope that our article will help you and you can add additional taste to your recipe with our choices of vegetables.

Actually, there are various types of carrots, but the orange ones are commonly used and found on the market. But what if you are unable to buy and your recipe requires or simply you don’t like the taste of carrots, is there something that can be used instead?

Substitutes for Carrots

As I previously mentioned no ingredient is irreplaceable. The same goes for carrots, so if you need an alternative in your cooking our list has the perfect ones that will help you make a very delicious and healthy meal.

1. Squash

Squash

One of the first things that come to mind is squashes. They are a very sweet ingredient which makes them a good replacement for carrots. Keep in mind that everything depends on your recipe so if you do not use too much because of the sweetness of the squashes.

You can replace carrots with squash when you are making soups. Actually, if you use squash it will give a nice complement to the taste and will affect the texture and taste of the soup itself. Replace the same amount as if you used carrots.

2. Parsnips

Parsnips

Another replacement for carrots is parsnips. They look like carrots but the latter has an orange color. They have a sweet herbal taste and they are very nutritious. Parsnips will give a very nice additional taste to your recipe.

You can add the same amount of parsnips when replacing carrots in a recipe but you should know that they are softer than carrots. This means that parsnips need less time to be cooked. You can use it to make soups and add parsnip at the end when the soup is almost done. Also, use it when making stew and also add near the end of the cooking process so you’ll avoid the squishiness.

3. Beets

Beets

This is not a root vegetable but it sure can serve as a replacement for carrots. Beets have different colors and can be orange or very dark purple. You can also eat the leafy top of the beet. Also, they are very commonly found in markets and it is very nutritious.

Beets can be used boiled, roasted, or steamed. Use them as a replacement for carrots in soups. Actually, you can replace carrots with beets in almost every recipe even in salads and smoothies. Everything will stay the same and use the same amount to replace. There would be no differences in the recipes.

4. Cucumber

Cucumber

A very common vegetable that is used all over the world is the cucumber. They are very juicy and are an ideal substitute for carrots in all juicy recipes. These green vegetables contain a lot of water and you can always make some vegetable juice.

You can substitute one large cucumber for 5 carrots in a recipe. They are commonly used as a substitute in salads as well. They will add more freshness and good taste to each recipe. You won’t make a mistake using cucumbers.

5. Zucchini

Zucchini

This is a very popular ingredient that can serve as a substitute for carrots in many recipes. Similar to cucumbers, they are also juicy. They contain vitamin A and very little calories. You can use it to bake, make salads, juices, and many more recipes that require carrots.

You can substitute a large zucchini for 3 medium-sized carrots. You can use zucchini in almost every recipe that requires carrots, including the sweet recipes. You can always use them to make nutritious juices as well.

6. Daikon

Daikon

These white, long vegetables are used commonly in Asian cuisine. They are very refreshing and crunchy like carrots.  Daikons are also a very popular vegetable that can be used instead of carrots.

Use the same way as you would’ve used carrots and as the recipe requires. Daikons can be baked, boiled, and steamed. You can replace carrots with daikons in Scopus, noodles, salads, and many more recipes.

7. Turnips

Turnips

Another root vegetable similar to carrots is the turnips. You can easily find them in your local market. The taste of turnips is between cabbage and radish or a mixture of carrots and potatoes.

They can be also boiled, steamed, mashed, fried, or roasted. Turnips can be used as an alternative in many recipes that require carrots, even to add a very nice touch to braised lamb or veal. They are a good way to be replaced as snacks as well.

8. Celery

Celery

And the last on our list is the celery. A marshland plant which has long fibrous stalks. They are commonly used in many cuisines and can be found in your local market.  They can be eaten raw or used in cooking as a replacement for many dishes that require carrots.

Celery can be used in soups or salads which will add a very nice touch and taste to your meals. You can substitute equal amounts and everything depends on your taste.

Related questions:

Substitute for carrots in carrot cake

A very famous use of carrots is the carrot cake. But what if there are no carrots in your kitchen, what can you use instead?

Zucchini is the alternative that you are looking for. This zucchini cake will be also very delicious and you can substitute an equal amount for the carrot and you can also add ground cinnamon and vanilla extract so the taste will be even better. Also, add 2 tablespoons of raisins or chopped walnuts to improve the flavor of the cake. I assure you, you won’t regret it, go on and try!

What can I substitute for carrots in bolognese?

Actually, you don’t need to use carrots at all in your bolognese sauce. Just use additional celery when making and you are good to go. You won’t notice the difference.

What can I substitute for carrots in baking?

If you are baking and the recipe requires carrots, you can always replace it with zucchini. This vegetable is a good alternative when baking, especially if you are making bread. It will taste amazing.

What can I use instead of carrots in a stew?

Carrots can be replaced even if you are making a stew. You can replace 1 cup of chopped daikon, 1 cup of chopped turnips or you can also use 1 cup of chopped celery. These are the alternatives that will help you save your stew.

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