What Is Kohlrabi and How Can I Use It?
Kohlrabi rewards a little know-how: how to choose it, cook it, store it, and substitute in a pinch. Browse 15 recipes to cook with it.
What is kohlrabi?
Kohlrabi—that quirky, bulbous gem from the cabbage family that's got the looks of a space alien and the flavor of a crisp, mild adventure.
If you've spotted it at the farmers' market and wondered if it's a turnip gone rogue, you're not alone. Let's break it down, shall we?
Kohlrabi, straight from its German roots meaning "cabbage turnip," is a cruciferous vegetable in the same crew as broccoli, cauliflower, and kale.
It's not a root veggie, despite the bulbous base— that swollen stem grows above ground, coming in green or purple hues, with tough leaves sprouting like a wild crown.
Crunchy and juicy when raw, it tastes like a sweeter, peppier broccoli stem crossed with a radish's bite—mild, slightly sweet, and zero bitterness.
You can peel that thick skin and slice it thin for salads, roast chunks for caramelized edges, or shred it into slaws for a fresh twist on coleslaw. It's low-cal, packed with vitamin C and fiber, making it a star in healthy eats. Think of it as your gateway to easy veggie upgrades in stir-fries or soups.
Pro Tips
- Pick firm, small bulbs (tennis ball size) for the tenderest bite—big ones get woody.
- Store in the fridge up to a week; leaves last a few days and sauté like greens.
- Go raw for max crunch: Matchstick it with apples and a lemon vinaigrette for a killer side.
- Vegan swap alert: Sub it for potatoes in low-carb hashes.
Craving a simple recipe? Try "crispy roasted kohlrabi wedges for beginners" or "raw kohlrabi slaw with apples"—holler if you want the full deets!
Where found
Kohlrabi is usually found in the asian section or aisle of the grocery store or supermarket.
| In Chinese: | 苤 | |
| British (UK) term: | ||
| en français: | chou-navet | |
| en español: | colinabo |
Recipes using kohlrabi
There are 15 recipes that contain this ingredient.
Kohlrabi Soup with Anise Flavor
Delicate, spring soup which is my rendition of the traditional Silesian soup called oberiba. Both recipes differ a lot, so this one shouldn't be named as Silesians did.
Kohlrabi Soup with Anise Flavor
Delicate, spring soup which is my rendition of the traditional Silesian soup called oberiba. Both recipes differ a lot, so this one shouldn't be named as Silesians did.
Kohlrabi, Carrot & Radish Slaw with Toasted Cumin Vinaigrette
The crunchy vegetables give the slaw great texture and refreshing taste, the toasted cumin dressing brings the flavor altogether. A great side dish is served beside your BBQ.
Kohlrabi, Carrot & Fennel Slaw
Crunchy, refreshing and tasty. A great side dish with any barbecued meat.
Orjaleves
Orjaleves is a traditional Hungarian pork and beef bone soup: a rich, clear golden broth perfumed with paprika and saffron, full of root vegetables, tender pork and hand-rolled spiral egg noodles. A heritage feast-day soup.
Felvideki Finom Nulleves
Felvideki finom nulleves, a hearty Hungarian hare soup from the Upper Highlands with root vegetables, lard-browned liver roux, and rice. Old-country game cookery from the Felvidek region.
Two Potato Topped Cottage Pie
Vegetarian cottage pie with kohlrabi, barley, and mushrooms in red wine, topped with diagonal rows of mashed white and sweet potatoes. Hearty and meat-free.
Fruity Kohl-Slaw
Kohlrabi slaw with apple, grapes, currants, cabbage, and a simple apple cider dressing. A mayo-free, fruit-studded coleslaw alternative with mild crunch and natural sweetness.
Orjaleves (Orja Soup)
Orjaleves is a traditional Hungarian wedding soup made with beef bones, pork, saffron broth, root vegetables, and handmade spiral egg noodles. A rich, celebratory first course.
Country-Style Venison
Venison chuck simmered with red wine, mushrooms, potatoes, and kohlrabi until fork-tender. A rustic, hearty wild game stew served over rice that turns your deer harvest into a real country supper.
Beets Stuffed with Vegetables & Rice
Hollowed-out beets stuffed with sautéed kohlrabi, green olives, sour pickles, and rice, then baked with a lemon slice on top. A unique Jewish-style vegetable side dish.
German Vegetable Medley
German vegetable medley with asparagus, peas, carrots, cauliflower, and kohlrabi in a light cornstarch-thickened sauce. A classic Leipziger Allerlei-style vegetarian side.
Hearty Hungarian Peasant Soup
Hungarian peasant soup with chicken, turkey legs, and stewing beef simmered with kohlrabi, parsley root, leeks, and whole peppercorns. A two-course meal from one pot.
Pickled Kohlrabi
Pickled kohlrabi with carrots, garlic, and dill: a crunchy, tangy refrigerator pickle with mustard and dill seed, ready in 3 to 4 days. No canning required, just a jar and a fridge shelf.
