How to Cook Unusual Vegetables: Kohlrabi, Celeriac, and More

If you’re looking for a vegetable that has a taste somewhere between a potato and a radish, then a kohlrabi is for you. The vegetable has plenty of nutrients, with Penn State Extension noting the humble vegetable has potassium and fiber, as well as vitamins B6 and C. Peel the skin of the vegetable, then slice and dice the kohlrabi for use in salads, stir-fry, and even coleslaw. Don’t pick up the first kohlrabi you see at the farmers market. According to Aggie Horticulture of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service, Texas A&M System, kohlrabi should appear fresh and should measure less than three inches in diameter. If the kohlrabi exceeds that size, then you might be left with a vegetable that tastes woody. 

You were probably told to eat your broccoli when you were a child. But what about eating your broccolini? This unusual vegetable, which has vitamin C and is actually a hybrid of broccoli and Chinese broccoli according to N.C. Cooperative Extension, has its own unique taste and flavor. It’s also easy to prepare and eat. Just wash like you would a head of broccoli, then eat the broccolini raw or sauté with olive oil, salt, and pepper for a tender taste. For example, in the recipe for Homemade Broccolini Carbonara (pictured below), broccolini plays a starring role in a hearty pasta dish.

Here’s a vegetable that’s almost too stunning to eat. Romanesco broccoli will be a show-stopping addition to any of your weekly meals, as it has a vibrant shade of green and comes complete with a pointy texture that is nothing short of attention-grabbing. The vegetable has vitamins A and C, and fiber, too. It can be eaten raw, dipped in your favorite salad dressing, or roasted. Just keep in mind this vegetable makes its grand return in fall and winter, as noted by The Beaumont Blog of Beaumont Health.

An unusual vegetable that is nothing short of a conundrum, the Jerusalem artichoke is actually neither an artichoke nor originally from Jerusalem. Nonetheless, this vegetable is a source of potassium, iron, and copper, according to Michigan State University Extension. As the edible part of this vegetable is the root, you'll want to clean and peel the Jerusalem artichoke before eating it. The vegetable, which can be found throughout most of the U.S., can be cooked in a manner similar to potatoes. The vegetable is generally harvested in late fall, making it the perfect addition to your spread for Thanksgiving dinner. 

If your garden-variety squash leaves you feeling uninspired, then adding patty pan squash to the mix might be just what you need to shake things up a bit. The squash has a distinct shape that includes scalloped edges, and can easily fit in the palm of your hand. Don’t let the diminutive size fool you; according to The University of Maine, patty pan squash and other types of summer squash have vitamin C and potassium. No matter how you dice, slice, or cut the patty pan squash, you can be assured of a hearty flavor. Use the squash in soups, stir-fry, salads, and in this recipe for Meat Patty Pan Squash (pictured below).

When cooked, the root of the celeriac is a tasty addition to your weekly meals. Although it tastes like celery, celeriac is generally prepared in a manner similar to potatoes. According to University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, the vegetable can be mashed and smashed, has fiber, and can be stored for several months. You’ll love using celeriac in your favorite roast vegetable recipes. If you're looking for an unusual vegetable that is also versatile, then celeriac is it.

Now that you have a bag filled with kohlrabi, broccolini, or other vegetables that are new to you, it’s time to get cooking! These recipes will help you incorporate the more unusual vegetables that you can find at your local farmers market in your family’s dinner plans in new and unique ways. You'll cook like a pro when you use these weird vegetables.

Mashed Kohlrabi with Potato: This twist on classic mashed potatoes is about to be a hit at your house! The peppery kohlrabi flavor and delicious seasonings make this side dish a home run.

Rich, Silky Celeriac Soup: Get ready for a new favorite comfort dish! This scrumptious celeriac soup is earthy, rich, and so good you'll want to lick the bowl.

Swede, Raw Broccolini and Roast Chicken Salad: You'll get to try a few unusual vegetables in this delicious chicken salad. Broccolini and swede (a.k.a. rutabaga) add tons of crunch and fresh flavor to a classic dish.