Have you ever wondered what is Kohlrabi? If yes, I am, here to give you a satisfying answer not just to that question alone but also to a few other questions related to Kohlrabi.
Kohlrabi, also known as German turnip, is a cruciferous vegetable closely related to cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower.
The name Kohlrabi is derived from the German words “kohl” meaning cabbage, and “rabi” which means turnip.
The vegetable is popular for its bulbous stem and its edible leaves.
Kohlrabi offers an impressive nutrient profile and a unique, mildly sweet flavor that you can incorporate into a variety of dishes.
Now that you know what a Kohlrabi is, let me continue to answer some of the questions related to today’s main topic, allowing you to make the most of this versatile vegetable.
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What to Do with Kohlrabi Leaves?
Kohlrabi leaves are often overlooked, but they are highly nutritious and you can prepare them in many ways.
The leaves contain essential vitamins like A, C, and K, as well as fiber, which contributes to digestive health.
Here are the common ways you can use Kohlrabi leaves:
Cooking the Leaves
You can cook Kohlrabi leaves in a similar way you cook spinach or kale. Sauté them with garlic and olive oil for a quick side dish or add them to soups and stews.
When cooked, the leaves soften and provide a slightly bitter taste, which complements a variety of savory dishes.
Salad Greens
If you prefer raw greens, you can add kohlrabi leaves to salads. Use young, tender leaves for a fresh, slightly peppery taste.
Mix them with other greens or enjoy them as a base for salads, adding flavor and texture.
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Kohlrabi Leaf Chips
You can turn kohlrabi leaves into a healthy snack by baking them. Toss the leaves in olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and bake at 350°F until crispy.
Juicing or Blending
Add kohlrabi leaves to smoothies or juices. They contribute valuable nutrients without overpowering the flavor of the drink.
What Do You Do with Kohlrabi?
Kohlrabi is highly versatile; you can use it in various culinary applications.
Its mild, slightly sweet flavor makes it suitable for raw and cooked dishes.
Raw Kohlrabi
Kohlrabi is crisp and refreshing when eaten raw. You can slice it thinly for a snack or grate it into salads for a crunch similar to cabbage or carrots.
It pairs well with a lemon or vinegar-based dressing.
Roasting Kohlrabi
Roasting enhances the natural sweetness of kohlrabi.
Chop the bulb into cubes, drizzle with olive oil, season with salt, pepper, and herbs, then roast in the oven until golden and tender.
Kohlrabi in Soups and Stews
Kohlrabi holds up well in liquid-based dishes. Add it to soups, stews, or curries for a flavorful, nutrient-packed addition.
It absorbs the flavors of the surrounding ingredients while adding texture.
Pickling
You can also pickle Kohlrabi. Slice the bulb thin and submerge it in a vinegar-based solution to create a tangy, crunchy treat that pairs well with sandwiches or cheese boards.
What Does Kohlrabi Taste Like?
Kohlrabi’s flavor can be described as a cross between a mild radish and a cabbage, with a slightly sweet, peppery note.
It has a crunchy texture when raw and becomes tender and juicy when cooked.
Raw Taste
When eaten raw, kohlrabi is crisp, juicy, and refreshing. It has a slight peppery bite similar to radishes but with a more delicate, sweet flavor.
This makes it ideal for slaws, salads, and raw vegetable platters.
Cooked Taste
Cooking kohlrabi mellows its flavor, bringing out its sweetness.
Roasting, steaming, or boiling softens the vegetable, giving it a texture similar to a turnip or potato.
The cooked version has a mild taste that pairs well with robust seasonings like garlic, herbs, and spices.
Textural Versatility
Kohlrabi’s ability to maintain its firmness when raw and soften when cooked allows it to be used in various recipes, from fresh salads to hearty stews.
What to Do with Kohlrabi?
There are many ways to prepare and enjoy kohlrabi, whether raw or cooked namely:
Grated in Salads
Kohlrabi’s crunchy texture makes it a perfect addition to salads. You can grate it into slaws, combining it with carrots, cabbage, and a tangy vinaigrette for a fresh, light dish.
Kohlrabi Fries
Slice kohlrabi into matchsticks, toss with olive oil and seasonings, and bake or air fry to create a healthier alternative to potato fries.
These fries can be served with dips like ketchup or aioli.
Kohlrabi Stir-Fry
Add kohlrabi to stir-fries, where its firmness adds body to the dish.
It pairs well with other vegetables like peppers, carrots, and broccoli, and soaks up the flavor of soy-based sauces.
Mashed Kohlrabi
For a unique side dish, mash kohlrabi like potatoes. Boil the bulb until soft, then mash with butter, salt, and pepper.
You can mix in cream or garlic for added flavor.
What to Plant Next to Kohlrabi?
Kohlrabi grows well alongside several companion plants that enhance its growth and deter pests.
Companion planting improves the health of your garden and boosts yields. Here are some of the best Kohlrabi companion plants:
Beans: Beans are nitrogen-fixing plants, (they add nitrogen to the soil), which benefits kohlrabi. The two can be planted together to create a mutually beneficial relationship.
Beets: Beets grow well next to kohlrabi as they do not compete for nutrients. They also have similar growing requirements, making them excellent companions.
Onions: Onions act as a natural pest deterrent, helping to keep away harmful insects that may otherwise damage kohlrabi. Onions’ strong scent confuses pests like aphids and cabbage worms.
Avoid Planting Near Tomatoes: While kohlrabi grows well next to many vegetables, don’t plant them near tomatoes. The two compete for nutrients, which can stunt their growth.
A must-read: Growing Spring Onions in Containers
What to Make with Kohlrabi?
Kohlrabi is a versatile ingredient in many dishes, offering texture and flavor. The common options are:
Kohlrabi Salad
A simple kohlrabi salad combines grated or thinly sliced kohlrabi with a light lemon vinaigrette.
Add apples, carrots, or nuts to enhance the flavor.
Kohlrabi Gratin
For a richer dish, make a kohlrabi gratin. Layer sliced kohlrabi with cheese, cream, and garlic, then bake until golden brown.
Kohlrabi Soup
Kohlrabi makes a hearty addition to soups. Puree it with potatoes, leeks, and broth for a creamy, comforting soup that’s perfect for cold days.
Kohlrabi Noodles
For a low-carb pasta substitute, spiralize kohlrabi into noodles. You can sauté these “noodles” with olive oil, garlic, and herbs for a light, flavorful dish.
What to Eat with Kohlrabi?
Pairing kohlrabi with complementary foods enhances its natural flavor. Here are a few options to try:
Cheese
Kohlrabi’s mild flavor pairs well with sharp cheeses like cheddar or Parmesan. You can serve kohlrabi raw with cheese on a charcuterie board or bake it in gratins.
Related: What to Serve with Broccoli Cheese Soup
Nuts and Seeds
Add kohlrabi to dishes with nuts and seeds.
For example, a kohlrabi slaw with toasted almonds or sunflower seeds adds texture and a nutty flavor.
Protein
Kohlrabi is an excellent side dish for proteins such as grilled chicken, pork, or fish. Its fresh, mild taste helps balance the richness of meats.
Citrus
The crisp texture of raw kohlrabi pairs well with citrus fruits like oranges or lemons.
You can create salads or slaws that combine kohlrabi with citrus for a bright, tangy flavor.
Summary
Kohlrabi is a versatile and nutritious vegetable that you can enjoy raw or cooked.
From its edible leaves to its crisp bulb, kohlrabi offers many health benefits and culinary possibilities.
Whether you’re using it in salads, soups, or stir-fries, or pairing it with proteins and cheeses, kohlrabi is a delightful addition to any meal.
Companion planting with vegetables like beans and onions enhances its growth, while creative preparations like kohlrabi fries or gratin highlight its versatility.