Skip to Content

15 Best Substitutes for Celery in Stew Recipes

If you’re looking for a delicious way to add some flavor and texture to your stews this winter, why not shake things up a bit and try something different?

Celery is a classic ingredient in stews, but there are plenty of tasty alternatives that can add variety and interest to your favorite recipes.

Here are 15 delicious alternatives to celery for your stews that are sure to tantalize your taste buds!

substitute for celery in stew

15 Best Substitutes for Celery in Stew Recipes

Are you ready to mix up your stews?

If you’re tired of the same old celery in your recipes, why not try some delicious alternatives?

Here are 15 alternatives to celery that are sure to add some flavor to your next stew:

1. Parsnips

Parsnips

I’m a big fan of parsnips!

Not only do they provide a great flavor and texture to a stew, but they are also packed with nutrients.

Parsnips have a slightly sweet, nutty flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients in stew.

They are also easy to prepare, as they require no special techniques – just a quick rinse and a chop.

I find that parsnips help to give the stew a unique flavor that can’t be achieved with celery.

Plus, they are a great way to get more vegetables into the stew.

2. Turnips

Turnips

I love turnips for swapping out celery in stew!

They have a great texture and flavor that can really enhance the dish.

Plus, they are a great way to introduce new flavors to the stew.

I love that they’re a bit sweet and nutty, which really adds a unique flavor to the dish.

Turnips are also a nutritional powerhouse, as they are packed with vitamins and minerals.

So, swapping out celery in stew with turnips not only adds a great flavor, but it can also be a great way to make the dish more nutritious.

3. Carrots

chopped Carrots

I absolutely love swapping out celery with carrots in stews.

Carrots are a great substitute because they add a sweetness to the dish that complements the other flavors in the stew.

They also provide some texture, so the dish isn’t too mushy. Additionally, they’re a bit milder in flavor than celery, so if you don’t like the taste of celery, carrots are a great alternative.

4. Fennel

Fennel

I love using fennel in place of celery in stews! It has a distinct, licorice-like flavor that adds a unique touch to the dish.

Fennel also has a crunchy texture that adds a delightful contrast to the softer ingredients in the stew.

Plus, it’s a great option for those with an aversion to celery since the flavor is completely different.

5. Leeks

Leeks

I love using leeks as a substitute for celery in stews!

Leeks have a mild onion flavor, and a softer texture than celery, making it a great choice for a subtle flavor change.

Plus, their light green color is a great contrast to the other vegetables in the stew.

Preparing leeks requires a bit of extra work – you’ll want to cut off the dark green parts and the root, then cut it into thin slices.

But it’s totally worth it – the mild onion flavor that leeks bring works so well with all the other ingredients in a stew.

6. Mushrooms

White Mushrooms

I love mushrooms in place of celery in stew.

They add a great earthy flavor and a meaty texture, creating a delicious and unique dish.

Depending on the type of mushroom you choose, the color of the dish will change too.

For example, white button mushrooms will give a lighter color while a darker mushroom like portobellos will give a deeper hue.

Preparing mushrooms is easy too – just slice or chop them and add them to the stew.

They’ll cook down and add a wonderful depth of flavor that celery just can’t provide.

7. Onions

Cipollini onions

Onions give stews a sweeter flavor and a softer texture than celery does.

Plus, the color of the stew changes to a more golden hue when onions are used.

To use onions in place of celery, simply dice the onions into smaller pieces and add them to the stew at the same time that you would add the celery.

Enjoy the new flavor and texture that onions bring to your stew!

8. Rutabagas

Rutabagas

I love swapping out celery for rutabagas in my stews.

This root vegetable adds a sweeter and earthier flavor, and its texture is less crunchy and more creamy.

The color also adds a nice contrast to the dish.

If you’re looking for a more flavorful and enjoyable stew, rutabagas are the way to go!

Preparing rutabagas is easy: just peel, chop, and add to the stew.

9. Tomatoes

Diced Tomatoes

Swapping out celery for tomatoes in a stew can be a great way to add a different flavor and texture to the dish.

Tomatoes add a more acidic and sweet flavor, and the texture is softer than celery.

Plus, the bright red color of tomatoes can add a nice visual contrast to the stew.

To replace celery with tomatoes, dice them into small cubes and add them to the stew at the same time as the other vegetables.

The tomatoes will be cooked through after about 15 minutes.

10. Butternut Squash

Butternut squash

Swapping out celery for butternut squash in your stew is an easy way to add a new flavor and texture.

Butternut squash has a naturally sweet flavor that pairs nicely with other savory ingredients, and its texture is a bit firmer than celery.

You’ll also notice a difference in color, as butternut squash is a bright orange hue that adds a nice color contrast to the stew.

Preparing butternut squash is easy; simply chop into cubes, sauté in a little oil and add to the stew.

11. Sweet Potatoes

Sweet Potatoes

If you’re looking to add a new flavor and texture to your stew, sweet potatoes are a great alternative to celery.

Sweet potatoes have a much sweeter taste than celery and they also have a softer, smoother texture.

In terms of color, sweet potatoes are a much brighter orange, which adds a nice pop of color to the dish.

Prep-wise, sweet potatoes are easy to prepare – just peel and cut them into cubes and add them to the stew.

They’ll give it a unique flavor and texture that you won’t find with celery.

12. Peas

Peas

If you’re looking to add a new flavor and texture to your stew, try swapping out celery for peas!

Peas have a sweet and subtle flavor that is much less pronounced than celery, and their texture is much softer and smoother.

They also add a nice green color to the dish, which can be a nice contrast to the other ingredients.

  1. To use peas in your stew, simply blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes until they are tender.
  2. Then add them to the stew and cook until the desired consistency is reached. Enjoy!

13. Potatoes

Chopped Potatoes

Swapping out celery for potatoes in stew can be a great way to add a different flavor and texture to the dish.

Potatoes have a mild, earthy flavor and a creamy, starchy texture that pairs well with other vegetables and spices.

Plus, potatoes are white, so they bring a nice visual contrast to the dish.

To prepare potatoes for stew, simply peel and cube them, then simmer them in the stew pot for about 20 minutes, or until tender.

You’ll definitely enjoy the difference that potatoes make in your stew!

14. Artichokes

Grilled Artichokes

Swapping out celery for artichokes can add a delicious and unique flavor to your stew.

Artichokes have a distinct earthy flavor, and the texture is slightly crunchy.

They come in a variety of colors, from deep green to light purple.

  1. To prepare artichokes for your stew, start by cutting off the stems and trimming the tips.
  2. Then, boil or steam the artichokes until tender.
  3. Once they are cooked, add them to the stew and enjoy!

15. Cauliflower

Chopped Cauliflower

If you’re looking for a great way to switch up your stew and add a unique flavor and texture, try swapping out celery with cauliflower!

Cauliflower is a great substitute because it has a mild flavor and a crunchy texture.

Plus, it will add a beautiful white color to the dish which really stands out.

Preparing cauliflower for stew is easy – just chop it into small florets and add them to the rest of your ingredients.

You’ll love the new flavor it brings to your stew!

Related:

15 Creative Alternatives to Celery for your Potato Salad

15 Best Substitutes for Celery in Chicken Salad

12 Delicious Substitutes for Celery in Chicken Stock

13 Best Substitutes for Carrots in Soup

10 Best Substitutes for Barley in Soup

13 Best Substitutes for Celery in Bolognese

15 Best Substitutes for Celery in Stew Recipes

This article will teach you about 15 great substitutes for celery in stew recipes. You'll learn about the different flavors and textures that these substitutes can bring to your stew, as well as the health benefits of using them.
You'll also get tips on how to use each substitute to create a delicious and healthy stew. So, whether you are looking for a vegan-friendly option or just want to add a new flavor to your favorite stew, this article is sure to help you out.
Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 2 minutes
Total Time 4 minutes
Course Stew
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people
Calories 41 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Parsnips
  • Turnips
  • Carrots
  • Fennel
  • Leeks
  • Mushrooms
  • Onions
  • Rutabagas
  • Tomatoes
  • Butternut Squash
  • Sweet Potatoes
  • Peas
  • Potatoes
  • Artichokes
  • Cauliflower

Instructions
 

  • Pick your favorite substitute from this list to add to your stew recipe.
  • Prepare the rest of your tasty meal.
  • Enjoy in no time!
Keyword substitute for celery in stew
CEO at Happy Muncher | benjamin@happymuncher.com | Website | + posts

Hi, I'm Benjamin. I love cooking, long walks, and my girlfriend! Here you’ll find simple and delicious recipes that you can make in 30 minutes or less.