The Ultimate Guide to Vegetable Substitutes

A few weeks ago I got some feedback that hurt.

Two of my long term Simple Meal Plans customers left comments saying they found my recipes lacking in vegetable variety.

Too much broccoli and cauliflower!

Asking me to mix it up.

Which got me thinking…

I do use a lot of broccoli and cauliflower and kale in my recipes.

Because that’s what I LOVE to eat.

But just because a recipe calls for a certain veg, doesn’t mean you can’t use something else.

So I’ve made a note to always include alternative veg ideas in my variations.

And I also thought it would be fun to empower you to try a little vegetable substitution on your own…

The Ultimate Guide to Vegetable Substitutes

Leafy Herbs

parsley = mint = coriander (cilantro) = basil = sorrel

Woody Herbs

thyme = rosemary = sage = oregano = lemon grass = lemon thyme = kaffir lime leaves

Leafy Veg

spinach = chard = silverbeet = collard greens = kale = cavolo nero = beet tops = cabbage = bok choy

Root Veg

potato = sweet potato = parsnip = beets = turnip = celeriac = swede = rutabaga = carrots = mushrooms = zucchini = cauliflower

Brassicas

broccoli = broccolini = cauliflower = cabbage = brussels sprouts = chinese broccoli

Crunchy Veg

celery = snow peas = carrots = radish = kohlrabi = cabbage

Green Veg

zucchini = peas = green beans = broad beans = broccoli = asparagus

Summer Veg

tomatoes = red bell peppers (capsicum) = eggplant (aubergine) = zucchini = mushrooms

Aromatic Veg

onions = celery = carrots = garlic

Salad Veg

lettuce = radicchio = rocket (arugula) = baby spinach = baby kale = leafy herbs

EXAMPLE: Beautiful Broccoli with Creamy Tuna Sauce

Lets put this into practice with my Beautiful Broccoli with Creamy Tuna Sauce.

Looking at out substitution guide above, broccoli appears in the Brassicas. So you could substitute any of those vegetables.

Broccoli is also under Green veg. More options there.

On a more general note, you could substitute any cooked veg or legumes.

So maybe some roast eggplant or zucchini or mushrooms? Or saute some leafy veg like kale or spinach and use that instead.

There are always options.

Just trust your instincts.

We’ll turn you into a substitution pro in no time 🙂

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