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7 Delicious Rhubarb Recipes That Go Way Beyond Pie

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March 27, 2024
Photo Credit: Heartbeet Kitchen

Rhubarb. It looks weird, it has weird rules (don’t eat the leaves!), it even sounds weird. But if you haven’t yet embraced this tart spring vegetable, the time is now. And while it’s best known as strawberries’ sidekick in pie, there are tons of rhubarb recipes for you to try.

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What to know (and love) about rhubarb

Rhubarb is rich in many nutrients, especially vitamin K, which is considered protective for brain health and essential for strong bones and blood. When shopping, you’ll find both green and red stalks. Both are good, but the red ones have more vitamin A, which is important for vision and a healthy immune system.

Red stalks are also somewhat sweeter. Note the “somewhat”; even the sweeter stalks are mouth-puckeringly tart. Whether you turn rhubarb into a dessert, drink, or sauce, it lends a truly unique flavor; sour, but with undertones of ripe berry and citrus.

7 delicious rhubarb recipes to make right now

1. Rhubarb Almond Flour Muffins

Rhubarb almond flour muffins

Things we love about these muffins: They’re gluten free and made with wholesome ingredients like almond flour and oat flour, they have no refined sugar, and they lean into the tartness of rhubarb on its own. Add the zest of an orange for a touch of sweetness.

Try this recipe from Heartbeet Kitchen.

2. Paleo Strawberry-Rhubarb Crisp

Rhubarb crisp

Strawberries and rhubarb go so well together — and here, you get all that goodness minus the hassle of pie crust. Simply combine the fruit with honey and a few other simple ingredients, sprinkle it with a topping made with pecans, coconut, almond flour, and cinnamon, and bake. It’s indulgent enough to be dessert, but we wouldn’t judge if you had some for breakfast.

Try this recipe from Pinch of Yum.

3. Rhubarb Vinaigrette

Rhubarb dressing

What’s not to love about a Barbie-pink dressing that includes the tart flavor of rhubarb? Simmer a chopped stalk for a few minutes to soften it, then puree it with a little honey, vinegar, and grainy mustard. Drizzle in the olive oil as it’s mixing so it emulsifies, then enjoy.

Try this recipe from Dinner with Julie.

4. Rhubarb and Lentil Curry

Rhubarb lentil curry

Who says rhubarb can’t be entrée-worthy? Put this spring vegetable to work lending a splash of color and brightness to a healthy vegetarian dish that also features carrots, celery, garlic, and spices.

Try this recipe from Jenny Chandler.

5. Easy Rhubarb Sauce

Rhubarb sauce

A fruit sauce is such a great way to use up a bounty of rhubarb. Spoon it on yogurt in the morning, dollop some on your oatmeal, use it to top pancakes or waffles, or add some to your favorite smoothie recipe. You could even place a spoonful in a champagne flute and pour in your favorite sparkling wine.

Try this recipe from Paleo Gluten-Free Guy.

6. Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Smoothie

Strawberry rhubarb smoothie

Here’s another rhubarb-strawberry pairing, this time in the form of a creamy smoothie that tastes like dessert and is also rich in fiber, thanks to chia seeds. Add some vanilla protein powder to make it even more satisfying.

Try this recipe from Flavour and Savour.

7. Rhubarb Chicken

Rhubarb chicken

The tart flavor of rhubarb combined with honey, garlic, turmeric, and lime juice makes a deeply flavored, rich sauce perfect for braising chicken. Be sure to serve some rice or crust bread with it to soak up every drop.

Try this recipe from Where Is My Spoon?.

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