When rhubarb is in abundance, it’s good to have some ideas on hand to enjoy this ruby-coloured vegetable.
And there are many ways to incorporate rhubarb into your cooking repertoire!
Its tart flavour pairs well with sugar, honey and other sweeteners, making it popular in sweet desserts, chutneys and sauces, drinks and even savoury dishes.
Below, I’ve got 20 of the best rhubarb recipes from around the web to help you get creative in the kitchen with this popular-again vegetable.
But first, a few facts about rhubarb:
- Another reason to eat rhubarb (apart from its flavour) is its nutritional value – rhubarb is a good source of vitamins C and K, fibre and calcium and also contains antioxidants.
- When buying rhubarb, look for firm, crisp stalks with good colour, and keep in mind it can generally be stored in the fridge for up to a week.
Note: Do not eat the leaves of rhubarb, they contain toxic compounds.
- Rhubarb is widely cultivated in temperate regions around the world and can be harvested at any time of the year provided the stems are big enough to use (about the thickness of a finger). It is less abundant in winter.
1. Stewed
Rhubarb
Okay, it’s not creative but this is the way rhubarb is most often enjoyed.
And you can get creative about how you enjoy your stewed rhubarb. With yoghurt? Ice cream? Pancakes?
2. Rhubarb Crumble
Another popular dish, this is an old-fashioned recipe that uses cornflakes in the crumble.
Enjoy it served with custard – store bought or homemade.
3. Rhubarb Mocktail
Enjoy rhubarb in refreshing liquid form with this Rhubarb Mocktail.
Made with rhubarb and just a few other ingredients, this pretty drink is perfect for any occasion.
4. Rhubarb and Strawberry Compote
Perfect on pancakes, pastries and more, this compote combines the flavours of two favourite red ingredients.
A secret ingredient adds to the wonderful flavour combination.
5. Rhubarb Squares
Turn rhubarb into the perfect snack with these Rhubarb Squares.
A lovely dessert to enjoy when rhubarb is in abnundance.
6. Rhubarb Upside Down Cake
Pretty as a picture, this recipe gives a rhubarb twist to the classic upside down cake.
Follow the instructions to recreate this gorgeous dessert.
Get the recipe here.
7. Rhubarb Lemonade
What could be more sweet and refreshing on a summer day than homemade lemonade?
Rhubarb lemonade!
8. Rhubarb BBQ Sauce
Ribs, chicken, steaks… enjoy this sauce with all kinds of BBQ’d meats.
A wonderful way to enjoy rhubarb, you can find the recipe here.
9. Rhubarb Custard Blondies
Rhubarb and custard is a match made in heaven and these blondies will send you directly to food heaven.
Just 15 minutes of prep and you can soon be enjoying these sweet and fudgey squares.
10. Rhubarb Chutney
Serve it up on a fancy grazing platter (to make it all the more fancier) or enjoy it on a toastie.
You’ll love this unique chutney which is quite simple to prepare.
11. Rhubarb Scones
You can’t beat scones for a morning tea treat, and here you can also enjoy the taste of rhubarb at the same time.
Make them with just 5 ingredients in 30 minutes.
12. Strawberry Rhubarb Jam
A delicious jam you can enjoy for months, this recipe has a few secret ingredients and doesn’t require pectin.
14. Rhubarb Galette
This pretty dessert is easy to whip up and is perfect served with custard or ice cream.
15. Canadian Pie
This recipe was published in an Australian newspaper back in October 1937.
Yes, we’ve been looking for things to do with rhubarb for decades and this recipe sounds amazing!
16. Rhubarb Eton Mess
A classic English dessert with a tangy rhubarb twist.
Easy to prepare, this is sure to be a hit.
17. Rhubarb Chicken
Enjoy rhubarb in a savoury dish with this tasty sweet and sour chicken dish.
Chicken thighs and drumsticks baked in lime, honey and other seasonings along with rhubarb.
18. Rhubarb Tarts
These easy rhubarb tarts are the perfect party food.
Made with store bought tart shells and just a few other ingredients.
19. Rhubarb Cheesecake
A pretty and delicious no bake cheesecake packed with the flavours of rhubarb.
Low in sugar, this is the perfect dinner party dessert.
20. Norwegian Rhubarb Cake
Known as Rabarbrakake in Norway, this rhubarb cake is simple and delicious.
Enjoy it with ice cream or whipped cream.
Do you know another great way to enjoy rhubarbs that isn’t listed here?
Add your idea or rhubarb recipes in the comments below!