36 Rhubarb Recipes That Will Inspire You to Use This Springtime Vegetable (2024)

Wondering what to do with all that rhubarb popping up in your garden or at the farmers market? Fans of the spring vegetable eagerly await the arrival of rhubarb season each year. Lucky for you, we're rhubarb connoisseurs, which means we have a collection of recipes that'll help you make the most of this tasty, colorful spring crop.

Here's what you need to know to make the most of rhubarb: Look for thin, red-pink crisp stalks, as these will have the best texture. If the stalks are floppy, this is a good indication that they were picked too long ago. When you get home, wrap the rhubarb stalks in plastic and refrigerate for up to one week. You can also freeze rhubarb and enjoy it for months to come. To use rhubarb, rinse it well, then trim the bottoms and tops of the stalks. If there are any leaves, slice them off and discard them (the leaves are toxic). If the stalks are stringy, remove them with a small paring knife, as you would for celery.

Now the fun part: From sweet Rhubarb Muffins to savory Pork Chops with Rhubarb-Cherry Sauce, read on for our favorite ways to enjoy rhubarb.

Our Complete Seasonal Produce Guide: Here's When Every Fruit and Vegetable Is Ripe (and Tastes the Best)

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Rhubarb Custard Tart

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The secret to success with this stunning tart is blind-baking the crust. Pop it in the oven before making the filling—this helps it get firm and crunchy, which means you won't end up with a soggy bottom as the simple custard and scored rhubarb stalks get baked in.

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Rhubarb-Apple-Almond Cobbler

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Looking for an easy rhubarb dessert? Try this cobbler, which has a biscuit topping made from an all-purpose flour and almond flour dough over a filling of greenmarket-fresh rhubarb and hardy Granny Smith apples. The filling is sweetened with sugar plus a tiny bit of ginger and lemon for bite.

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Roasted Rhubarb-and-Sour-Cherry Compote

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This intensely sweet-tart condiment is as versatile as it is vivacious. Sour cherries (fresh or frozen) pack a punch, and they keep their color when roasted with rhubarb and a splash of orange juice. Use it on top of your morning yogurt, serve it on a cheese plate, or purée it to use in a vibrant spring co*cktail.

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Roasted Rhubarb-and-Cherry Gimlet

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This super spring drink starts with a purée of our Roasted Rhubarb-and-Sour-Cherry Compote, then come the classic gimlet ingredients: gin, fresh lime juice, and seltzer. Shake them together, and say cheers to the season.

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Strawberry-Rhubarb Rolled Pavlova

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Have you heard about the ace pairing that is strawberries with rhubarb? This might just be their best outing yet. A tubular take on the usual mounded pavlova, it's at once easy and elegant. Meringue is spread thinly then baked. The filling is Rhubarb-Raspberry Jam, sliced strawberries, and whipped cream, all rolled up in the chewy meringue.

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Pan Roasted Chicken with Rhubarb

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Remember that rhubarb is, botanically speaking, a vegetable—so it's not surprising that it plays so well in this easy sauce spiced with an aromatic blend of turmeric, cumin, garlic, onion, and ginger. Simmer chicken breasts in the sauce, then serve everything with white rice or flatbreads.

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Rhubarb Crumb Cake

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Vibrant stalks of rhubarb and an irresistible streusel topping crown this moist sour-cream cake.

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Pickled Rhubarb

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It's time to get familiar with this super-versatile condiment: We love it on cheese plates or mixed with savory ingredients like chopped parsley, olive oil, and red-pepper flakes to make a relish for grilled steak or pork chops.

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Green Salad with Roasted Beets and Pickled Rhubarb

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It's usually coaxed in a sweeter direction, but rhubarb brightens savory recipes. One example is pickles: Our brine of white vinegar, sugar, and star anise gives Pickled Rhubarb a bread-and-butter-pickle flavor made for slaws, sandwiches, and this salad of roasted beets and tender lettuces.

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Rhubarb-Strawberry Lattice Pie

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Here we have the classic rhubarb pairing, made with a top crust that shows off the glorious fruit filling. This pie can also be made with a mix of rhubarb and raspberries.

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Rhubarb-Strawberry Tart

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Rhubarb and strawberries are enhanced with sugar and fresh lemon juice and thickened with cornstarch for the filling in this showstopping tart.

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Rhubarb and Beets

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Toss rhubarb and baby beets with olive oil, salt, and pepper and roast until tender. Scatter some toasted walnuts on top for crunch before serving.

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Pavlova with Rhubarb and Pistachios

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Here's a recipe that's as delicious as it is beautiful! The sweet-tart baked rhubarb contrasts with crunchy pistachios and the crispy yet soft and sugary meringue.

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Pistachio-Rhubarb Yogurt Cake

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Sweet and moist, with just the right amounts of roasted rhubarb and ground pistachios throughout, this cake makes a spectacular spring dessert. Serve with more roasted rhubarb swirled into yogurt.

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Rhubarb-Raspberry Cheesecake Squares

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A ruby-red gelée of rhubarb and raspberries tops the creamy filling and graham-cracker crust in this easy cheesecake.

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Rhubarb Buckle

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You can make these cake squares dotted with rhubarb and topped with a crunchy crumb topping up to a day in advance.

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Rhubarb Fizz

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Homemade rhubarb syrup, gin, prosecco, and lemons are all you need to make this pretty-in-pink beverage. Try it at your next brunch.

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Rhubarb Muffins

We love the eye-catching chunks of tart rhubarb in these sweet, moist buttermilk muffins. They'll be the first to go at your spring brunch.

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Rosé-Poached Rhubarb

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Simmer rhubarb with rosé wine and a trio of spices—vanilla bean, cinnamon, and star anise—then serve with vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt for an elegant spring dessert.

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Rosy Rhubarb-Meringue Cake

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Seeking an over-the-top Easter or spring dessert? Look no further than this sky-high meringue cake topped with fresh whipped cream and homemade rhubarb compote.

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Rhubarb Upside-Down Cake

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Whether you put it on a pedestal or not, this pretty cake with a delicate crumb base is a winner—and it's one of Martha's favorite recipes.

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Pork Chops with Rhubarb-Cherry Sauce

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One for the savory side, this lively sauce pairs rhubarb with dried cherries, onion, and a splash of balsamic. It goes well with pork chops or chicken; also try it spread on a slice of goat-cheese-topped bread for a genius crostini.

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Strawberry-Rhubarb Sangria

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Bubbly, fruity, and altogether festive, this fresh take on sangria is made with sparkling wine, orange juice, cooked rhubarb, and strawberries.

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Rhubarb Meringue Pie

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Better than lemon? We think so; the classic meringue pie is certainly prettier when made with a rhubarb curd.

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Baked Thick-Cut Bacon with Rhubarb Chutney

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Chutney is a versatile fruity condiment that adds another dimension to all kinds of dishes, like cheese, cured meats, and roast chicken or pork. When paired with bacon, it takes brunch to the next level.

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Rhubarb Pie

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Some fruit fillings might be a tad sweet for the crumble topping, but not this one that's all rhubarb.

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Rhubarb Salad with Goat Cheese

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Fast, delicious, and different, this simple salad combines roasted rhubarb with arugula, fennel, and walnuts in a light balsamic dressing.

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Strawberry-Rhubarb Crisp

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Easier than pie and just as tasty (even tastier?) is this crisp. Our recipe calls for rhubarb and strawberries under a crunchy oat topping. Finish with fresh basil leaves.

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Poached Rhubarb with Elderflower Sabayon

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Simmer rhubarb with water, sugar, vanilla bean, and lemon zest until tender, then finish with a warm, frothy St-Germain-spiked sabayon.

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Vanilla-Rhubarb Tart

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This gorgeous tart calls for arranging short pieces of rhubarb in a herringbone pattern, but it would be just as delicious without the careful arrangement. The combination of tart rhubarb with fragrant vanilla bean is one we're going to try again and again.

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Chilled Rhubarb and Raspberry Soup

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So refreshing, this sweet-tart dessert soup takes rhubarb far from its usual pie-cake-crisp territory.

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Rhubarb Crumb Bars

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Going to the sweet—and buttery—side, these streusel bars are an irresistible teatime treat.

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Rhubarb Custards

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Another classic pairing for rhubarb: Here, the plant's sweet-tart flavor shines through in a creamy custard. Our recipe simplifies the technique—no water bath required—but doesn't compromise on taste.

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Rhubarb Compote

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Just three ingredients—rhubarb, sugar, and a little fresh ginger—create this compote that goes so well with yogurt, ice cream, pound cake, and lots more.

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Rhubarb-Buckwheat Scones

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For breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, these glorious rhubarb scones are just the thing. A smidge of buckwheat flour added to the all-purpose flour makes them super flavorful. They're especially delicious when served with our pretty Strawberry Butter.

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Classic Rhubarb Fool with Farm-Fresh Cream

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This classic warm-weather English dessert is light and sweet with the contrasting tartness of rhubarb. And with only three ingredients—rhubarb, cream, and sugar—it is simplicity itself.

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36 Rhubarb Recipes That Will Inspire You to Use This Springtime Vegetable (2024)

FAQs

Why do people cook with rhubarb? ›

Because of its inherent tang, rhubarb shines when cooked with sugar. You'll find the fruit stewed into rhubarb compote, diced and tossed into a pie, or sliced into thin strips and layered on tarts or upside-down cake (swap it for lemons in this recipe).

What are the culinary uses of rhubarb? ›

Rhubarb is often seen as jam or compote with or without strawberries. In addition, it's used in many different types of sweet desserts, from pies and tarts to cakes and cookies.

Is it OK to eat raw rhubarb? ›

Its stalks are deeper red and tinged with green, while its leaves are bright green. It has a more intense flavour and robust texture than the forced variety. Although it can be eaten raw, rhubarb tends to be too tart this way, and it's usually best when cooked with plenty of sugar.

Is it OK to eat rhubarb every day? ›

The bottom line

Since it may be high in oxalate, you should avoid eating too much of it and try to select stalks from low-oxalate varieties. If you are prone to kidney stones, it might be best to avoid rhubarb altogether. On the bright side, rhubarb is a good source of antioxidants, vitamin K, and fiber.

What are the side effects of rhubarb? ›

Although eating rhubarb stalks in moderate quantity is considered safe, but according to a study by Hong Xiang conducted in 2020, it might have the following side effects: Reduction in kidney function. Risk of developing kidney stones. Risk of developing cancers like colorectal and gastric cancer.

Can I freeze rhubarb? ›

For loose pieces of rhubarb, spread the pieces in a single layer on lined trays and open freeze them. Once frozen, tip the pieces into containers or bags. Otherwise, if you are not worried about them sticking together, freeze them straight into the container or bags. Use within three months.

Do you need to peel rhubarb before eating? ›

So, in conclusion: You don't have to peel rhubarb before eating it. Of course, you can if you want to. But doing it means that some of the lovely red flavor is going to disappear. I usually just prepare rhubarb by rinsing it and then cutting it into thin slices!

Why do you put a bucket over rhubarb? ›

Forcing rhubarb

Earlier harvests of sweeter, tender, pale stalks can be produced by covering rhubarb plants with a forcing jar, tall bucket or dustbin in mid-winter, so the stems form in the dark. Choose an early variety, such as 'Timperley Early', and only use a strong, healthy plant.

What is special about rhubarb? ›

Rhubarb is rich in antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins (which give it its red color) and proanthocyanidins. These antioxidants have anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties, which help protect you from many health-related issues such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.

What happens if you don't cook rhubarb? ›

Stick to the stems if you're eating rhubarb raw—the leaves are poisonous. I repeat: Rhubarb leaves are poisonous. The leaves contain oxalic acid, which can be fatal to both people and pets if consumed in large amounts.

Is rhubarb good or bad for you? ›

Rhubarb is a good source of antioxidants, vitamin K, and fiber. It's also rich in calcium oxalate, so if you're prone to kidney stones, it might be best to avoid. Rhubarb is a vegetable known for its reddish stalks and sour taste.

Is cooked rhubarb good for you? ›

Rhubarb is also a great source of vitamin K1, which is important for blood clotting and bone health. A half cup of cooked rhubarb provides more than one-third of the recommended dietary intake of vitamin K1, along with two grams of fiber (which helps prevent colorectal cancer), some calcium and vitamin C.

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