Spring Fling: Rhubarb, Sweet and Savory

By: Sara Levine

Rhubarb and pie have long been good friends, and sweet strawberries often join the party. Emeril’s take on this classic combination adds an almond crumb topping, so it becomes something of a pie-crumble hybrid. Beyond tempting pies, crumbles and crisps, rhubarb is actually very versatile. To take advantage of the pink, sweet-tart stalks while they’re at their peak (April through September), we rounded up some of our favorite blogger recipes, both sweet and savory.

On the savory side, this recipe for Cornmeal-Crusted Fish Tacos With Rhubarb Salsa from Kitchen Konfidence is super-seasonal — it celebrates rhubarb as well as Cinco de Mayo! If you’re not feeling fish, the fresh rhubarb salsa — mixed with spring onion, spicy jalapeño, cider vinegar and smoky chipotle powder — would be tasty with any protein.

Mostly Eating improvises a Jamie Oliver recipe by subbing his pork belly for Tofu With Hot and Sour Rhubarb Sauce. Rhubarb mingles with honey, ginger and chili for a flavor-packed sauce.

Jazz up a hearty vegetable-and-lentil soup by adding chopped rhubarb. Berlin’s Whimsy recommends topping off this Savory Rhubarb Soup with a dollop of sour cream or crème fraiche.

Onto the sweet side, there are endless possibilities for this seasonal superstar. Tartlette goes with a classic Rhubarb and Red Berry Crumble baked in cute individual-size ramekins.

Baker and blogger extraordinaire David Lebovitz knows that simplicity is key when you have great ingredients. When he finds gorgeous stalks of rhubarb in the farmers' market, he makes Red Wine-Poached Rhubarb and serves it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Instead of pie, Smitten Kitchen bakes up a Strawberry, Rhubarb and Pecan Loaf with a delectable crumb topping.

Pinch My Salt also riffs on pie, deconstructing it into hand-held Rhubarb Blueberry Turnovers — perfect for on-the-go breakfasts or easy-to-eat party treats.

Finally, cleanse your palate with a rhubarb refresher: Cardamom Rhubarb Sorbet from A Good Appetite. What are you making with rhubarb this year?

More Rhubarb Recipes From Cooking Channel Chefs:

Rhubarb Love From Friends and Family:

On TV

So Much Pretty Food Here