Celery Soup
Celery soup is a light, refreshing, and nutritious dish that highlights the unique flavor of celery. Often underrated as a main ingredient, celery’s crisp texture and slightly peppery taste make it the perfect base for a wholesome, creamy soup.
Ideal for a cozy dinner or as a light starter, this soup is both comforting and elegant. Packed with vitamins and minerals, celery soup is a guilt-free indulgence that’s easy to prepare and customize to suit your preferences. Let’s explore how to create this delightful soup.
Ingredients
Serves: 4
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients:
1 medium bunch of celery (about 8–10 stalks), chopped
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 medium potato, peeled and diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups vegetable stock (or chicken stock for non-vegetarian)
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
½ cup milk or cream (optional for creaminess)
½ teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Garnish:
Fresh parsley or celery leaves, chopped
Croutons or a drizzle of olive oil
Grated Parmesan cheese
How to Make Celery Soup
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Wash the celery thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit. Chop the stalks and leaves, keeping the leaves aside for garnish.
Dice the potato and chop the onion and garlic.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
Stir in the chopped celery and potato. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to soften the vegetables slightly.
Step 3: Simmer the Soup
Add the vegetable stock to the pot, along with the dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Step 4: Blend the Soup
Remove the pot from the heat and let the soup cool slightly.
Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the soup to a countertop blender in batches, then return it to the pot.
Step 5: Adjust the Consistency
Stir in the milk or cream for a richer texture (optional). If the soup is too thick, add more stock or water until the desired consistency is reached.
Reheat the soup over low heat, if necessary, and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls.
Garnish with fresh parsley or celery leaves, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, or croutons for added texture.
Chef’s Notes
Celery Selection: Choose fresh, crisp celery with bright green stalks and no blemishes for the best flavor.
Vegan Option: Replace the butter with olive oil and skip the milk or cream, or use a plant-based alternative like almond milk or coconut cream.
Texture Variations: For a chunkier soup, blend only half of the mixture, leaving some pieces of celery and potato intact.
Herb Enhancements: Fresh dill or parsley can be added for extra flavor.
Make-Ahead Tip: This soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories: 120
Protein: 3 grams
Fat: 4 grams
Carbohydrates: 18 grams
Fiber: 4 grams
Vitamin A: 10% of Daily Value (DV)
Vitamin C: 20% of DV
Calcium: 6% of DV
Iron: 5% of DV
Celery soup is low in calories and fat, making it an excellent choice for those watching their diet. It’s rich in vitamins, particularly vitamin K, and provides a good dose of fiber for digestive health. Adding milk or cream enhances the texture while still keeping it relatively light.
Conclusion
Celery soup is a simple yet sophisticated dish that celebrates the humble celery in all its glory. Its smooth texture, subtle flavor, and nourishing qualities make it a versatile addition to your recipe collection. Whether you’re serving it as a starter at a dinner party or enjoying it as a light meal with crusty bread, this celery soup is sure to impress. Try it today for a fresh and satisfying culinary experience!