Cream of Celery Soup
Cream of Celery Soup is a comforting and creamy classic soup that warms you up from the inside out. This easy recipe blends fresh celery and simple ingredients to create a smooth, flavorful dish perfect as a starter, light lunch, or cozy dinner. Its creamy texture achieved without heavy cream highlights the natural mildness and subtle sweetness of celery, making it a versatile and customizable meal suited to any occasion.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Core Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh celery, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup potatoes or cauliflower, diced (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
- 1 cup milk or plant-based milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Variations
- Fresh thyme, parsley, or dill (for herbal notes)
- Pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika (for a spicy twist)
- Leeks instead of onions (for delicate sweetness)
- Grated Parmesan or dollops of cream cheese (for cheesy boost)
- Prepare Your Vegetables: Wash and chop fresh celery stalks into small pieces. Dice onions and mince garlic to ensure even cooking and full flavor release.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat butter or olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing gently for about 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant, building the flavorful base for the soup.
- Cook the Celery: Add the chopped celery to the pot and sauté for another 3 to 4 minutes to soften it slightly and bring out its natural sweetness while maintaining some texture.
- Add Broth and Optional Thickener: Pour in vegetable or chicken broth along with diced potatoes or cauliflower, if using. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until all vegetables are tender.
- Blend Until Smooth: Use an immersion blender directly in the pot or transfer soup in batches to a countertop blender. Puree until the soup is silky smooth and creamy. Return to the pot if needed.
- Finish With Milk and Seasoning: Stir in your choice of milk or plant-based milk to achieve a creamy finish. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Heat gently for a few minutes without boiling to prevent curdling.
Notes
- Choose fresh, crisp celery to avoid bitterness and enhance flavor.
- Don’t skip the sauté step to unlock deeper flavor from the aromatics.
- Adjust the thickness by adding more broth or milk according to your preference.
- If using a blender, blend the soup in small batches for optimal smoothness.
- Season the soup at the end to maintain balanced, delicate celery flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Cream of Celery Soup, celery soup, creamy soup, comfort food, vegetarian soup, dairy-free option, easy soup recipe