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Cream of Celery Soup

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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

Keywords: Cream of Celery Soup, celery soup, creamy soup, comfort food, vegetarian soup, dairy-free option, easy soup recipe