Creamy celery soup is a comforting classic, perfect for a chilly evening or a light lunch. This recipe elevates the humble celery to star status, showcasing its subtle sweetness and earthy notes in a luxuriously creamy broth. Forget the canned stuff; this homemade version is far superior, bursting with fresh flavor and easily customizable to your taste. Let's dive into the delicious details!
What Makes This Creamy Celery Soup Recipe Special?
This recipe distinguishes itself through several key elements:
- Fresh, high-quality ingredients: We prioritize fresh celery for its superior taste and texture. The difference between fresh and frozen (or canned!) is night and day.
- Balanced flavors: The soup avoids being overly salty or bland, striking a perfect balance between savory and subtle sweetness. We'll achieve this through careful seasoning and the addition of aromatic vegetables.
- Creamy texture without heavy cream: While many recipes rely on heavy cream, this one achieves a luxuriously creamy texture using a combination of techniques that are healthier and lighter.
- Easy to follow instructions: The steps are clear, concise, and easily replicated, even for beginner cooks.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped (reserve some for garnish)
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a richer flavor)
- 2 cups chopped celery
- 1/2 cup milk (or cream for a richer soup)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Sauté the aromatics: Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and reserved celery stalks and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. This step builds a flavorful base for your soup.
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Add the celery and broth: Stir in the remaining chopped celery and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the celery is tender.
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Make the roux (optional, but recommended): In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour (or cornstarch) and milk (or cream) until smooth. Slowly whisk this mixture into the simmering soup. This creates a creamy texture without relying heavily on cream.
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Simmer and season: Continue to simmer the soup for another 5 minutes, or until the soup has thickened slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Blend (optional): For a smoother soup, carefully transfer the soup to a blender (or use an immersion blender) and blend until smooth. Be cautious when blending hot liquids.
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Serve and garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and a few reserved celery stalks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! This soup tastes even better the next day. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I use frozen celery?
While fresh celery is preferred for its superior flavor and texture, you can use frozen celery in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw it completely before adding it to the soup. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes, leeks, or parsnips for added flavor and nutrients.
How can I make this soup vegan?
Simply substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and use plant-based milk (like almond or soy milk) instead of dairy milk.
Tips for the Best Creamy Celery Soup:
- Don't overcook the celery: Overcooked celery becomes mushy. Aim for tender-crisp celery.
- Seasoning is key: Taste the soup throughout the cooking process and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Garnish generously: A sprinkle of fresh parsley and a few celery stalks add visual appeal and enhance the flavor.
This recipe offers a delicious and versatile base for your creamy celery soup adventure. Feel free to experiment with different herbs, spices, and vegetables to create your own unique variation. Enjoy!
