Cream of Celery Soup

Discover 5 simple and delicious methods to make creamy, flavorful Cream of Celery Soup that will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds. This versatile soup brings together the fresh taste of celery with smooth, rich creaminess, making it perfect for any meal or season. Whether you want a classic version or a fun twist, these easy recipes will help you master the art of making Cream of Celery Soup effortlessly at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple Ingredients: Uses basic pantry staples and fresh celery for an easy, fuss-free cooking experience.
  • Creamy Texture: Perfectly smooth and velvety, ideal for comforting meals any time of year.
  • Flexible Flavors: Easily customizable to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
  • Healthy and Light: Made with fresh vegetables and can be adapted to be low-fat or dairy-free without losing flavor.
  • Great for Beginners: Step-by-step guidance makes it simple even if you’re new to soup-making.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple yet essential for creating the perfect balance of flavor, creaminess, and freshness in your Cream of Celery Soup. Each one plays a role in giving this dish its inviting texture and delicious taste.

  • Fresh Celery: The star ingredient providing crispness and the signature mild, aromatic flavor.
  • Onion or Shallots: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the soup base.
  • Butter or Olive Oil: Used to sauté vegetables and enrich the soup with a silky finish.
  • Vegetable or Chicken Broth: Provides a flavorful liquid foundation that intensifies the taste of the celery.
  • Heavy Cream or Milk: Creates the creamy, luscious texture that defines Cream of Celery Soup.
  • Garlic: Brings a gentle punch of savory aroma that complements celery perfectly.
  • Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings that elevate all the subtle flavors.
  • Fresh Herbs: Optional but recommended, such as thyme or parsley for added freshness.

Variations for Cream of Celery Soup

Feel free to get creative and tailor your Cream of Celery Soup according to what you have on hand or your dietary choices. These variations are simple swaps or additions to enhance the soup’s flavor or adjust its nutrients.

  • Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut milk or almond milk instead of heavy cream for a vegan-friendly option.
  • With Potatoes: Add diced potatoes for extra body and heartiness in the soup.
  • Spicy Twist: Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne for a gentle heat.
  • Herb Infused: Use fresh dill, tarragon, or chives to give a bright herbaceous note.
  • Cheesy Boost: Sprinkle sharp cheddar or Parmesan cheese for richness and extra savory depth.

How to Make Cream of Celery Soup

Step 1: Prepare Your Vegetables

Start by washing and chopping fresh celery stalks finely. Dice the onions or shallots and mince the garlic. Preparing these ingredients evenly helps ensure the soup cooks uniformly and blends smoothly.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot, melt butter or heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, cooking until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. This step unlocks the flavors that will form the soup’s savory base.

Step 3: Cook the Celery

Add the chopped celery to the pot and stir gently. Cook until the celery softens but still retains a bit of texture, around 8 minutes. This step enhances the natural flavor while preventing it from becoming mushy.

Step 4: Add Broth and Simmer

Pour in vegetable or chicken broth to cover the vegetables and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the celery to fully tenderize.

Step 5: Blend Until Smooth

Using an immersion blender or a stand blender in batches, puree the soup until creamy and smooth. Be careful with hot liquids when blending, and always blend in small amounts for safety.

Step 6: Stir in Cream and Season

Return the blended soup to the pot and stir in heavy cream or your alternative. Heat gently, avoiding boiling, and season with salt, pepper, and herbs to taste. This final step brings everything together into a silky, delicious Cream of Celery Soup.

Pro Tips for Making Cream of Celery Soup

  • Choose Crisp Celery: Fresh, firm celery ensures the best flavor and texture.
  • Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on the celery while simmering to avoid mushiness and bitterness.
  • Smooth Blending: Blend in batches and strain for an ultra-smooth texture if desired.
  • Adjust Creaminess: Add cream little by little to control richness and consistency.
  • Use Fresh Herbs Last: Add delicate herbs at the end to preserve their flavor and color.

How to Serve Cream of Celery Soup

Garnishes

Top your Cream of Celery Soup with crunchy croutons, a drizzle of olive oil, or fresh chopped herbs like parsley or chives for an inviting presentation and texture contrast.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread, warm grilled cheese sandwiches, or a crisp green salad to balance the creamy richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the soup in a hollowed bread bowl for a fun and rustic touch, or layer a few toasted nuts or seeds on top to add a delightful crunch and visual appeal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the soup cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.

Freezing

Cream of Celery Soup freezes well. Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Warm the soup gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent curdling. Stir occasionally and add a splash of broth or cream if it thickens too much during reheating.

FAQs

Can I make Cream of Celery Soup vegan?

Yes! Substitute the butter with olive oil and use coconut milk or any plant-based milk instead of cream to enjoy a vegan version without losing creaminess.

What can I use if I don’t have celery?

While celery is key to the flavor, you can experiment with fennel or leeks as a mild substitute, but the soup will have a different taste profile.

Is it necessary to blend the soup?

Blending is essential for that classic creamy texture, but you can also keep it chunky for a more rustic version if you prefer.

How do I make the soup thicker?

To thicken, simmer the soup longer to reduce the liquid or add a small amount of mashed potatoes or flour slurry as a thickener before blending.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! The flavors improve with time, making Cream of Celery Soup a perfect make-ahead meal for busy days.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re craving something cozy or looking to impress with a simple but elegant dish, Cream of Celery Soup is a delightful choice to add to your meal rotation. These 5 easy recipes offer something for everyone, making it easy to enjoy fresh, creamy celery flavor all year round. Give them a try and watch this humble vegetable transform into your new favorite comforting soup!

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Cream of Celery Soup

Cream of Celery Soup


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  • Author: Lina
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Cream of Celery Soup is a simple, creamy, and flavorful soup that combines fresh celery with a smooth, rich creaminess. Perfect for any season or meal, this versatile soup can be tailored to your dietary needs and taste preferences. Whether you’re making a classic version or a creative variation, this comforting soup is easy to prepare and great for beginners.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 4 cups fresh celery, chopped finely
  • 1 medium onion or 2 shallots, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
  • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream or milk
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Ingredients

  • Fresh herbs such as thyme or parsley, for garnish
  • Dairy-free alternatives: coconut milk or almond milk
  • Variations: diced potatoes, red pepper flakes or cayenne, dill, tarragon, chives, sharp cheddar or Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Vegetables: Wash and finely chop fresh celery stalks. Dice the onions or shallots and mince the garlic. Even preparation helps the soup cook evenly and blend smoothly.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, melt butter or heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, cooking until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. This develops the savory base flavors.
  3. Cook the Celery: Add the chopped celery to the pot and stir gently. Cook until the celery softens but retains a slight texture, about 8 minutes, enhancing the flavor without mushiness.
  4. Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in vegetable or chicken broth to cover the vegetables. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes to meld flavors and fully tenderize the celery.
  5. Blend Until Smooth: Use an immersion blender or transfer in batches to a stand blender. Puree until smooth and creamy. Blend in small amounts and be careful with hot liquid for safety.
  6. Stir in Cream and Season: Return the blended soup to the pot. Stir in heavy cream or your chosen alternative. Heat gently without boiling. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs to taste. Serve warm and enjoy your creamy soup.

Notes

  • Choose crisp, fresh celery for best flavor and texture.
  • Do not overcook the celery to avoid mushiness and bitterness.
  • For an ultra-smooth texture, blend in batches and strain if desired.
  • Adjust the creaminess by adding cream gradually to control richness.
  • Add fresh herbs last to preserve their flavor and vibrant color.
  • Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
  • Freeze soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
  • Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally; add broth or cream if too thick.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

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