Discover the soothing flavors of Celery Soup, a dish that not only warms the heart but also embraces the essence of comfort and health. This recipe offers a blend of simple, wholesome ingredients that come together in just 35 minutes to create a soup that’s not only cost-effective but also incredibly satisfying.
Its versatility shines through with vegan adaptations, making it a perfect fit for any dietary preference. Join us as we explore how to craft this flavorful, healing bowl of soup that promises to delight your senses and nourish your body.
How to Prepare Celery Soup
- Sauté Onions: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it turns golden, about 5 minutes.
- Add Garlic: To the pot, incorporate the roughly chopped garlic cloves, stirring for 1-2 minutes until they become fragrant.
- Combine Vegetables and Broth: Add the thinly sliced celery, potato rounds, broth, water, bay leaf (if using), salt, pepper, and cayenne to the pot. Ensure the liquid just covers the vegetables; add more water if necessary. Cover the pot, bring to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat and simmer gently until the potatoes are tender, about 10 minutes.
- Incorporate Fresh Herbs: After turning off the heat, remove the bay leaf and mix in the fresh dill and parsley, allowing them just to wilt without cooking further to preserve their bright color.
- Blend Until Smooth: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until silky smooth. If using a standard blender, allow the soup to cool slightly before blending in batches, taking care not to overfill and using a kitchen towel to securely hold the lid down.
- Final Touches: Return the blended soup to the pot and place it over low heat. Stir in your choice of cream, adjusting the heat to avoid simmering too much and preserving the vibrant color.
- Prepare Garnishes: For crispy celery leaves, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Test fry a leaf, adjusting time to achieve crispness. Fry leaves in batches and set aside on a paper towel. In the same oil, lightly fry nigella seeds until they begin to pop. Use these along with hemp seeds to garnish each serving of soup.
Celery Soup Recipe
Warm up with our Celery Soup, a budget-friendly and heartwarming dish that's ready in just 35 minutes. Whether you're craving something healthy, delicious, or vegan-friendly, this soup's rich flavors and creamy texture make it a versatile choice for any meal.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion
- 4 fat garlic cloves
- 6 cups celery
- 2 cups potatoes
- 4 cups veggie or chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne
- 1/4 cup fresh dill
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup (or more) of sour cream, plain yogurt, vegan sour cream, heavy cream or cashew cream.
Garnish
- Crispy celery leaves
- nigella seeds
- hemp seeds
Instructions
- Begin with Onions: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter in a large pot over a medium-high flame. Once hot, introduce the diced onion to the pot, stirring occasionally until it reaches a golden hue, approximately 5 minutes.
- Garlic Time: Add the rough-chopped garlic cloves to the onions, continuing to stir for another 1-2 minutes until the aroma of garlic fills the air.
- Add Main Ingredients: Into the pot, incorporate the sliced celery and potatoes, along with the vegetable or chicken broth, a cup of water, a bay leaf (optional), salt, pepper, and a bit of cayenne for heat. Adjust the liquid level so it just covers the vegetables. Cover the pot, bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat for a gentle simmer until the potatoes soften, which should take about 10 minutes.
- Herb Integration: After turning off the heat, discard the bay leaf and gently mix in the fresh dill and parsley, allowing them to just slightly wilt. This step is crucial for maintaining the herbs' vivid color and fresh flavor.
- Blending for Smoothness: Using an immersion blender, process the soup until it achieves a very silky and smooth consistency. If a regular blender is your tool of choice, let the soup cool slightly before blending in small portions. Remember, if blending warm soup, only fill the blender halfway to prevent pressure buildup and start blending at the lowest speed, gradually increasing to avoid splashes.
- Reheat and Enrich: Pour the blended soup back into the pot and warm it over a low flame. Now's the time to mix in your chosen cream option, stirring gently to avoid boiling and preserve the soup's vibrant green hue.
- Garnishing for Elegance: For crispy celery leaf garnishes, heat a generous amount of olive oil in a skillet over a medium setting. Test the oil's readiness with a single celery leaf, frying it for 10-20 seconds on each side until crisp. Fry the remaining leaves in small batches, ensuring they don't overcrowd the skillet. Lastly, briefly fry nigella seeds in the same oil until they start to pop, then use them to adorn the soup along with the crispy leaves and optional hemp seeds for an extra touch of flavor and texture.
How to Store Celery Soup
Celery Soup can be cooled to room temperature and then stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer preservation, freeze the soup in suitable freezer bags or containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently, adding a little water if the soup has thickened too much during storage. It’s advisable to add the cream component after reheating rather than before freezing to maintain the best texture and flavor.
