How to Make Creamy, Delicious Cream of Celery Soup
Cream of celery soup is a comforting classic, perfect for a chilly evening or a light lunch. While canned versions are readily available, homemade cream of celery soup offers a superior flavor and allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring a healthier, more delicious result. This guide will walk you through creating a creamy, flavorful soup that will impress your family and friends.
Why Make It Yourself?
Homemade cream of celery soup allows you to use fresh, high-quality ingredients, resulting in a brighter, more nuanced flavor profile than canned varieties. You can also adjust the creaminess, saltiness, and spice levels to your liking, creating a perfectly personalized soup. Plus, making it from scratch is often more economical in the long run.
What Ingredients Do I Need?
This recipe uses simple, readily available ingredients. You can easily adapt it based on your preferences and dietary needs.
- Celery: The star of the show! Aim for about 2 large stalks of celery, finely chopped. Don't be afraid to use more if you love a strong celery flavor.
- Onion: One small to medium yellow onion, finely chopped, adds a savory base. Consider using shallots for a milder, sweeter flavor.
- Butter or Oil: About 2 tablespoons of butter or olive oil for sautéing the vegetables.
- Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Around 4 cups of broth provides the liquid base for the soup. Choose your preferred type for a flavorful foundation.
- Potatoes (Optional): Adding 1 medium potato, peeled and diced, will thicken the soup naturally and add a subtle sweetness.
- Heavy Cream or Milk: About 1 cup of heavy cream or milk adds richness and creaminess. For a lighter soup, use milk. Coconut milk can be a delicious dairy-free alternative.
- Seasoning: Salt, pepper, and a pinch of celery seed are essential for enhancing the celery flavor. Consider adding other spices like thyme or bay leaf for added depth.
Step-by-Step Instructions: A Simple Guide
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Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter or heat the oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. This step builds a flavorful base for your soup.
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Add Potatoes (Optional): If using potatoes, add them to the pot along with the celery and onion. Cook until slightly softened, about 5 minutes more.
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Simmer in Broth: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and allow the soup to simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the celery and potatoes (if used) are tender.
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Blend for Creaminess: Carefully transfer the soup to a blender (or use an immersion blender) and blend until smooth and creamy. Be cautious when blending hot liquids.
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Stir in Cream: Return the blended soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream or milk. Heat through gently, but do not boil.
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Season and Serve: Season the soup with salt, pepper, and celery seed to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I make my cream of celery soup thicker?
If your soup is too thin, you can thicken it by adding a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) or by simmering it uncovered for a longer period to reduce the liquid. Pureeing the soup with some cooked rice can also add thickness.
Can I use different types of celery?
While regular celery is ideal, you can experiment with different types, such as celeriac (celery root), for a slightly earthier flavor.
What are some ways to add more flavor to my cream of celery soup?
Experiment with different spices such as thyme, bay leaf, or even a touch of nutmeg. Adding a splash of lemon juice or white wine vinegar can brighten the flavor. You could also sauté some mushrooms or bacon with the celery and onions for extra depth.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, cream of celery soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
Is cream of celery soup healthy?
Homemade cream of celery soup is relatively healthy, especially if you use low-fat milk or cream and plenty of vegetables. However, it's still a relatively high-calorie soup due to the cream component.
With a little time and effort, you can create a delicious, homemade cream of celery soup that surpasses anything you can buy in a can. Enjoy!
