Cream of celery soup is the epitome of comfort food—smooth, rich, and incredibly satisfying. This soup is a delightful blend of fresh celery, fragrant onions, and garlic, all mingling together in a warm, broth that wraps around you like a cozy blanket. And the best part? It’s creamy without the cream! Instead, we enhance the texture naturally, making it perfect for chilly evenings or a light lunch. Trust me, you’ll love this flavorful dish that’s easy to whip up and uses ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s dive into this comforting bowl of goodness!
H2: Why You’ll Love Cream of Celery Soup (Creamy, Easy, and Cozy)
Cream of celery soup is a go-to for any meal, and it’s fantastic for elevating your weeknight dinners or enjoying a simple, cozy afternoon treat. The soup boasts a silken texture that envelops each spoonful with warmth and flavor, helping you feel right at home. Plus, it’s a friendly option for a variety of diets and is made from ingredients that don’t require a trip to the store for something exotic.
Benefits of Cream of Celery Soup:
- Quick to prepare—ready in about 30 minutes.
- Only uses a handful of pantry-friendly ingredients.
- Versatile; perfect as a starter or a meal on its own.
- Easy to adapt for meal prep, making it great for busy days.
- Naturally creamy without the heaviness of cream.
- Dairy-free and vegetarian-friendly options available.
- Flavor-packed, making simple ingredients shine.
H2: Key Ingredients for Cream of Celery Soup
- Celery – The star of the show, bringing a fresh, crisp flavor that defines this soup.
- Onion – Adds sweetness and depth; you can use yellow or white onions.
- Garlic – A must-have for that aromatic quality; it’s what gives the soup a lovely, savory kick.
- Vegetable or Chicken Broth – This is the base that ties all the flavors together; use low-sodium if you’re watching salt.
- Heavy Cream – Adds luxurious richness; you can substitute with a dairy-free version if needed.
- Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning, enhancing the overall flavor of the soup.
- Olive Oil or Butter – For sautéing the vegetables and enriching the dish.
- Fresh Parsley – A lovely touch for garnish; it adds a pop of color and freshness.
Ready to cook? See the recipe card for exact measurements below.
H2: How to Make Cream of Celery Soup
H3: Phase 1 – Prep
- Rinse and chop the celery into small pieces.
- Dice the onion and mince the garlic expertly to release their flavor.
- Gather all ingredients and have your broth within reach for easy cooking.
H3: Phase 2 – Cook/Assemble
- In a large pot, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat.
- Sauté the onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add garlic and celery, stirring for about 5 minutes until the celery becomes tender.
- Pour in the broth, then bring to a gentle boil.
- Simmer for about 15 minutes until all veggies are soft.
H3: Phase 3 – Serve
- Carefully blend the soup until smooth. A hand blender makes it easy, but a countertop blender works too.
- Stir in the heavy cream, adding seasoning to taste.
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley before serving!
H2: Pro Tips for the Best Results
- Choose fresh, vibrant celery for the best flavor.
- For an extra creamy soup without cream, add silken tofu and blend until smooth.
- Use a hand blender for easy cleanup.
- Make a big batch; this soup keeps well in the fridge for up to four days!
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors just before serving.
- Store leftover soup in airtight containers to maintain freshness.
- For a more robust flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine when sautéing the onions.
H2: Common Mistakes to Avoid One common mistake is overcooking the garlic; it can turn bitter quickly. Always add it after the onions have begun to soften and cook for only about 30 seconds. Another pitfall is not seasoning enough; taste the soup before serving and adjust with salt and pepper. Lastly, make sure to blend the soup until it’s smooth and creamy; chunky soup isn’t what we’re aiming for here!
H2: Recipe Variations
- Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free broth.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or nut milk.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes while sautéing the veggies.
- Herbal Twist: Stir in fresh herbs like thyme or dill for extra flavor.
- Stovetop/Instant Pot: Easily adaptable for quick cooking.
H2: How to Serve Cream of Celery Soup
- Best Pairings: A slice of crusty bread or a light salad complements this soup perfectly.
- Toppings & Garnishes: Sprinkle with croutons, an extra drizzle of olive oil, or some freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Drink Pairing: A crisp white wine or a simple sparkling water to cleanse your palate is a great choice!
H2: Make Ahead & Storage
H3: Can I Meal Prep This? Yes! Cream of celery soup is perfect for meal prep. Just cook and store in containers for convenient lunches or dinners during the week.
H3: Storing Leftovers Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just remember to let the soup cool before sealing.
H3: Freezing You can freeze the soup for up to three months. However, the texture can slightly change, so it’s best to leave out the cream until reheating.
H3: Reheating Reheat on the stove over medium-low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. In the microwave, heat for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway to ensure even heating.
H2: FAQs Can I use frozen celery?
Yes, frozen celery can be used, but the texture may be softer than fresh.
How to make it extra creamy without cream?
Blend in silken tofu or cashew cream for a velvety texture.
Can I double it?
Absolutely! Just make sure you have a large enough pot to accommodate the extra ingredients.
How to fix a too-thick soup?
Simply stir in a bit more broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.
Final SEO Paragraph
This Cream of Celery Soup is not only creamy without cream, it also captures the essence of comfort in every spoonful. So give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to rate and share your thoughts, or explore more heartwarming soup recipes to enjoy throughout the seasons!
Cream of Celery Soup
Ingredients
Method
- Rinse and chop the celery into small pieces.
- Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
- Gather all ingredients and have your broth within reach for easy cooking.
- In a large pot, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat.
- Sauté the onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add garlic and celery, stirring for about 5 minutes until the celery becomes tender.
- Pour in the broth, then bring to a gentle boil.
- Simmer for about 15 minutes until all veggies are soft.
- Blend the soup until smooth using a hand blender or a countertop blender.
- Stir in the heavy cream and adjust seasoning to taste.
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.