Cream Of Celery Condensed Soup Recipe

When you think of comfort food, many nostalgic dishes come to mind-warm, hearty, and simple meals that make you feel right at home. One such dish is cream of celery soup. It’s not just a soup; it’s a versatile, rich, and creamy base for so many other recipes. Whether you’re stirring it into casseroles, using it as a base for sauces, or enjoying it on its own, this condensed version of the soup is the quintessential pantry staple for busy kitchens. It’s a classic that is easy to make, satisfying, and packs a whole lot of flavor in each spoonful.

Here’s a detailed dive into everything you need to know about making Cream of Celery Condensed Soup at home. With just a few ingredients, you can create this creamy delight from scratch, saving money, reducing additives, and customizing the flavor to suit your preferences. Whether you’re trying to recreate a childhood favorite or simply need a quick, flavorful addition to your cooking arsenal, this recipe is sure to hit the mark.

This homemade Cream of Celery Condensed Soup recipe is all about simplicity and flavor. You’ll find it takes just about 30 minutes from start to finish, and it makes a rich and creamy base that you can keep on hand for all kinds of recipes. Let’s break it down step by step.

Ingredients Needed

To create this homemade version of the soup, you’ll need the following basic ingredients:

Butter (3 tbsp): This is your fat base, and it’ll help give the soup a rich, velvety texture.
Celery (2-3 stalks): Celery is the star of the show, providing that signature flavor and fresh crunch, even when cooked down.
Flour (1/4 cup): This thickens the soup and helps create that creamy consistency you expect from a condensed version.
Chicken or Vegetable Broth (2 cups): The liquid base of the soup. You can adjust the flavor based on your dietary preferences.
Milk (1 cup): The milk adds creaminess and smoothness to the soup, helping it blend all the ingredients into a cohesive dish.
Salt and Pepper (to taste): These basic seasonings elevate the flavors and balance out the richness.
Onion Powder (optional, 1/2 tsp): Adds a subtle depth of flavor. You could also use finely chopped onions if you prefer more texture.
Garlic Powder (optional, 1/2 tsp): A small touch of garlic enhances the overall savoriness.

This list keeps it simple, but the flavor is anything but! With these few ingredients, you’ll be able to create something comforting and rich in taste.

Cooking Instructions

Making your own cream of celery condensed soup from scratch is pretty straightforward, and here’s how to do it:

Prepare the Celery: Start by washing and chopping your celery stalks. You want to dice them into small pieces to ensure they cook down evenly.
Sauté the Celery: In a medium pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add your diced celery and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the celery to soften but not brown.
Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the cooked celery, and stir to combine. Continue cooking this mixture for 2-3 minutes to allow the flour to absorb the butter and become lightly golden. This is your roux, which will help thicken the soup.
Add Liquids: Slowly pour in the chicken or vegetable broth while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Then add the milk in the same manner. Keep stirring until everything is well incorporated.
Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer. You’ll notice the soup thickening up within a few minutes. Stir often to ensure the soup doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot.
Season: Once the soup has thickened to your liking (about 5-7 minutes), add the salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Blend (Optional): If you prefer a smoother consistency, you can use an immersion blender to blend the soup to your desired texture. This step is optional, but it helps create that classic creamy texture associated with condensed soups.
Cool & Store: Once your soup has cooled, you can transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate it for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Ingredient Insights

Celery: The main ingredient in this soup, celery offers more than just a refreshing crunch. It contains a wealth of vitamins like vitamin K, as well as antioxidants, making it a healthy addition to any recipe. When cooked, it softens and releases its natural sugars, adding a subtle sweetness to the soup.
Butter: While butter can sometimes get a bad rap, it’s essential here for creating that velvety mouthfeel. Butter is also great for browning, which develops a deeper flavor as you sauté the vegetables.
Flour: As the thickening agent, flour is crucial to getting that condensed texture you’re looking for. When combined with the broth and milk, it creates that perfect balance between creamy and liquid.
Broth vs. Stock: For the broth, you can use either chicken or vegetable broth, depending on your preferences or dietary needs. Chicken broth will impart a richer flavor, while vegetable broth will keep it lighter and more neutral.
Milk: The creaminess in the soup comes from the milk. Whole milk will give the richest texture, but you can use 2% or even non-dairy alternatives like almond milk or oat milk if you prefer.

Expert Tips

Control the Consistency: The great thing about homemade condensed soups is you can adjust the thickness. If you want it thicker, just let it simmer for longer. If it’s too thick, add more broth or milk to thin it out to your liking.
Make Ahead: This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a week. If you want to make it in larger batches, you can also freeze the soup in portions to use later.
Smooth Texture: For an ultra-smooth, lump-free soup, make sure you whisk constantly when adding the liquids. Using an immersion blender can help achieve a silky texture if that’s your preference.
Add Herbs for Extra Flavor: While this recipe keeps things simple with basic seasonings, feel free to add fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for a fresh, aromatic touch. Dried herbs can also be used, but adjust the quantity since they tend to be more concentrated.

Recipe Variations

Vegan/Plant-Based: Swap the butter for olive oil or vegan butter, and use a plant-based milk (like oat or almond milk) along with vegetable broth. This version keeps the essence of the original but caters to a vegan diet.
Add Vegetables: For more texture and nutrition, try adding other vegetables, such as carrots or leeks. They blend well with the celery and add extra layers of flavor.
Cheesy Celery Soup: Stir in some shredded cheddar cheese or Parmesan cheese for a cheesy twist. The cheese will melt into the soup, making it extra creamy and savory.
Spicy Celery Soup: If you’re in the mood for a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some finely chopped fresh chili peppers. This variation adds a nice kick to the otherwise mild-flavored soup.

Final Words

Making homemade Cream of Celery Condensed Soup is not only rewarding, but it’s also a great way to customize your pantry staples. It’s cheaper, fresher, and better for you than the canned version. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile-whether you’re using it as a base for casseroles, sauces, or simply enjoying it as a soup on its own, it’s a comforting dish that will never disappoint.

With a few basic ingredients and a little bit of time, you can enjoy this creamy, savory classic in your kitchen anytime you like. And the best part? You can adjust it to your taste, whether you like it thicker, creamier, or spicier. The possibilities are endless!

Cream Of Celery Condensed Soup Recipe