Easy Cream Of Celery Soup Recipe

Cream of Celery Soup is the epitome of comfort in a bowl. It’s smooth, velvety, and surprisingly rich in flavor, despite using such a simple vegetable. This classic dish can warm you up on a chilly evening, serve as a light lunch, or even act as a side dish to a hearty dinner. The creamy texture makes it indulgent, while the delicate flavor of celery offers a subtle, refreshing balance. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or someone just starting to experiment with homemade soups, this recipe is an accessible, foolproof way to create a delicious, cozy dish from scratch.

One of the best parts of this soup? It’s incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it as is, or use it as a base for other recipes, like casseroles or creamy pasta sauces. If you’ve always wanted to try making your own creamy soups but thought it would be too difficult or time-consuming, this recipe is your ticket to success.

Easy Cream Of Celery Soup Recipe

This easy Cream of Celery Soup recipe doesn’t require complex techniques or hard-to-find ingredients, making it a perfect starting point for both novice and experienced cooks. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a rich, comforting bowl of soup that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients Needed

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter – For sautéing and adding richness.
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped – Adds a slight sweetness and depth of flavor.
• 4 cups celery, chopped (about 5-6 stalks) – Celery is the star here; its subtle, grassy flavor is what makes the soup unique.
• 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth – The broth is the base of the soup, providing the liquid and savory depth. Choose vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
• 2 cups whole milk – Whole milk gives the soup a rich, creamy texture without being too heavy.
• 1/2 cup heavy cream – For that indulgent creaminess and luxurious mouthfeel.
• 1 teaspoon salt – To season the soup.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – For a little kick to balance out the creaminess.
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional) – Adds a gentle depth of flavor without overwhelming the delicate taste of the celery.
• Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish – Optional, but it adds a pop of color and a hint of fresh herbiness.

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare Your Vegetables

   • Begin by washing and chopping the celery into small pieces. You want the celery to cook quickly, so try to cut it into uniform sizes.
   • Finely chop the onion as well. The onion will help build the base flavor of the soup.

2. Sauté The Aromatics

   • In a large soup pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onions and cook for about 3-5 minutes until they’re soft and translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
   • Add the chopped celery to the pot and cook for another 5-7 minutes until the celery softens slightly, stirring frequently.

3. Add The Liquids

   • Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and cook for about 15 minutes until the celery is tender and cooked through.

4. Blend The Soup

   • Use an immersion blender to blend the soup directly in the pot until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the soup to a blender in batches. Be sure to let the soup cool slightly before blending to avoid splashes!

5. Add Cream And Season

   • After blending, return the soup to medium heat. Stir in the milk and heavy cream, and season with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you like a little extra flavor, a pinch of garlic powder works wonders.
   • Allow the soup to simmer for another 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6. Serve And Garnish

   • Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley or thyme for a burst of color and freshness, and enjoy immediately!

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in this Cream of Celery Soup has a specific role, contributing to both the flavor and texture of the dish. Here’s a closer look at the star players:

• Celery: The core of this soup, celery brings a mild, slightly bitter flavor that cuts through the richness of the cream. It’s a vegetable that can be overlooked, but in this soup, it shines as the main ingredient.
• Butter: Butter is a classic base for many soups and sauces. It adds a luxurious richness to the soup and helps sauté the vegetables, enhancing their natural sweetness.
• Milk & Heavy Cream: The combination of milk and cream is what gives this soup its creamy, smooth texture. The milk provides the base, while the heavy cream adds depth and indulgence.
• Broth: The broth provides the savory liquid that helps cook the vegetables. It can be swapped out for chicken or vegetable stock, depending on your preferences. Broth adds a depth of flavor that water simply can’t replicate.
• Onions: Onions provide a subtle sweetness and umami to balance out the celery’s earthy notes. They also help build the soup’s flavor profile.

Expert Tips

• Use an Immersion Blender for Easy Blending: If you have an immersion blender, use it directly in the pot. It saves time, and you won’t have to transfer hot soup to a blender. It’s also less messy!
• Don’t Overcook the Celery: Celery can lose its vibrant green color and fresh flavor if it’s cooked too long. Keep an eye on it and aim for a tender texture, not mushy.
• For Extra Creaminess, Add More Cream: If you want an even richer texture, you can add more cream. Some recipes also call for a touch of cream cheese for additional tang and smoothness.
• Season to Taste: Everyone’s palate is different, so be sure to taste your soup before serving. Add more salt, pepper, or even a pinch of nutmeg or cayenne for an interesting twist.
• Garnish for a Pop of Flavor: Fresh herbs, like parsley or thyme, add a burst of color and a subtle freshness that contrast beautifully with the richness of the soup.

Recipe Variations

While this Cream of Celery Soup is fantastic as written, it’s also easy to customize based on your preferences. Here are some ideas for variations:

• Cream of Celery and Potato: Add peeled and diced potatoes to the soup base. They’ll soften and blend into the soup, adding a hearty texture and extra creaminess.
• Vegan Version: Replace the butter with olive oil or coconut oil, and swap out the milk and heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk or almond milk. Make sure to use vegetable broth to keep it vegan-friendly.
• Herb-Infused Soup: For a more complex flavor, add a sprig of rosemary, thyme, or sage to the broth while it’s simmering. Remove the herbs before blending for a more delicate flavor.
• Cheese Lover’s Soup: Add grated cheddar, Parmesan, or Gruyère to the soup for a cheesy twist. Stir it in at the end, letting it melt into the soup for a richer, more savory dish.
• Add Protein: Stir in some cooked shredded chicken or crumbled bacon for a non-vegetarian twist. These additions will make the soup heartier and more filling.

Final Words

This Cream of Celery Soup is a beautiful balance of simplicity and indulgence. It’s so easy to make, but it delivers on flavor and texture in ways that will surprise you. Plus, with the versatility to adjust and tweak the recipe based on your preferences, it’s the kind of soup that can be enjoyed all year round. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant starter for a special meal, this recipe will serve you well.