This Carrot and Celery Soup is like a warm hug in a bowl! Rich, creamy, and heartwarming, it’s a delight to sip on chilly days. Picture the sweetness of carrots mingling with the crispness of celery, all enveloped in a velvety texture that’s free from any cream. This soup is not only comforting but also super simple to whip up, so it’s the ideal choice for busy weeknights or casual family meals. Loaded with fresh, earthy flavors, it brings all the joys of the season to your table. Get ready to fall in love with a dish that’s not just tasty but also packed with good-for-you ingredients!
Why You’ll Love Carrot and Celery Soup (Creamy, Easy, and Cozy)
This Carrot and Celery Soup is a total game changer! It’s quick to make and fills your kitchen with the warm, inviting aromas of garlic and simmering veggies. Plus, it’s perfect for hearty meal preps or a cozy night in. Here’s what makes it stand out:
- Speed: Quick cooking time; ready in about 30 minutes!
- Texture: Creamy and smooth without a drop of cream.
- Pantry-Friendly: Simple ingredients you probably already have.
- Meal Prep: Great for make-ahead lunches or dinners.
- Dietary Notes: Vegan, gluten-free, and packed with nutrients!
Key Ingredients for Carrot and Celery Soup
Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting soup:
- 4 carrots, chopped: Adds sweetness and vibrant color.
- 4 celery stalks, chopped: Provides a crunchy texture and fresh flavor.
- 1 onion, chopped: Brings a depth of flavor and sweetness.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Offers a fragrant punch and warmth.
- 4 cups vegetable broth: The liquid base that brings everything together.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds richness and helps cook the veggies.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances all the natural flavors.
- Optional: fresh herbs for garnish: Adds a fresh pop of flavor and color.
Ready to cook? See the recipe card for exact measurements below.
How to Make Carrot and Celery Soup
Phase 1 – Prep
- Gather all your ingredients. Wash and chop the carrots, celery, onion, and garlic.
- Set your cutting board and knife aside so you can get cooking!
Phase 2 – Cook/Assemble
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic; sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the carrots and celery, cooking for another 5 minutes.
- Pour in the vegetable broth, season with salt and pepper, and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes.
Phase 3 – Serve
- Once the veggies are tender, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
- Adjust seasoning as needed and serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Pro Tips for the Best Results
- Sweetness boost: Add a pinch of maple syrup for extra sweetness.
- Blend it smooth: An immersion blender keeps it simple and mess-free.
- Storage saver: Make a big batch and freeze portions for quick meals later!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is overcooking the vegetables, resulting in mushy texture. To avoid this, cook just until tender but still bright in color. Keep an eye on the pot!
Another pitfall is not seasoning enough. Always taste your soup before serving and adjust the salt and pepper for the best flavor.
Lastly, if your soup is too thick, this can happen if you don’t add enough broth. Just stir in some water or more broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
Recipe Variations
- For a gluten-free option, ensure your broth is gluten-free.
- Make it dairy-free by keeping it cream-free.
- Add some heat with a spicy pepper or red pepper flakes.
- Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for added flavor.
- Use an instant pot for quicker cooking—just sauté, then pressure cook for 10 minutes!
How to Serve Carrot and Celery Soup
- Best Pairings: Crusty bread, a simple salad, or grilled cheese.
- Toppings & Garnishes: Drizzle of olive oil, croutons, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
- Drink Pairing: herbal tea, or sparkling water.
Make Ahead & Storage
Can I Meal Prep This?
Yes! This soup is perfect for meal prep and can be made ahead of time for quick lunches or dinners.
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Make sure it’s fully cooled before sealing!
Freezing
You can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. The texture may change slightly after thawing, but it will still taste great!
Reheating
Reheat in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. For microwave, heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cauliflower? Yes! Just make sure to thaw and drain before adding it to the soup.
How to make it extra creamy without cream? Try blending in a potato or using cashew cream.
Can I double it? Absolutely! Just use a larger pot and adjust cooking time if needed.
How to fix a too-thick soup? Add more broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency.
This Carrot and Celery Soup is creamy, soothing, and so easy to make! Perfect for meal prep or a cozy night in, it’s bound to become a favorite. Give it a try, and don’t forget to rate it or check out our other comforting soup recipes!
Carrot and Celery Soup
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 4 pieces carrots, chopped Adds sweetness and vibrant color.
- 4 stalks celery, chopped Provides a crunchy texture and fresh flavor.
- 1 piece onion, chopped Brings a depth of flavor and sweetness.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Offers a fragrant punch and warmth.
- 4 cups vegetable broth The liquid base that brings everything together.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil Adds richness and helps cook the veggies.
- to taste salt and pepper Enhances all the natural flavors.
- optional fresh herbs for garnish Adds a fresh pop of flavor and color.
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather all your ingredients. Wash and chop the carrots, celery, onion, and garlic.
- Set your cutting board and knife aside so you can get cooking!
Cooking
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic; sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the carrots and celery, cooking for another 5 minutes.
- Pour in the vegetable broth, season with salt and pepper, and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes.
Serving
- Once the veggies are tender, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
- Adjust seasoning as needed and serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
