When you think of warming soups, Cream of Celery Soup might just be the cozy hug you need on a chilly day. Imagine taking a spoonful of this creamy delight, where the tender celery, fresh garlic, and sautéed onions come together in a fragrant broth that dances on your taste buds. It’s incredibly satisfying without being heavy, and best of all, it’s made creamy without any dairy! This soup is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a comforting starter for a gathering. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be craving this classic dish throughout the season. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious recipe today!
Why You’ll Love Cream of Celery Soup (Creamy, Easy, and Cozy)
Cream of Celery Soup is a total game changer when it comes to easy, comforting meals. It’s delightful and offers a silky, rich texture that feels luxurious yet is so simple to whip up. Plus, it’s a great way to use up that fresh celery you might have hanging out in your fridge. Here’s why you’ll want to make it:
- Quick Prep: Whip it up in about 30 minutes.
- Pantry-Friendly: Uses simple ingredients you probably have at home.
- Meal Prep Gem: Easy to batch and reheat for busy days.
- Vegetarian-Friendly: A comforting choice for plant-based diets.
- Flexible Flavor: Customize with herbs or spices.
- Low-Calorie Option: Light on calories without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients for Cream of Celery Soup
- Olive Oil – Adds richness and depth; substitute with butter for a different flavor.
- Onion – Brings sweetness; white or yellow onions work well.
- Celery – The star of the show; fresh celery is key!
- Garlic – Infuses a warm, aromatic flavor; minced or crushed fine.
- Vegetable Broth – The base of your soup; chicken broth works too for extra flavor.
- Heavy Cream – Makes it creamy without being heavy; swap for coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
- Salt and Black Pepper – Enhances flavor; adjust to your taste.
- Fresh Parsley – For garnish; adds freshness and a pop of color.
Ready to cook? See the recipe card for exact measurements below.
How to Make Cream of Celery Soup
Phase 1 – Prep
- Gather all your ingredients and tools.
- Chop the onion and celery into small pieces.
- Mince the garlic to release its flavors.
Phase 2 – Cook/Assemble
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until it’s soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the celery and garlic. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for about 15 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper. Blend until smooth.
Phase 3 – Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls.
- Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the warmth!
Pro Tips for the Best Results
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh celery packs more flavor and nutrients compared to wilted stalks.
- Blend It Smooth: For a restaurant-quality texture, use an immersion blender until creamy.
- Store in Air-tight Containers: Proper storage will keep your soup fresh and flavorful.
- Add a Twist: Try adding a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
- Reheat Jayne: Gently reheat on the stove to prevent curdling.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is not sautéing the onions long enough. If they aren’t soft, they won’t release their sweetness properly. Make sure they’re tender and translucent.
Another pitfall? Not adding enough seasoning. Taste and adjust as you go—salt and pepper can elevate the flavor significantly.
Lastly, if the soup gets too thick, it can become a paste. Just add a little extra broth and stir well to get that lovely creamy consistency back.
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-Free: Perfect as is, since there’s no flour!
- Dairy-Free: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or a vegan cream alternative.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes while cooking for heat.
- Herbal Touch: Stir in fresh thyme or dill for extra flavor.
- Different Cooking Methods: Cook it in an Instant Pot or air fryer for convenience.
How to Serve Cream of Celery Soup
- Best Pairings: Serve with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Toppings & Garnishes: Croutons or a sprinkle of fresh herbs amp up the flavor.
Make Ahead & Storage
Can I Meal Prep This?
Yes, it’s perfect for meal prepping! Store it in the fridge for easy reheating during the week.
Storing Leftovers
Keep in an airtight container. It will last in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing
You can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Just remember that it might change texture a bit after thawing.
Reheating
To reheat, warm it in a pot over low heat or microwave for about 2-3 minutes, stirring often to ensure even heating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen celery?
Yes, frozen celery is a handy alternative! Just toss it in frozen without thawing.
How to make it extra creamy without cream?
Puree some white beans or cashews into the soup for creaminess without dairy.
Can I double it?
Absolutely! Just make sure your pot is large enough to hold more batch.
How to fix a too-thick soup?
Add warm broth or water gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
Cream of Celery Soup is not just a delicious treat but also an easy way to warm up on a chilly day. You’ll love how creaminess comes without needing actual cream! Try making it tonight, and don’t forget to share your thoughts or rate this recipe! Looking for other cozy options? Check out our soup recipes collection for more tasty ideas!
Cream of Celery Soup
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Adds richness and depth; substitute with butter for a different flavor.
- 1 large Onion Brings sweetness; white or yellow onions work well.
- 4 stalks Celery The star of the show; fresh celery is key!
- 2 cloves Garlic Infuses a warm, aromatic flavor; minced or crushed fine.
- 4 cups Vegetable Broth The base of your soup; chicken broth works too for extra flavor.
- 1 cup Heavy Cream Makes it creamy without being heavy; swap for coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
Seasoning & Garnish
- 1 teaspoon Salt Enhances flavor; adjust to your taste.
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper Enhances flavor; adjust to your taste.
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley For garnish; adds freshness and a pop of color.
Instructions
Phase 1 – Prep
- Gather all your ingredients and tools.
- Chop the onion and celery into small pieces.
- Mince the garlic to release its flavors.
Phase 2 – Cook/Assemble
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until it’s soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the celery and garlic. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for about 15 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper. Blend until smooth.
Phase 3 – Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls.
- Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the warmth!
