Celery soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that highlights the natural sweetness and earthiness of fresh celery. This homemade version is creamy, rich, and packed with vibrant flavors.
Unlike canned soups, this recipe delivers freshness and depth, making it far superior in taste and nutrition. It’s a perfect dish for chilly evenings or when craving something light yet satisfying.
1. Celery Soup Recipe (7 Servings)
Ingredients
Base of the Soup
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 fat garlic cloves, rough chopped
- 6 cups celery, sliced thin (about 1 ¼ – 1 ½ pounds), save some leaves for garnish
- 2 cups potatoes, sliced into ½-inch thick rounds (about ¾ lb – 1 extra-large russet, peeled, or a few unpeeled Yukon Golds)
- 4 cups veggie or chicken broth (or 4 cups water + 1 tablespoon “Better than Bouillon” Vegetable Base)
- 1 cup water
- 1 bay leaf (optional, remove before blending)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ⅛ – ¼ teaspoon cayenne (optional, start conservatively and adjust to taste)
Fresh Herbs for Brightness
- ¼ cup fresh dill (small stems okay)
- ½ cup fresh parsley (small stems okay)
For the Creamy Texture
- ½ cup (or more) probiotic sour cream, vegan sour cream, or heavy cream
Garnishes (Optional but Delicious!)
- Crispy celery leaves
- Nigella seeds
- Hemp seeds
Instructions
Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté until softened and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Cook the Celery & Potatoes: Add sliced celery and potatoes to the pot. Stir well and sauté for a few more minutes to release their natural flavors.
Simmer the Soup: Pour in the broth and water, then add the bay leaf, salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using). Bring everything to a simmer and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes and celery are very tender.
Blend Until Smooth: Remove the bay leaf. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until silky smooth. If using a countertop blender, work in batches, being careful not to overfill.
Add Fresh Herbs: Stir in the fresh dill and parsley. Blend again briefly to incorporate the herbs while keeping a vibrant green color.
Make It Creamy: Stir in the probiotic sour cream, vegan sour cream, or heavy cream. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
Serve & Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crispy celery leaves, nigella seeds, and hemp seeds for extra texture and flavor.
2. Tips for Perfect Celery Soup
Use fresh celery with leaves: The leaves add a lovely depth of flavor, so don’t discard them entirely. Save some for garnish, as they crisp up beautifully in the oven or pan.
Blend thoroughly for a velvety texture: A high-powered blender creates a super smooth and creamy consistency. If using an immersion blender, take your time blending to avoid chunks.
Adjust the seasoning gradually: Since celery has a delicate flavor, adding too much salt or spice at once can overpower it. Start small and build up.
Incorporate fresh herbs at the end: This keeps their flavor bright and fresh rather than muted from prolonged cooking.
Cayenne for a subtle kick: This ingredient enhances warmth without making the soup too spicy. Adjust it according to preference.
3. What to Eat With Celery Soup
This soup is light yet creamy, making it a fantastic pairing with various dishes:
Crusty Bread & Butter: A warm baguette or sourdough bread provides the perfect texture contrast.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich: The creamy soup and crispy, cheesy sandwich create a comforting combination.
Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus balances the meal.
Simple Green Salad: A fresh salad with lemon vinaigrette complements the soup’s creamy texture.
Quiche or Savory Tart: A slice of vegetable quiche or mushroom tart pairs beautifully with the soup’s lightness.
4. How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
This soup stores well, making it a great meal prep option.
Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen over time, making it even better the next day.
Freezing: Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much after storing, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it.
This celery soup is a perfect balance of earthy, creamy, and fresh flavors. Homemade soups always feel more nourishing, and this one is no exception. It’s simple to prepare, yet the result is elegant and deeply comforting. The fresh herbs bring brightness, while the creamy element ties everything together beautifully.
Making this soup from scratch allows full control over the ingredients, ensuring a healthier and more flavorful dish than store-bought versions. Whether enjoyed as a light lunch or a cozy dinner, this recipe is one to keep in your rotation. Try it once, and it might just become a household favorite!
