Creamy Celery and Herb (Printer version)

Silky-smooth soup with tender celery, potato, and aromatic herbs. Light yet satisfying.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
02 - 1 medium onion, chopped
03 - 6 celery stalks, sliced (approximately 14 ounces)
04 - 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Liquids

06 - 4 cups vegetable broth
07 - 1 cup whole milk or unsweetened plant-based milk

→ Herbs & Seasoning

08 - 1 bay leaf
09 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, plus extra for garnish
10 - 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
11 - 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
12 - Salt to taste
13 - Freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Finishing

14 - 2 tablespoons heavy cream or crème fraîche, optional
15 - Crusty bread for serving, optional

# Directions:

01 - Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent but not browned.
02 - Add sliced celery and diced potato to the pot. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables begin to soften.
03 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant and distributed throughout the vegetables.
04 - Pour in vegetable broth and add bay leaf. Bring to a simmer, cover with a lid, and cook for 15 to 18 minutes until celery and potato are very tender.
05 - Remove bay leaf. Stir in milk and fresh herbs including parsley, dill, and chives. Simmer for 2 additional minutes to infuse flavors.
06 - Blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender. Alternatively, carefully transfer in batches to a countertop blender and purée.
07 - Return soup to the pot. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Heat gently if necessary.
08 - Ladle soup into bowls. Swirl in cream or crème fraîche if desired and garnish with additional fresh herbs. Serve hot with crusty bread on the side.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The silky texture transforms humble celery into something luxurious without requiring any fancy techniques or equipment.
  • Its that perfect bridge between seasons when you want something warming but not heavy, letting you taste the brightness of herbs in every spoonful.
02 -
  • Never bring the soup to a full boil after adding milk, or it might separate and give your soup a grainy texture.
  • Blending hot soup can create pressure buildup, so if using a countertop blender, remove the center cap and cover with a kitchen towel to allow steam to escape safely.
03 -
  • Save the celery leaves and add them with the herbs for an intensified celery flavor that makes people wonder about your secret ingredient.
  • For an even silkier texture, strain the blended soup through a fine-mesh sieve before returning it to the pot.
Return