Creamy Celery and Herb

This Creamy Celery and Herb Soup is a celebration of simple, fresh ingredients transformed into a silky-smooth and comforting masterpiece. Featuring tender celery and a fragrant blend of fresh parsley, dill, and chives, it offers a light yet deeply flavorful finish that is perfect for any time of year. Whether you are looking for a healthy lunch or an elegant starter, this soup provides a refined experience with minimal effort.

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The secret to this soup's satisfying body is the addition of a single diced potato, which blends down to create a rich texture without the need for heavy thickeners. By simmering the vegetables in a savory broth with a bay leaf, you build a foundation of flavor that is perfectly complemented by the brightness of the fresh herbs added at the very end.

Ingredients

• Vegetables: 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 1 medium onion (chopped), 6 celery stalks (sliced, about 400 g), 1 medium potato (peeled and diced), 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• Liquids: 4 cups (1 liter) vegetable broth, 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk or unsweetened plant-based milk
• Herbs & Seasoning: 1 bay leaf, 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, plus extra for garnish), 1 tbsp fresh dill (chopped), 1 tbsp fresh chives (chopped), salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Finishing: 2 tbsp heavy cream or crème fraîche (optional, for swirling), crusty bread (optional, for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened but not browned.

Step 2: Cook Vegetables

Add the sliced celery and diced potato. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.

Step 3: Add Garlic

Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Simmer

Pour in the vegetable broth and add the bay leaf. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15–18 minutes, or until the celery and potato are very tender.

Step 5: Infuse Herbs

Remove the bay leaf. Stir in the milk and fresh herbs (parsley, dill, chives). Simmer for 2 more minutes.

Step 6: Blend

Blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender (or carefully in batches in a countertop blender).

Step 7: Season

Return the soup to the pot. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Heat gently if needed.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Ladle into bowls, swirl in cream or crème fraîche if desired, and garnish with extra herbs. Serve hot with crusty bread.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure the smoothest possible texture, make sure the celery is completely tender before blending. For a touch of extra warmth, you can add a small pinch of ground nutmeg during the final seasoning stage.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a vegan version, use plant-based butter and milk (such as oat or almond milk), and omit the heavy cream or replace it with a vegan alternative. For a more complex flavor, you can also add a splash of dry white wine to the pot after sautéing the vegetables.

Serviervorschläge

Serve the soup hot with a swirl of heavy cream or crème fraîche for added richness. It pairs beautifully with thick slices of warm, crusty bread, which are perfect for soaking up every last drop of the herb-infused broth.

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Whether enjoyed on a quiet evening at home or served at a gathering, this Creamy Celery and Herb Soup is a testament to the power of fresh, simple ingredients. Its silky texture and aromatic herbal notes provide a comforting yet sophisticated meal that is sure to satisfy.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, substitute butter with plant-based butter, use unsweetened plant-based milk instead of dairy milk, and omit the cream or use a vegan alternative for swirling.

→ How long does this soup keep in the refrigerator?

This soup stores well in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetet, adding a splash of liquid if needed.

→ Can I freeze this soup?

This freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Freeze before adding the cream garnish. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

→ What herbs work best in this soup?

Fresh parsley, dill, and chives create the perfect balance. Parsley adds brightness, dill contributes subtle sweetness, and chives provide mild onion notes.

→ Do I have to use a potato?

The potato helps create natural thickness and creaminess without using flour. You could substitute with a small turnip or additional celery, though the texture will be lighter.

→ Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

While fresh herbs provide superior flavor, you can use dried herbs at one-third the quantity. Add them earlier with the broth to allow flavors to develop.