This Simple Celery Soup transforms humble ingredients into a vibrant, nutrient-packed meal.
The delicate flavor of celery is complemented by potatoes and fresh herbs, creating a comforting yet light soup that’s perfect for any season.
Rich in dietary fiber and plant-based protein, it supports digestive health while keeping calories in check, making it an excellent choice for those seeking wholesome, satisfying meals.
The addition of probiotic-rich sour cream or vegan alternatives adds a subtle creaminess and healthy fats, balancing nutrition with indulgence.
Quick to prepare and easy to customize, this soup is ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or a cozy lunch.
Its gentle spice and fresh herb infusion make it a crowd-pleaser, while the optional crispy celery leaf garnish elevates presentation, demonstrating that nutritious meals can also feel gourmet.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
Heavy-Bottomed Soup Pot
Essential for evenly cooking vegetables without scorching. Its deep sides and sturdy construction make it ideal for soups, stews, and sauces, offering versatility in daily meal prep.
Immersion Blender
Allows for silky, smooth blending directly in the pot. It saves time, minimizes cleanup, and is perfect for achieving a vibrant, creamy texture without a traditional blender.
Chef’s Knife
Ideal for slicing celery and potatoes evenly, ensuring uniform cooking. A sharp, durable knife is invaluable in any kitchen for precise, efficient chopping.
Small Skillet
Perfect for crisping celery leaves or frying seeds. Its compact size gives control for quick garnishes and adds a touch of finesse to your presentation.
Measuring Cups & Spoons
Ensure consistent flavor and texture by accurately measuring ingredients, which is especially important in delicate soups like this.
Healthy Creamy Celery Soup
Equipment
- 1 heavy-bottomed soup pot
- 1 immersion
- 1 Blender
- 1 Chef’s Knife
- 1 Small Skillet
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 onion diced
- 4 garlic cloves rough chopped
- 6 cups celery thinly sliced (about 1 1/4–1 1/2 lbs, save leaves for garnish)
- 2 cups potatoes 1/2-inch slices (~3/4 lb, peeled or unpeeled)
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth or 4 cups water + 1 tbsp vegetable base
- 1 cup water
- 1 bay leaf optional
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/8 –1/4 tsp cayenne optional, adjust to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh dill chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley chopped
- 1/2 cup sour cream vegan sour cream, heavy cream, or cashew cream
- Garnishes: crispy celery leaves nigella seeds, hemp seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil (or butter) in a heavy-bottomed soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn golden and fragrant. This step builds the flavorful foundation for the soup.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the roughly chopped garlic cloves and cook for 1–2 minutes until aromatic, being careful not to let the garlic burn. This enhances the soup’s depth while maintaining a smooth, mellow flavor.
- Combine Vegetables and Liquid: Add the thinly sliced celery, potatoes, vegetable or chicken broth, 1 cup water, bay leaf (if using), salt, pepper, and cayenne (optional) to the pot. Ensure the liquid just covers the vegetables, adding more water if necessary, then bring to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer Vegetables: Reduce the heat to medium-low and gently simmer, covered, for approximately 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. This softens the vegetables while preserving the vibrant celery flavor.
- Wilt Fresh Herbs: Turn off the heat, remove the bay leaf, and stir in the fresh dill and parsley, allowing them to gently wilt in the residual heat. Avoid overcooking to preserve the bright green color and fresh herbal aroma.
- Blend Soup Smooth: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until completely silky and smooth. If using a traditional blender, allow the soup to cool slightly, blend in batches, and hold the lid firmly with a kitchen towel to prevent splattering.
- Incorporate Creaminess: Return the blended soup to low heat and gently stir in 1/2 cup of sour cream, vegan sour cream, cashew cream, or heavy cream. Heat slowly, ensuring the soup stays vibrant and doesn’t over-simmer.
- Prepare Garnishes: In a small skillet, heat a generous amount of olive oil over medium heat. Fry a few celery leaves at a time for 10–20 seconds per side until crisp, then set on paper towels. Optional: lightly fry nigella seeds in the same oil for extra flavor.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the creamy soup into bowls, top with crispy celery leaves, nigella seeds, or hemp seeds if desired, and serve immediately. Pair with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete, nourishing meal.
Notes
- Use thinly sliced celery to reduce fibrous texture and ensure a smooth, creamy soup.
- For a vegan version, use cashew cream or plant-based sour cream; adding a splash of lemon juice brightens the flavor.
- Avoid overcooking fresh herbs; adding them at the end preserves color and freshness.
- Freeze soup without cream or dairy; add it only when reheating for best texture.
- Adjust cayenne to taste; it adds warmth without overwhelming the delicate celery flavor.
- Crispy celery leaves make a beautiful garnish and add a light crunch and earthy flavor.
Chef’s Secrets for Flavorful Soup
To achieve a rich and vibrant celery soup, start by sautéing onions until golden and aromatic, which forms the flavor base.
The key is adding fresh herbs at the very end of cooking to retain their bright green color and aromatic quality.
Blending the soup thoroughly ensures a silky smooth texture that feels luxurious, even though it’s made from humble ingredients.
Using thinly sliced potatoes helps thicken naturally, while a touch of cream or cashew cream adds richness without overpowering the delicate vegetal notes.
Frying celery leaves briefly in hot oil creates a crispy garnish that enhances presentation and adds an unexpected texture.
Serving Suggestions for Perfect Pairing
This celery soup shines on its own as a light starter or a wholesome lunch.
Serve with toasted whole-grain bread, garlic croutons, or a side salad for a complete, satisfying meal.
Garnishes like fried celery leaves, nigella seeds, or hemp seeds elevate both flavor and visual appeal.
For added richness, a dollop of sour cream or cashew cream adds a creamy layer.
Pair with a crisp white wine or herbal tea for a comforting, balanced meal.
The soup’s mild flavor makes it versatile, allowing you to enjoy it hot in winter or chilled as a refreshing summer starter.
Storage Tips to Keep Fresh
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To preserve the vibrant green color, do not add cream until reheating.
For longer storage, freeze in meal-sized portions for up to 3 months.
Reheat gently over low heat, stirring occasionally, and then add cream or garnish at the end. Avoid boiling after adding dairy, as it may curdle.
Proper storage ensures you have a convenient, healthy meal ready for busy weekdays or meal prep.
Frequently Asked Questions Answered
1. Can I make this soup vegan?
Yes! Replace sour cream with cashew cream or plant-based sour cream, and skip any animal-based broth. A splash of lemon juice enhances the flavor in vegan versions.
2. How do I avoid stringy celery?
Slice celery thinly and cook until just tender. Overcooking or using thick, fibrous stalks can result in a less smooth texture.
3. Can I use a regular blender instead of an immersion blender?
Absolutely. Blend in batches, filling the blender halfway and holding the lid with a kitchen towel to avoid splatters. Cool slightly if blending hot liquid.
4. Can I prepare the soup ahead of time?
Yes. Make the soup up to the blending stage, then store refrigerated or frozen. Add cream and garnish only before serving to preserve texture and color.
5. What other garnishes work well?
Crispy herbs like parsley, fried shallots, or seeds such as hemp, pumpkin, or nigella all add visual appeal, crunch, and flavor without overpowering the soup.
This recipe has been adapted and simplified from the original version by errenskitchen. We’ve refined the steps for a smoother cooking experience and added helpful notes, nutrition insights, and essential kitchen tools to make it even easier for home cooks.
