Creamy Celery and Herb Soup (Printable Version)

Silky-smooth soup with tender celery and fresh herbs for a light, comforting meal.

# 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 and 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 for swirling
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 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.
04 - Pour in vegetable broth and add bay leaf. Bring to a simmer, cover, 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.
06 - Blend soup until smooth using an immersion blender, or carefully in batches using a countertop blender.
07 - Return soup to pot. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Heat gently if needed.
08 - Ladle into bowls, swirl in cream or crème fraîche if desired, and garnish with additional herbs. Serve hot with crusty bread.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The silky texture comes from the potato, which thickens the soup naturally without any cream needed in the base.
  • It uses the entire celery bunch, including those leafy tops most people throw away, transforming something ordinary into something genuinely special.
02 -
  • Overcooked herbs turn from vibrant green to a dull olive color, so add them at the end for just enough time to infuse their flavor but maintain their appearance.
  • If your celery has tough strings that wont blend smooth, try peeling the outer layer of the stalks before chopping them.
03 -
  • Save the tender inner celery leaves and add them with the other herbs for an intensified celery flavor that makes this soup truly memorable.
  • For special occasions, drizzle a tiny bit of good olive oil over each serving along with the cream for a professional finishing touch that adds richness and visual appeal.
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