If you’re craving a comforting, elegant soup that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, you must try this Silky Cream of Celery Soup Recipe. It transforms humble celery and a few simple ingredients into a smooth, velvety delight that’s both hearty and wholesome. Perfectly creamy without being heavy, this soup is a true winter champion, delivering subtle, fresh flavors that linger lovingly on your palate with every spoonful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A blue pot with two silver handles on each side is placed on a white electric stove on a white marbled surface. Inside the pot, there are two main layers: the bottom layer is made of small light yellow cubes of butter, and the top layer consists of bright green chopped celery pieces evenly spread over the butter. In the background, there is a white plate on the white marbled surface holding a jar with a yellow liquid. The scene is well lit with soft, natural light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic behind this Silky Cream of Celery Soup Recipe lies in its straightforward, fresh ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role, from the fragrant onions that set the flavor base, to the creamy potatoes which give the soup its luscious texture and mild body.

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds richness and helps soften the vegetables to release their flavors.
  • 1 small onion, diced: Provides sweetness and depth, balancing the celery’s freshness.
  • ½ pound celery, chopped: The star ingredient, bringing a crisp, grassy brightness to the soup.
  • 1 clove garlic, minced: Offers a gentle aromatic kick without overpowering the delicate celery notes.
  • ½ pound potatoes, peeled and chopped: Contributes a creamy texture and subtle earthiness.
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable stock: The comforting liquid base that ties everything together.
  • Salt and pepper, to taste: Enhances and balances all the natural flavors in the soup.
  • ⅓ cup whole milk: Adds smoothness and mild creaminess without weighing the soup down.
  • ¼ cup half-and-half: Gives extra silkiness and a luxurious finish.
  • Optional garnishes – 2 tablespoons half-and-half, celery leaves, croutons: Elevate presentation and introduce texture and freshness.

How to Make Silky Cream of Celery Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Begin by warming the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onions, chopped celery, minced garlic, and peeled, chopped potatoes. Cook gently for about 10 minutes, stirring regularly to soften the vegetables without browning them. This step unlocks their natural sweetness and flavor, creating a beautiful base for your soup.

Step 2: Add Stock and Season

Pour in the chicken or vegetable stock, then season generously with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 20 minutes. This slow simmer softens the potatoes and celery until they’re tender and ready to blend. As it cooks, the flavors meld into a harmonious, comforting broth.

Step 3: Blend Until Smooth

Once the vegetables are tender, carefully transfer the mixture to a blender. Puree until silky smooth, ensuring there are no lumps left behind. This pureeing is the heart of the Silky Cream of Celery Soup Recipe, turning humble ingredients into a luxurious, creamy soup.

Step 4: Add Dairy and Warm Through

Return the blended soup to the saucepan and keep the heat low. Stir in the whole milk and half-and-half, blending everything together gently until warm—but avoid boiling, as it could affect the creamy texture. This step enriches the soup, making every spoonful irresistibly smooth and comforting.

How to Serve Silky Cream of Celery Soup Recipe

A white bowl filled with smooth light cream soup, decorated with a swirl of white cream on top. In the center of the soup are three small golden brown croutons and two fresh green celery leaves. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with fresh celery stalks to the left and small dishes of coarse salt and black pepper to the back right. A shiny silver spoon lies to the right side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Add those finishing touches with a swirl of half-and-half right on top, a handful of fresh celery leaves, and some crispy croutons. These simple garnishes not only elevate the presentation but add layers of flavor and texture that make each bite unforgettable.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a light green salad. Think of a warm, crusty baguette or an herbed focaccia to dip and scoop, or a tangy arugula salad to offset the creaminess of the soup. These sides round out your meal with complementary flavors and textures.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, serve the Silky Cream of Celery Soup Recipe in elegant bowls with a drizzle of truffle oil or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for an added gourmet flair. You could also use mini bread bowls or ramekins for individual servings, making your presentation as stunning as the soup tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself lucky enough to have leftovers, simply cool the soup completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, ready to be reheated whenever you need a soothing meal.

Freezing

You can freeze this soup to enjoy later, but keep in mind that the texture of cream-based soups might slightly change. Store the soup in a freezer-safe container, leaving some room for expansion, and it will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

Reheat your Silky Cream of Celery Soup Recipe on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently. Adding a splash of milk or stock can help restore its creamy consistency if it thickens too much. Avoid high heat to keep that perfect silky texture intact.

FAQs

Can I make this soup vegan?

Absolutely! Use vegetable stock and substitute the milk and half-and-half with plant-based alternatives like oat or almond milk for a vegan-friendly Silky Cream of Celery Soup Recipe that’s just as smooth and delicious.

Is celery the only vegetable in this soup?

While celery is the star, the potatoes and onions play crucial roles by adding body and balancing flavor. Garlic also imparts a subtle depth of aroma. These ingredients work together to create a soup that’s simple yet complex in taste and texture.

How do I get the soup perfectly smooth?

Blending properly is key. Use a high-speed blender or an immersion blender until no lumps remain. For an ultra-silky finish, you can strain the soup through a fine sieve after blending.

Can I prepare this soup in advance?

Yes, this soup freezes and stores beautifully. It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors deepen, making it a perfect make-ahead meal you can enjoy anytime.

What can I add to vary the flavor?

Feel free to experiment by adding herbs like thyme or parsley during cooking, or a pinch of nutmeg for warmth. You might also sprinkle crispy bacon bits or toasted seeds on top for texture and extra flavor.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about this Silky Cream of Celery Soup Recipe that makes it a go-to for cozy days and elegant dinners alike. With its perfect balance of fresh, smooth, and comforting elements, I wholeheartedly encourage you to give it a try. Your taste buds will thank you for this creamy, nourishing classic made simple and sensational.

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Silky Cream of Celery Soup Recipe

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4.2 from 7 reviews

This silky cream of celery soup is a smooth, hearty, and comforting vegetarian recipe perfect for warming up on cold winter days. Made with fresh celery, potatoes, and a blend of milk and half-and-half, it offers a rich and velvety texture that pairs beautifully with croutons and fresh celery leaves.

  • Author: Martha
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • ½ pound celery, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ½ pound potatoes, peeled and chopped
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable stock
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • ⅓ cup whole milk
  • ¼ cup half-and-half

Optional Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons half-and-half, to garnish
  • Celery leaves, to garnish
  • Croutons

Instructions

  1. Sauté vegetables: In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions, chopped celery, minced garlic, and peeled potatoes. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring regularly, until the vegetables begin to soften.
  2. Add stock and simmer: Pour in the chicken or vegetable stock, season with salt and pepper to your taste. Bring to a simmer and cook gently for 20 minutes, until the potatoes and celery are very soft and tender.
  3. Blend the soup: Carefully transfer the cooked vegetables and broth to a blender. Blend until the mixture becomes completely smooth and silky.
  4. Finish the soup: Pour the blended soup back into the saucepan over low heat. Stir in the whole milk and half-and-half until fully combined and warmed through. Do not boil after adding dairy.
  5. Serve and garnish: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with a swirl of half-and-half, fresh celery leaves, and croutons if desired. Enjoy immediately while warm.

Notes

  • For a vegan version, substitute whole milk and half-and-half with coconut milk or any plant-based milk.
  • Using vegetable stock keeps the recipe vegetarian and suitable for vegetarians; chicken stock will add a deeper flavor but is not vegetarian.
  • Adjust the thickness by adding more or less stock or milk according to your preference.
  • Can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat gently on the stovetop to avoid curdling the dairy.

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