This Cream of Celery Soup is a comforting and creamy classic that transforms humble celery into a flavorful, satisfying dish. It’s smooth, savory, and perfect for chilly days or light meals. Whether you’re looking for a hearty appetizer or a simple vegetarian lunch, this homemade soup delivers both taste and nourishment with minimal effort. Ideal for pairing with warm bread or a crisp salad, this soup is easy to customize and naturally gluten-free.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 bunch celery (about 10 stalks), chopped

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 4 tablespoons butter

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)

• 2 cups milk

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped celery and onion. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and translucent.

2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for 2 minutes to form a roux.

4. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

5. Stir in the milk and heavy cream, then use an immersion blender (or transfer to a blender in batches) to puree the soup until smooth.

6. Return the soup to the pot (if blended separately), season with salt and pepper to taste, and simmer for another 5 minutes until heated through.

7. Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.

Nutrients

Serving Size: 1 cup (approximate)

• Calories: 210

• Protein: 4g

• Fat: 16g

• Saturated Fat: 10g

• Carbohydrates: 14g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 6g

• Sodium: 420mg

The Humble Celery, Elevated

Celery often plays a supporting role in recipes—used to add crunch to salads or as a base for stocks and soups—but rarely takes center stage. In this dish, however, celery shines in its full glory. Its natural earthiness is gently coaxed out through slow cooking, creating a soft and subtly sweet profile that blends beautifully with onions, garlic, and cream.

Using a whole bunch of celery ensures that the soup has both depth and body. The fibrous stalks break down during the simmering process, contributing to the soup’s hearty texture and fresh, garden-like taste. It’s a great way to use up extra celery in your fridge and give new life to an ingredient that’s often overlooked.

A Soup That Balances Comfort and Nutrition

One of the most appealing qualities of Cream of Celery Soup is its balanced nutrition. Each cup contains around 210 calories, making it filling without being heavy. With just 14 grams of carbohydrates and 4 grams of protein per serving, it’s a light yet satisfying option that fits well into most eating plans.

Celery itself is low in calories but high in fiber, vitamin K, and antioxidants. When combined with the protein from milk and the richness of cream, this soup offers a hearty yet nutritious meal. It’s also naturally gluten-free when prepared with a gluten-free flour substitute, making it accessible to a wide range of dietary needs.

Smooth and Creamy Texture with Homemade Appeal

What sets this soup apart from store-bought varieties is the texture. The use of an immersion blender or standard blender helps achieve a silky-smooth consistency that feels both luxurious and homemade. Unlike canned versions, which can be overly salty or artificial in flavor, this recipe gives you full control over seasoning and texture.

The creaminess doesn’t come at the cost of simplicity. There’s no need for complicated techniques or specialty equipment. The blending process is straightforward, and the result is a beautifully velvety soup that can rival anything served in a fine dining restaurant.

Versatile Enough for Any Occasion

Whether you’re serving guests or preparing a solo lunch, this Cream of Celery Soup fits the bill. It can be dressed up with a drizzle of truffle oil, a dollop of crème fraîche, or a sprinkling of Parmesan. Or keep it simple with fresh parsley and crusty bread on the side.

It also works well as a starter for larger meals. Its lightness doesn’t overpower the palate, making it a perfect first course for dinner parties or holiday gatherings. If you’re planning a multi-course menu, this soup will gracefully set the stage for more robust dishes without stealing the spotlight.

Customizable for Dietary Preferences

Another strength of this soup is its flexibility. While the recipe calls for chicken broth, it can easily be substituted with vegetable broth to make it fully vegetarian. For those who are dairy-free, unsweetened almond milk and coconut cream can be used in place of milk and heavy cream, though the flavor will take on a slightly nutty undertone.

If you’re looking to make it gluten-free, simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend or cornstarch slurry. These modifications don’t take away from the core flavors—they simply adapt the dish for different dietary needs.

You can also add in extra veggies like leeks, potatoes, or even spinach to give it more body and nutrients. Want to incorporate protein? Shredded chicken, white beans, or tofu cubes can easily be stirred in without affecting the smoothness or consistency.

Perfect Pairings for Cream of Celery Soup

Pairing this soup with the right side can elevate the entire meal. Warm crusty bread or garlic toast adds texture and heartiness. A fresh green salad with vinaigrette can balance the soup’s richness with crisp acidity. For a full meal, consider pairing it with a savory sandwich like grilled cheese or turkey and avocado panini.

On colder days, it makes a great companion to a baked potato or roasted vegetables. During spring, serve it chilled for a refreshing twist. Its versatility makes it a year-round staple in any home cook’s repertoire.

Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe

The beauty of this Cream of Celery Soup lies in its simplicity and reliability. With minimal prep and cook time, it’s ideal for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend meals. The ingredients are affordable and usually already on hand, and the process is so intuitive that it’s perfect even for beginner cooks.

The flavors are subtle yet satisfying, making it a great base for experimentation. Whether you follow the classic version or use it as a canvas for your own creations, it’s a recipe that welcomes creativity while still delivering delicious results every time.

Conclusion

Cream of Celery Soup proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated or filled with extravagant ingredients. It takes an everyday vegetable and turns it into a creamy, flavorful, and nourishing dish that’s easy to make and endlessly customizable. From weeknight dinners to elegant starters, this soup adapts to your needs with grace.

Its silky texture, balanced flavor, and nourishing qualities make it a recipe worth repeating. With its ability to warm both the body and the soul, Cream of Celery Soup earns its place as a timeless classic in any kitchen. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned chef looking for a new staple, this recipe is sure to become a favorite you return to again and again.