| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 150 | 12g | 7g | 8g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 3g | 2g | 4g | 0.85g |
There’s something magical about a simmering pot on the stove, filling the house with a comforting aroma. When I make Cream of Leaf Celery Soup, it’s as if I’m blending the natural essence of fresh vegetables with the kind of warm, nurturing love that comes from simple, hearty recipes. Growing up in New Jersey, my Italian grandparents always had something brewing in the kitchen, and this soup brings me back to those days of familial warmth and everyday feast.
A Nourishing Classic
This Cream of Leaf Celery Soup captures the essence of traditional cooking but also brings a level of refinement that makes it suitable for any dinner table. While it can be reminiscent of other classic creamy soups like Cream of Asparagus or even a Hearty Potato Leek Soup, what stands out in this dish is the unique flavor profile of leaf celery. There’s a rustic elegance to leaf celery, a vegetable often overlooked for its more common cousin, the stalk celery.
Health Benefits
Leaf celery is not only packed with flavor but also offers numerous health benefits. It’s rich in vitamins A, C, and K, which are essential for maintaining good vision, skin health, and blood clotting respectively. It also includes compounds like apigenin and luteolin, known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The additional vegetables and wholesome ingredients in this soup, including garlic and onion, have their own proven health benefits too, such as supporting heart health and boosting the immune system.
As we incorporate heavy cream and unsalted butter, the soup achieves a silky texture that perfectly complements its rich flavors. However, if you’re looking for a lighter option, you can easily substitute the heavy cream with a plant-based milk, like almond or coconut milk, without losing the charm and warmth that makes this soup so comforting.
This Cream of Leaf Celery Soup pairs beautifully with Classic Caesar Salad for a balanced meal. Alternatively, serve it alongside a crusty loaf of homemade Italian bread, just like my grandparents would, for an added layer of nostalgia and satisfaction.
Cooking can be a therapeutic journey, transforming simple ingredients into a bowl of love. This Cream of Leaf Celery Soup is more than just a recipe—it’s a testament to the power of simplicity, tradition, and the joy of nourishing both body and soul. With each spoonful, you’re not just enjoying a meal, you’re savoring a piece of culinary history reinterpreted for today.
What You’ll Need
- 8 cups leaf celery, chopped
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Method
Step One
In a large pot, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
Step Two
Add the chopped leaf celery to the pot and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to soften.
Step Three
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the vegetables and stir well to coat. Cook for 2 more minutes, stirring constantly.
Step Four
Slowly pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and water while stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, until the celery is tender.
Step Five
Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup in batches to a blender and blend until smooth, then return it to the pot.
Step Six
Stir in the heavy cream, salt, black pepper, and ground nutmeg. Allow the soup to heat through on low heat, but do not let it boil.
Step Seven
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!
