Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 45 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
270 | 18g | 8g | 20g |
sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
3g | 5g | 6g | 0.8g |
Why I Love Finnish Roasted Celery Soup
Nothing warms me up like a delicious bowl of Roasted Celery Soup. This Finnish recipe is a unique twist on a classic comfort food. With a rich, creamy base enhanced by the unique flavor profile of roasted celery, this soup is something truly special. To add a little flair, I threw in my own Italian-American twist with a dash of fresh dill and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Finding Flavor in Unlikely Places
When it comes to soup, we often look to the same handful of ingredients for flavor, like chicken, beef, or tomatoes. But celery—a humble, often overlooked vegetable—can yield an impressive depth of flavor. In this recipe, roasting the celery brings out its earthy, slightly nutty, and subtly sweet flavors, complementing the creaminess of the soup and enhancing its savory richness. The addition of a little lemon juice and dill is a nod to Francesco Accomando, a chef who believes in clever, fresh twists on classic dishes.
Blend It for Ultimate Creaminess
Another thing I adore about this Roasted Celery Soup is its texture. Once the soup is cooked, I like to blend half of it to create a creamy, rich base, then mix it with the remaining chunky soup. This way, every spoonful is hearty with a velvety mouthfeel. It’s one of those comforting dishes that can make a cold, gloomy day feel cozy and warm.
If you’ve never tried Finnish cuisine before, this Roasted Celery Soup is a great introduction. Traditionally, Finnish cooking is all about simplicity and seasonal ingredients. And while this recipe isn’t blatantly Italian, it would be right at home as a first course at a family gathering, followed by a hearty pasta dish like spaghetti bolognese or lasagna.
If you want to get adventurous, try pairing this soup with recipes from other cuisines. I’ve found that it works beautifully as a palate-cleansing appetizer before a spiced Indian curry or a Vietnamese pho. The fresh dill and tart lemon juice make it a versatile soup that can complement a variety of main courses.
In short, this Roasted Celery Soup is one of those dishes that I love for its simplicity, heartiness, and unique flavor. It’s not just a recipe; it’s a bowl full of coziness and comfort. I believe that the best dishes are those that bring warmth to your table and joy to your heart, and this soup certainly does that.
What You’ll Need
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 large Onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic, finely minced
- 1 large head Celery, chopped
- 3 medium Potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
- 6 cups Vegetable broth
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon Fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
Method
Step One
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté these until the onions become translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
Step Two
Add the chopped celery to the pot. Stir well to combine it with the onion and garlic, and allow it to cook until the celery begins to soften. This should take approximately 5 minutes.
Step Three
Next, add the cubed potatoes to the pot. Stir these in well, and let them cook for another 5 minutes or until the potatoes also begin to soften.
Step Four
Pour in the vegetable broth, making sure all the vegetables are covered. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let everything cook for about 20 minutes.
Step Five
After the vegetables have cooked, use an immersion blender (or carefully transfer to a blender in batches) to puree the soup until it reaches your desired consistency.
Step Six
Stir in the heavy cream, then season the soup with salt, pepper, and the finely chopped fresh dill. Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary.
Step Seven
Finally, stir in the lemon juice. Then, serve the soup hot, with a little extra dill sprinkled on top if desired.
Step Eight
Enjoy your delicious homemade Roasted Celery Soup! It can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a fresh salad or sandwich for a more filling meal.