How to Make French Celery Soup (Soupe de Céleri)

French Celery Soup, or Soupe de Céleri, is a delightful and comforting dish with a unique flavor profile that celebrates the humble celery. This creamy soup is simple to make and can be a perfect starter or a light meal. Follow this guide to learn how to prepare this delicious French classic.

Ingredients

• 4 cups of fresh celery, chopped
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 4 cups of vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 cup of heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons of butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Vegetables

Start by washing the celery thoroughly to remove any dirt. Chop the celery into small pieces for even cooking. Similarly, dice the onion and potatoes. This step helps the vegetables cook faster and blend easily later on.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, which usually takes about 5 minutes. This will enhance the flavor of your soup.

3. Cook the Vegetables

After the onions are ready, add the chopped celery and diced potatoes to the pot. Stir well to combine the ingredients and let them cook for about 5-7 minutes. This added step of sautéing the vegetables will deepen the flavors of your soup.

4. Add the Broth

Pour the vegetable or chicken broth into the pot, ensuring that the vegetables are covered. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes. The vegetables should be tender and easy to pierce with a fork.

5. Blend the Soup

Once the vegetables are cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it reaches a smooth consistency. If you don't have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the soup in batches to a countertop blender.

6. Stir in the Cream

After blending, return the soup to low heat. Stir in the heavy cream, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the soup to warm through for a few minutes, but do not let it boil.

7. Serve and Garnish

Your French Celery Soup is now ready to serve! Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and extra flavor.

Tips for the Best Soupe de Céleri

• For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine after sautéing the onions.
• Experiment with herbs like thyme or dill for unique flavor profiles.
• Pair your soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

French Celery Soup is a perfect way to enjoy the fresh flavors of celery while also making a healthy choice. This simple yet elegant dish showcases the beauty of French cuisine and can easily be a crowd-pleaser at your next dinner party.