Celery and cheese cream soup

Celery and cheese cream soup - a sophisticated and comforting delight

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4

If you're looking for a simple yet sophisticated recipe that will delight your senses, celery and cheese cream soup is the perfect choice. This recipe will surprise you with its fine texture and delicate flavors, making it an ideal option for a quick dinner or a special meal. Using fresh and healthy ingredients, the soup becomes an excellent choice for any season.

Necessary ingredients:

- 300 g celery (about 2-3 medium tubers)
- 2 garlic cloves
- 150 g cream cheese (preferably one with a slightly salty taste)
- 50 g cashews (you can also use other nuts if you prefer)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Water or vegetable broth, enough to cover the ingredients

Preparation steps:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by peeling the celery and cutting it into cubes. This step is important as smaller cubes will cook faster and more evenly. Also, peel the garlic cloves and crush them lightly with the blade of a knife to release their flavors.

2. Cooking the vegetables: In a large pot, add the olive oil and place it over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the celery and garlic. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the celery becomes slightly soft and the garlic releases its aroma. This sautéing technique will add complexity to the final flavor of the soup.

3. Boiling: Add water or vegetable broth to the pot, enough to cover the vegetables. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15 minutes until the celery is fully cooked and soft. This step is essential for achieving a fine cream soup.

4. Blending: Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, puree the mixture until you achieve a fine and creamy texture. If you want an even finer soup, you can strain the mixture through a fine sieve. Add the cream cheese and mix well until fully integrated. Here, the flavors combine in a delicious way, giving the soup a special creaminess.

5. Seasoning: Taste the soup and add salt to your preference. You can adjust the consistency of the soup by adding more water or broth, depending on your preferences.

6. Roasting the cashews: In a small pan, roast the cashews for 3-4 minutes until golden, making sure to stir constantly to prevent burning. These will add a delicious crunch to your soup.

7. Serving: Pour the soup into bowls and garnish with the roasted cashews for a contrast of textures. An excellent option is to add a few fresh parsley or basil leaves for a touch of freshness.

Suggestions and variations:

This celery and cheese cream soup can be adapted according to your preferences. Replace the cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a lighter version or add spices like curry or cumin to give it an exotic taste. You can also experiment with other nuts, such as pecans or almonds, to vary the flavor.

I invite you to try this quick and simple recipe, perfect for a cozy dinner or an elegant meal. Enjoy every spoonful and savor the combination of flavors and textures!