Celery cream soup

Creamy celery soup is an ideal dish for the cold season, a perfect choice when you're feeling under the weather or simply need something comforting. This soup will not only warm your soul but also provide the vitamins your body needs to cope with the chilly weather. Here’s how to prepare this delicious soup step by step to achieve a perfect result.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total: 50 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

- 1 large celery root (about 500 g)
- 100 g smoked bacon
- 1 large onion
- 3-4 bay leaves
- 2 chicken-flavored Maggi cubes
- 100 ml sour cream (one cup)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1-2 sprigs of fresh thyme
- 1-2 fresh basil leaves (or dried)
- Salt and pepper to taste

Soup preparation

1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by peeling and thoroughly washing the celery and onion. Cut the celery into small cubes (you don’t need to worry about the exact size, as we will use a blender later). Finely chop the onion.

2. Slicing the bacon
Slice the smoked bacon into small pieces. Its flavor will add a savory taste to the soup, so don’t skip this step.

3. Preparing the chicken broth
Bring 1 liter of water to a boil in a pot. Once the water starts boiling, add the two Maggi cubes. Boil the mixture for 1-2 minutes until the cubes dissolve completely.

4. Cooking the bacon
In a larger pot (2-3 liters), add the 3 tablespoons of olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the slices of smoked bacon and sauté until they become slightly crispy. Then, remove the bacon from the pot and set it aside on a plate.

5. Sautéing the vegetables
Use the oil in which you sautéed the bacon to cook the onion. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent. Then, add the celery, thyme, basil, salt, and pepper. Continue to sauté the mixture for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly to allow the flavors to develop.

6. Boiling the soup
Add the prepared chicken broth to the pot along with the bay leaves. Let the soup simmer over medium heat for about 25 minutes or until the celery becomes tender.

7. Blending the soup
Once the vegetables are cooked, remove the pot from the heat and take out the bay leaves. Use an immersion blender to puree the ingredients into a creamy consistency. Blend well until you achieve a smooth and homogeneous texture.

8. Adding the sour cream
Stir the sour cream into the blended soup and mix again to combine the ingredients. This step will make the soup creamier and richer in flavor.

Serving

Serve the creamy celery soup hot, with or without the crispy bacon slices on top. You can also add some croutons for extra texture. A personal suggestion would be to drizzle a little olive oil on top before serving to enhance the flavors.

Helpful tips

- Variations: You can experiment with other vegetables, such as carrots or potatoes, adding them during the cooking process. They will bring a sweet flavor and interesting texture.
- Thickening: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a few diced potatoes along with the celery.
- Flavoring: Instead of sour cream, you can use Greek yogurt for a lighter, less fatty version that is still delicious.

Nutritional benefits

Celery is a vegetable rich in vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin K, vitamin C, and potassium. It is low in calories, making it perfect for those looking to maintain their weight. Additionally, the smoked bacon adds protein and a deep flavor to the soup, transforming it into a satisfying meal.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use frozen celery? Yes, you can use frozen celery, but make sure to thaw and drain it well before using.
- Can I store the soup? The soup keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in airtight containers. You can also freeze it for later use.
- What can I serve with this soup? Creamy celery soup pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad or a slice of toasted bread. You can accompany it with a glass of white wine or a warm tea for a complete culinary experience.

Creamy celery soup is not just a simple dish but also a culinary experience that combines flavors and textures. This recipe is both versatile and comforting, perfect for enjoying with family or friends. Savor each spoonful and the warmth it brings while enhancing your culinary skills!