Celery And Potato Soup Recipe

There’s something deeply comforting about a bowl of soup. Whether you’re curled up on a rainy day or need a quick and nutritious meal, soup has a way of filling your soul. If you’re looking for a fresh and flavorful take on the classic comfort food, then Celery and Potato Soup is an ideal choice. This vibrant dish offers the perfect balance of creamy texture, earthy flavors, and a subtle hint of freshness from the celery. With its smooth, velvety consistency and heartiness, this soup satisfies on a deeper level, all while being simple to prepare.

Celery and potato might not sound like an obvious pairing at first, but once you taste it, you’ll wonder why it isn’t a more common duo. The potatoes give the soup its smooth, creamy base, while the celery provides an aromatic, slightly peppery contrast. This combination not only pleases the palate but also gives you a wholesome meal that can be enjoyed any time of year.

This is a recipe that hits all the right notes: it’s easy to make, full of flavor, and incredibly satisfying. The simple ingredients make it a go-to dish when you’re craving something hearty but don’t have a lot of time or complex ingredients on hand.

Ingredients Needed

To make this Celery and Potato Soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

3 tablespoons unsalted butter: For sautéing the vegetables and adding a rich base to the soup.
1 medium onion, chopped: A flavor foundation that will infuse the broth with sweetness.
3 stalks of celery, chopped: Celery adds a fresh, slightly peppery crunch that balances the creamy potatoes.
4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced: The heart of the soup, providing a thick, creamy texture once cooked.
4 cups vegetable broth: Adds depth to the soup, enhancing the flavors.
1 cup milk: For a creamy, smooth consistency (you can substitute cream for an extra indulgent soup).
1 teaspoon dried thyme: A subtle herb that complements the vegetables and adds warmth.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing the flavors together.
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional): For garnish, adding a fresh, green note to the finished dish.

Cooking Instructions

Making this soup is an easy and enjoyable process, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. Here’s how to do it:

Prepare the vegetables: Start by chopping the onion, celery, and potatoes. This step can be done ahead of time if you’re looking to save a little bit of prep work later.
Sauté the onion and celery: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery, and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened and the onions are translucent. This step allows the vegetables to release their flavors and infuse the soup with aromatic goodness.
Add the potatoes and broth: Once the onions and celery are softened, add the diced potatoes to the pot. Pour in the vegetable broth and add the dried thyme. Bring the soup to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Blend the soup: Once the potatoes are cooked through, use an immersion blender directly in the pot to blend the soup until it’s smooth and creamy. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender. Just be careful when blending hot liquids!
Add milk and season: Stir in the milk and continue to heat the soup over low heat. Taste and add salt and pepper to your preference. If you’d like a thinner soup, add more milk or a little water to reach your desired consistency.
Serve and garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm with a side of crusty bread for dipping.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s take a moment to appreciate what each ingredient brings to the table in this recipe.

Potatoes: The starchy goodness of potatoes is key to achieving a creamy texture in this soup. They act as a natural thickener, giving the soup body and richness. Plus, potatoes are versatile and take on the flavors of whatever they’re cooked with, making them an ideal base for this dish.
Celery: Often overlooked, celery is actually the unsung hero in this soup. It provides a crisp, slightly tangy element that balances out the heaviness of the potatoes. Celery’s fresh, green taste is a perfect contrast to the creaminess of the soup, giving it a layer of brightness.
Thyme: Thyme adds a mild, earthy aroma that pairs perfectly with the potatoes and celery. It enhances the savory notes of the soup without overpowering the other ingredients.
Butter: Butter is the base for sautéing the vegetables, giving them a soft and sweet flavor. It also helps to bring together the other elements of the soup, making it rich and satisfying.
Milk: Milk gives the soup its creamy texture, making each spoonful velvety smooth. You can use heavy cream for an even richer result, or opt for non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk if you prefer.

Expert Tips

To make your Celery and Potato Soup even better, consider the following tips from seasoned home cooks:

Don’t skip the sautéing step: Sautéing the onion and celery in butter before adding the potatoes allows their flavors to fully develop and adds depth to the soup. This small step makes a huge difference in the final taste.
Use a mix of potatoes: If you have the option, use a combination of waxy potatoes (like Yukon Gold) and starchy potatoes (like Russets). The waxy potatoes hold their shape and provide a silky texture, while the starchy potatoes break down and thicken the soup.
Make it vegan: If you’re vegan or dairy-free, substitute the butter with olive oil or coconut oil, and use a plant-based milk such as almond, soy, or oat milk.
Make ahead and freeze: This soup is even better the next day, as the flavors have had time to meld together. You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months.

Recipe Variations

Soup recipes are great because they’re so adaptable. Here are a few variations of the Celery and Potato Soup to fit different tastes:

Cheesy Celery and Potato Soup: Add shredded cheese (cheddar or gruyere works great) to the soup for a cheesy twist. Stir it in once the soup is blended and creamy for a rich, indulgent flavor.
Celery and Potato Soup with Bacon: Fry some bacon and crumble it on top of the soup before serving. The smoky, salty flavor of the bacon pairs wonderfully with the creamy potatoes and fresh celery.
Spicy Celery and Potato Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper for a little heat. You can also top the soup with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to balance out the spiciness.
Herb-Infused: Play around with herbs like rosemary or bay leaves. Just be sure to remove them before blending the soup for a more complex flavor profile.

Final Words

Celery and Potato Soup is one of those recipes that’s more than just a simple combination of ingredients. It’s a soul-warming meal that speaks to the power of simplicity in the kitchen. With its rich texture and balanced flavors, it’s a recipe that doesn’t require a long list of exotic ingredients to shine. Whether you serve it for lunch, dinner, or as part of a larger spread, it’s sure to be a hit.

Celery And Potato Soup Recipe