Can I use celery that's a bit limp?

Yes! This soup is perfect for slightly past-prime celery that may have lost some crispness. As long as it's not spoiled, it will blend beautifully. Just trim any browned ends and use the rest.

What makes the soup turn bitter sometimes?

Bitterness usually comes from overcooking the celery or including too many celery leaves in the soup base. Make sure to remove the bay leaf before blending, and save most leaves for the crispy garnish rather than blending them.

Can I make this soup without potatoes?

Absolutely. You can substitute with cauliflower for a lower-carb option, or simply omit and add a bit more cream for richness. The texture will be slightly less velvety but still delicious.

How do I get the soup truly silky-smooth?

For restaurant-quality smoothness, after blending, you can strain the soup through a fine-mesh sieve. This extra step removes any fibrous bits that might have survived blending.

Vibrant Simple Celery Soup Recipe

Name: Vibrant Simple Celery Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil, or butter; 1 onion, diced; 4 fat garlic cloves, rough chopped; 6 cups celery, sliced thin (about 1 1/4-1 1/2 pounds, save some leaves for garnish); 2 cups potatoes, sliced into 1/2 inch thick rounds (about 3/4 lb – 1 extra-large russet peeled or a few Yukon potatoes, unpeeled); 4 cups veggie or chicken broth (or 4 cups water + 1 tablespoon ‘Better than Bouillon’ Vegetable Base); 1 cup water; 1 bay leaf (optional, remove it before blending); 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1/8 – 1/4 teaspoon cayenne (start conservatively, add more to taste or leave it out entirely); 1/4 cup fresh dill (small stems ok); 1/2 cup fresh parsley (small stems ok); 1/2 cup (or more) probiotic sour cream, vegan sour cream, heavy cream, or cashew cream; Crispy celery leaves; Nigella seeds; Hemp seeds (all optional but delicious!)

This vibrant Simple Celery Soup transforms an often-overlooked vegetable into the star of your dinner table. Silky-smooth with a beautiful green hue, this soup balances the subtle flavor of celery with aromatic herbs and creamy richness. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s a nutritious weeknight option that feels surprisingly luxurious!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Surprisingly Flavorful: Don’t underestimate celery! This humble vegetable creates an incredibly savory base that will have you scraping the bowl.
Quick and Straightforward: With just 15 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cooking time, this soup fits perfectly into busy weeknight schedules.
Budget-Friendly: Celery is one of the most affordable vegetables in the produce section, making this an economical choice that tastes anything but cheap.
Versatile: Perfect as a light lunch, elegant starter, or pair it with crusty bread for a complete dinner that satisfies without weighing you down.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Olive oil or butter: The foundation of flavor that brings richness to the soup right from the start.
Onion: Provides a sweet backbone that enhances the celery’s natural flavors.
Garlic: Adds depth and warmth without overpowering the delicate celery flavor.
Celery: The star ingredient! Choose fresh, crisp stalks for the best flavor, and save those leaves for a stunning garnish.
Potatoes: Creates that velvety texture we love in cream soups without requiring tons of heavy cream.
Broth: Use vegetable for a plant-based option or chicken for additional richness and depth.
Bay leaf: An optional but recommended aromatic that adds a subtle complexity.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and cayenne work together to enhance the natural flavors while adding a gentle warmth.
Fresh herbs: Dill and parsley brighten the soup and create that gorgeous green color naturally.
Creamy element: Whether you choose sour cream, heavy cream, or a dairy-free alternative, this addition provides luxurious richness.
Garnishes: Crispy celery leaves, nigella seeds, and hemp seeds add texture and visual appeal.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Dairy-Free Delight

Swap the sour cream for cashew cream or your favorite plant-based sour cream for an equally luscious dairy-free version.

Kicked-Up Spice

Double the cayenne and add a teaspoon of smoked paprika for a soup with warming heat that’s perfect for chilly evenings.

Creamy Vegetable Medley

Add a cup of chopped zucchini or a handful of spinach when cooking the celery for extra nutritional value and a slightly different flavor profile.

Herbal Infusion

Try substituting the dill with tarragon or basil for completely different but equally delicious flavor directions.

How to Make Simple Celery Soup

Step 1: Build the Flavor Base

Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and cook until golden, about 5 minutes. This caramelization creates the foundation of flavor for the entire soup.

Step 2: Add Aromatics and Vegetables

Stir in chopped garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add thinly sliced celery, potato rounds, broth, water, bay leaf, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Make sure the liquid just covers the vegetables.

Step 3: Simmer Until Tender

Cover the pot and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer gently until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 10 minutes. The vegetables should be soft enough to blend into silky smoothness.

Step 4: Add Fresh Herbs

Turn off the heat, remove the bay leaf, and add fresh dill and parsley. Allow the herbs to wilt naturally in the hot soup without further cooking to preserve their vibrant color and fresh flavor.

Step 5: Blend to Perfection

Using an immersion blender, purée the soup until silky smooth. If using a regular blender, allow the soup to cool slightly and blend in batches. Blend for a full minute to ensure herbs are completely incorporated.

Step 6: Add Creaminess and Serve

Return the soup to low heat, stir in your choice of sour cream or alternative, and warm gently without boiling to maintain the vibrant color. Garnish with crispy celery leaves and seeds if desired.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Slice celery thinly: This ensures it cooks evenly and makes blending easier for that silky-smooth texture.
Don’t skip the fresh herbs: They’re not just garnish—they contribute significant flavor and that beautiful green color.
Blend thoroughly: Take your time when blending to ensure a perfectly smooth texture without fibrous bits.
Control the heat after adding cream: Keep it low and gentle to prevent curdling and preserve the soup’s vibrant color.
Make the crispy celery leaves: This extra step takes just minutes but elevates the soup from homey to restaurant-quality.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

Serve this elegant soup with crusty sourdough bread, a rustic baguette, or cheese toasts for dipping. The contrast between creamy soup and crunchy bread is irresistible.

Complete the Meal

For a light dinner, pair with a simple side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. The bright acidity complements the creamy soup beautifully.

Elegant Starter

Serve in small portions as a sophisticated first course before a main dish of roasted chicken or fish. The crispy celery leaf garnish makes it dinner-party worthy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This soup stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors often improve overnight as they meld together.

Freezing

Freeze the base soup without the cream for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat gently and add the cream element fresh when serving.

Reheating

Warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling, which can affect both texture and color. A splash of broth can help thin it if it’s thickened during storage.

FAQs

Can I use celery that’s a bit limp?

Yes! This soup is perfect for slightly past-prime celery that may have lost some crispness. As long as it’s not spoiled, it will blend beautifully. Just trim any browned ends and use the rest.
What makes the soup turn bitter sometimes?

Bitterness usually comes from overcooking the celery or including too many celery leaves in the soup base. Make sure to remove the bay leaf before blending, and save most leaves for the crispy garnish rather than blending them.
Can I make this soup without potatoes?

Absolutely. You can substitute with cauliflower for a lower-carb option, or simply omit and add a bit more cream for richness. The texture will be slightly less velvety but still delicious.
How do I get the soup truly silky-smooth?

For restaurant-quality smoothness, after blending, you can strain the soup through a fine-mesh sieve. This extra step removes any fibrous bits that might have survived blending.

Final Thoughts

This Simple Celery Soup is a testament to how humble ingredients can transform into something truly special with the right technique. Bright, flavorful, and nourishing, it’s the kind of recipe that reminds us that good cooking doesn’t need to be complicated. The vibrant green color makes it as beautiful as it is delicious, and the balance of herbal freshness with creamy richness creates a soup that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Whether you’re using up extra celery or specifically shopping for this recipe, I promise it will become a favorite in your soup rotation!

Vibrant Simple Celery Soup Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 7 cups 1x
Category: Soups
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegan

Print Recipe

Description

This simple celery soup is a creamy, vibrant, and healthy dish. It’s loaded with nutritious ingredients like fresh celery, potatoes, garlic, and herbs, which are blended into a velvety smooth consistency. Perfect for a light vegetarian or vegan meal, this recipe is straightforward and easily adaptable to suit your dietary preferences. Garnished with crispy celery leaves and seeds, this soup is comforting and elegant enough for any occasion.

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the oil in a big pot over medium-high heat and add the diced onion. Stir occasionally, letting the onions turn golden, about 5 minutes. Then, add the garlic and stir for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Cook the Vegetables: Add the celery, potatoes, broth, water, bay leaf, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Ensure the liquid just covers the veggies. If not, add a little more water. Cover the pot, bring to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to simmer gently for about 10 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
Add Herbs: Turn off the heat, remove the bay leaf, and add the fresh dill and parsley, letting them just wilt. Avoid cooking the herbs to preserve their vibrant color.
Blend the Soup: Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until very silky smooth. Alternatively, if using a regular blender, allow the soup to cool slightly and blend in smaller batches. Be cautious when blending a warm mixture to avoid accidents. Blend for about 1 full minute to achieve a vibrant green soup. For extra green color, you can add a handful of raw baby spinach or more parsley if desired.
Add Cream: Return the blended soup to the same pot and stir in your preferred cream—probiotic sour cream, vegan sour cream, heavy cream, or cashew cream. Heat it gently over low heat without over-simmering to maintain its vibrant color.
Prepare Crispy Celery Leaves: Heat olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Once hot, fry a tester celery leaf for 10-20 seconds on each side. If it turns crisp, continue frying a few celery leaves at a time without overcrowding. You’ll need 3-5 crispy leaves per serving. For an added touch, fry some nigella seeds in the same oil until they begin to pop.
Garnish and Serve: Arrange the crispy celery leaves on the soup, spoon some nigella seeds and oil in a crescent shape, and sprinkle hemp seeds if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

The cayenne is optional and can be adjusted to taste for an extra hint of spice.
Add raw baby spinach or more parsley for a brighter green soup.
Choose your preferred cream option—vegan sour cream, heavy cream, or cashew cream—for different flavors and dietary needs.
For the garnish, crispy celery leaves, nigella seeds, and hemp seeds add texture and additional flavor complexity to the soup.