Leave those cans in the pantry! Nothing beats the rich, homemade flavor of cream of celery soup made from scratch. This easy-to-follow recipe delivers a taste that will absolutely “wow” you, perfect as a comforting soup on its own or as a superior base in your favorite casseroles and dishes.
Creamy homemade cream of celery soup in a white bowl, garnished with celery leaves
For those who appreciate the convenience of canned soup, it’s undeniable that homemade versions offer an unparalleled experience. The depth of flavor, the purity of ingredients, and the overall quality simply cannot compare. While canned cream of celery soup might be acceptable as a binder in recipes, enjoying it as a soup on its own often leaves much to be desired. The ingredient list of many store-bought options can be concerning, filled with additives and lacking in real, fresh flavor. Why settle for bland and processed when you can create something truly delicious and wholesome at home?
This homemade cream of celery soup recipe is not only incredibly flavorful but also surprisingly versatile. Imagine using it as the creamy foundation for a hearty casserole, a rich sauce, or, as the original author intended, a Creamy Cabbage & Kielbasa Soup. The possibilities are endless! However, the soup is so delightful on its own that you might find yourself enjoying it by the bowlful, straight from the pot.
To achieve the best flavor in your cream of celery soup, selecting high-quality, fresh celery is key. Opt for organic celery whenever possible, as it typically boasts a more pronounced celery flavor compared to commercially grown, non-organic options that can sometimes taste watery and bland. Check your local farmer’s market for vibrant, flavorful celery – you might be surprised to find organic options at competitive prices.
This recipe also serves as a fantastic template for creating other homemade “cream of” soups. Simply substitute the celery with your preferred vegetable, such as mushrooms for a cream of mushroom soup, asparagus for cream of asparagus, or broccoli for cream of broccoli soup. Embrace the versatility and customize your soup to your liking!
Ready to experience the superior taste of homemade cream of celery soup? Let’s get cooking!
Homemade Cream of Celery Soup Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
- 2 cups very finely chopped good quality flavorful celery (about 5 large ribs, organic recommended for optimal flavor)
- 1 large clove garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup all-purpose unbleached flour
- 1 1/2 cups good quality chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk (or use 3/4 cup milk and 3/4 cup cream for an even richer soup)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
Equipment:
- Dutch oven or heavy stock pot
Instructions:
-
Begin by finely dicing the onion and celery. Mince the garlic clove.
-
Melt the butter in a Dutch oven or heavy stock pot over medium-high heat. Add the finely diced onion, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté the vegetables until they become soft and translucent, approximately 5-7 minutes. This step builds the foundational flavor of the soup.
Sautéing diced onions and celery in a Dutch oven -
Stir in the all-purpose flour into the softened vegetables. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly. This creates a roux, which will thicken the soup to creamy perfection.
Adding flour to the sautéed vegetables in a Dutch oven -
Pour in the chicken broth and milk (or milk and cream mixture). Stir immediately and vigorously to ensure the flour is fully incorporated and prevent any lumps from forming.
-
Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to medium-low, add the remaining ingredients (salt, sugar, and pepper), and continue to simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Simmering allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and the soup to thicken.
Simmering cream of celery soup ingredients in a Dutch oven -
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, if needed.
-
Your homemade cream of celery soup is now ready to enjoy! Serve it hot as a comforting and flavorful soup, or use it as a superior substitute for canned condensed cream of celery soup in your favorite recipes.
Bowl of homemade cream of celery soup with fresh celery
Tips and Notes:
- Yield: This recipe yields approximately 4 servings of cream of celery soup, roughly equivalent to two cans of prepared condensed cream of celery soup (when you add milk to the canned version).
- Storage: If using as a base for other recipes, this homemade soup can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Concentrated Soup: For recipes that call for “undiluted” canned condensed cream of celery soup, you can create a more concentrated version of this recipe. Reduce the amount of chicken broth and milk by up to half, while keeping the other ingredient quantities the same. This will result in a thicker, more intensely flavored soup, similar in consistency to undiluted canned soup.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: 231kcal
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 39mg
- Sodium: 790mg
- Potassium: 379mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 7g
- Vitamin A: 730IU
- Vitamin C: 3.8mg
- Calcium: 137mg
- Iron: 0.8mg
Enjoy the delightful taste and homemade goodness of this cream of celery soup! It’s a comforting classic that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen, just like something you might find in the Pioneer Woman’s recipe collection.
