There’s nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of Mary Berry celery soup on a chilly day. This creamy and flavorful soup brings out the natural sweetness of celery, making it a simple yet elegant dish. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a delicious starter, this celery soup recipe is sure to impress with its smooth texture and fresh taste.
Inspired by classic British flavors, this celery soup is both wholesome and easy to make. With just a few ingredients, you can create a silky, satisfying dish that pairs beautifully with crusty bread. Whether you’re trying a cream of celery soup or a lighter version, this recipe is a great way to make the most of humble ingredients.
You can also try Spanish Chill Almond Soup.
Ingredients:
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 tbsp butter or olive oil
- 4 cups celery, chopped (including leaves)
- 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup milk or cream (optional for a creamy texture)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or celery leaves for garnish
Instructions For Mary Berry Celery Soup:
- Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot, heat butter or olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent. Stir in the chopped celery and potato, cooking for another 5 minutes. - Simmer the Soup
Pour in the broth and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft. - Blend Until Smooth
Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If using a regular blender, blend in batches and return the soup to the pot. - Add Cream and Season
Stir in milk or cream if desired, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for another 2 minutes. - Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley or celery leaves, and serve warm with crusty bread.
This celery soup recipe is simple, healthy, and full of flavor. Whether you prefer it light or creamy, it’s a great way to make the most of fresh ingredients. Enjoy!
Mary Berry Celery Soup Recipe – BEST EVER Healthy Soup
Here are some helpful tips to elevate your celery soup:
1. Build Extra Flavor Up Front
- Sauté slowly: Let the onions cook until lightly golden—this adds sweetness and depth.
- Add garlic or leek: A clove of garlic or half a chopped leek boosts aroma and complexity.
2. Enhance the Celery Flavor
- Use celery leaves: They carry a strong celery aroma. Add a handful during simmering (remove before blending) or use them as garnish.
- Include a bit of celery root (celeriac): If you have it, replacing one potato with diced celeriac intensifies flavor and creaminess.
3. Control the Creaminess
- For a lighter soup: Use extra broth instead of milk/cream, or add a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
- For a richer soup: Add a splash of heavy cream, coconut milk, or a knob of butter after blending.
4. Blend for the Best Texture
- Blend thoroughly: Longer blending = smoother, silkier soup.
- Strain for ultra-smooth: Pass the blended soup through a fine sieve if you want restaurant-level smoothness.
5. Balance the Flavors
- Season gradually: Salt opens up the subtle flavors of celery—add a little, taste, and adjust.
- Add acidity: A tiny splash of lemon juice or white wine vinegar at the end makes the soup brighter.
6. Optional Add-Ins
- Herbs: Thyme, dill, or parsley complement celery beautifully.
- Spices: A pinch of nutmeg, white pepper, or paprika adds warmth.
- Crunch: Top with toasted croutons, crispy pancetta, or roasted chickpeas.
7. Storage Tips
Freeze (without cream): Dairy can split when frozen—add cream only after reheating.
Refrigerate: Keeps for 3–4 days.
Ingredients
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 441kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 17g27%
- Total Carbohydrate 63g21%
- Protein 11g22%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Recipe Notes:
- Flavor Boost: For extra depth, sauté the celery and onions until they start to caramelize. This enhances the natural sweetness of the vegetables.
- Thicker Soup: If you prefer a thicker texture, add an extra potato or reduce the broth slightly.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
- Serving Suggestions: Enjoy with crusty bread, croutons, or a drizzle of cream for extra richness.
How to Make a Vegan Version:
To make this celery soup recipe vegan, simply:
- Swap Butter for Oil: Use olive oil or dairy-free butter.
- Use Plant-Based Milk or Skip the Cream: Oat milk, almond milk, or coconut cream work well.
- Choose Vegetable Broth: Stick to vegetable stock instead of chicken broth.
This keeps the soup creamy and flavorful while making it completely plant-based.
Allergy & Dietary Information:
✔ Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free if using a gluten-free broth.
✔ Vegetarian-Friendly: The original recipe is vegetarian when made with vegetable broth.
✔ Vegan Option: Can be easily made vegan (see instructions above).
✔ Low-Calorie: A light and nutritious soup, great for a healthy diet.
Potential Allergens:
- Dairy: If using butter or cream, it contains dairy. Swap for plant-based alternatives for a dairy-free version.
- Celery Allergy: Some individuals are allergic to celery, so be cautious if serving to guests.
- Nut Allergy: If using nut-based milk for a vegan version, ensure it’s safe for those with allergies.
This recipe is adaptable and can be enjoyed by various dietary preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is celery soup good for you?
Yes! Celery soup is low in calories, high in fiber, and packed with vitamins like K and C. It supports digestion, hydration, and overall health.
Why is my celery soup bitter?
Celery can sometimes taste bitter if it's too mature. To reduce bitterness, remove tough strings, sauté well before adding broth, or balance flavors with a splash of cream or a pinch of sugar.
How long can celery soup last in the fridge?
Celery soup stays fresh in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stovetop for the best texture and flavor.
Do you need to destring celery for soup?
It’s not necessary, but removing tough strings from older celery makes the soup smoother and less fibrous. Young, tender celery usually doesn’t need destringing.
What organ does celery help?
Celery is great for the liver, kidneys, and digestive system. It supports detoxification and hydration, helping flush out toxins naturally.
Is it OK to eat celery every day?
Yes! Celery is low in calories and high in fiber, making it great for daily consumption. Just balance it with other vegetables for a well-rounded diet.
Does celery add flavor to soup?
Absolutely! Celery adds a mild, earthy, and slightly sweet flavor that enhances the depth of soups, stews, and broths.
Why does celery taste so bad lately?
Celery can taste bitter if it’s overgrown, old, or grown in dry conditions. Try soaking it in cold water or cooking it to mellow out the bitterness.
Are celery leaves edible?
Yes! Celery leaves are flavorful and nutritious. Use them as a garnish, in salads, or blend them into soups for extra taste and vitamins.
Does boiling celery destroy nutrients?
Boiling can reduce some water-soluble vitamins like vitamin C, but most nutrients remain. To preserve more, use a gentle simmer or blend the cooked celery into soups.
Does celery clean your body?
Celery is hydrating and contains antioxidants that help the body flush out toxins naturally, but it’s not a magical detoxifier. A balanced diet is key to good health.