Something eternally soothing and warming lies in a bowl of homemade soup, and this Creamy Celery Soup is comfort food in its most unadulterated sense. Though celery more often than not plays a second fiddle to other vegetables, it takes center stage in this delicate, fragrant, nourishing, light, and satisfying dish.

Celery soup is an excellent example of how simple vegetables are able to produce elegant and tasty results with minimal effort. From European kitchens, this type of soup started gaining popularity in the 20th century when creamy vegetable soups began to appear on restaurant menus as a refined yet affordable use of fresh vegetables. Nowadays, it remains a staple in many households, largely during the colder months when we yearn for something warm and uncomplicated.

Celery’s flavor is usually described as crisp and just slightly peppery. When it’s sautéed with onions and garlic, it acquires a sweet undertone that deepens beautifully once simmered in broth. Blended with a touch of cream, this soup becomes velvety and aromatic, perfect as a starter, light lunch, or cozy dinner accompaniment.

This Creamy Celery Soup is so easy to make, using only a few common ingredients, and can be vegetarian or even vegan with a few substitutions. Yet simple though it is, it results in restaurant-quality flavor with a luxurious texture.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons butter

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 large onion, chopped

5 cups chopped celery (about 8–9 stalks)

2 cloves garlic, minced

4 cups vegetable or chicken broth

1 medium potato, peeled and diced for thickness

½ teaspoon salt, or to taste

¼ teaspoon black pepper

½ cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative)

Fresh parsley or celery leaves, for garnish

Directions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter and olive oil. Add the chopped onion and cook for approximately 5 minutes until it’s soft and translucent. Add in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds just until fragrant.

Step 2: Add the celery and potato.

Add the chopped celery and diced potato to the pot, stirring well to coat in the buttery mixture. Cook for 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly and release their aroma.

Step 3: Simmer the Soup

Add the vegetable or chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the celery and potato are tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 4: Blend until creamy

Take the pot off the heat and let the soup cool a bit. Using an immersion blender, puree the soup directly in the pot until it becomes smooth and creamy; alternatively, puree it in batches in a countertop blender until velvety.

If it’s too thick, add a bit more broth until you get the desired consistency. Return to low heat and stir in the heavy cream (or coconut milk for a vegan version). Heat gently over low heat without letting it boil after adding cream.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper to your taste. Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with fresh parsley or celery leaves. Serve with warm crusty bread or buttered toast.

Serving Suggestions

With Bread: Serve with toasted baguette slices, sourdough bread, or garlic croutons to make a fulfilling meal.

As an Appetizer: Serve in small bowls before a main course of roasted chicken or fish.

Vegan Feast: Add a drizzle of olive oil or a spoon of coconut cream to give a rich finish without any dairy.

With Toppings: Add crispy shallots, toasted almonds, or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for extra texture and flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s quick: ready in just 35 minutes.

Uses simple, affordable ingredients.

Naturally gluten-free and easy to make vegan.

Velvety, comforting, and just perfect for cold days.

What a great way to use leftover celery in a flavorful way.

This soup is proof that simplicity can be elegant. It’s one of those recipes you will find yourself going back to whenever you need something nourishing and gentle-a balance between light and comforting.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.

To Freeze: Let the soup cool completely, then store in containers suitable for freezing up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

Meal Prep Instructions: Make a large batch and portion into jars for easy lunches throughout the week.

Culinary Origin

Celery soup is rooted in classical French cuisine, which initially developed vegetable purées and cream-based soups as a means of turning humble vegetables into sophisticated dishes. Eventually, it would spread throughout Europe and into the Americas to become an icon of wholesome, home-style cooking.

Today, variations of Moroccan and Mediterranean celery soups sometimes have the addition of cumin or coriander to give them an aromatic twist, proof that this flexible dish has adapted to various palates around the world.