This creamy and flavorful homemade cream of celery soup is the perfect base for many dishes or can be enjoyed on its own. With a blend of fresh celery, onion, and garlic, this recipe yields a rich and comforting soup that is easy to prepare and can replace the canned variety.
Evaporated milk and chicken broth might not be commonly found in every household pantry. When heading to the supermarket, ensure you pick up a can of evaporated milk and a carton of chicken broth to achieve the right creamy texture and robust flavor for the soup.
Ingredients for Homemade Cream of Celery Soup
Butter: Adds a rich, creamy base to the soup.
Celery: Provides a crisp, fresh flavor and is the star of the dish.
Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the soup.
Garlic: Enhances the overall flavor with its aromatic essence.
Kosher salt: Balances and enhances the flavors of the ingredients.
Cracked black pepper: Adds a subtle spiciness and depth.
Flour: Thickens the soup to give it a creamy consistency.
Evaporated milk: Provides a rich, creamy texture without adding too much fat.
Chicken broth: Adds a savory depth and enhances the overall flavor profile.
One reader, Berenice Sessions says:
This homemade cream of celery soup recipe is fantastic! The flavors blend perfectly, and it's so easy to make. It’s a great substitute for canned soup, adding a fresh, homemade touch to my dishes. Highly recommend!
Techniques Required for Making Cream of Celery Soup
How to melt butter: Place the butter in a saucepan over medium heat and allow it to melt completely before adding other ingredients. How to chop vegetables: Finely chop the celery, onion, and garlic to ensure they cook evenly and blend well into the soup. How to cook vegetables: Cook the chopped vegetables in the melted butter over medium heat, stirring occasionally until they are tender. How to make a roux: Add the flour to the cooked vegetables and stir continuously for about a minute to cook the flour and form a roux. How to thicken soup: Gradually add the evaporated milk and chicken broth to the roux, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens to the desired consistency.
How To Make Homemade Cream of Celery Soup
Making the homemade version of Campbell’s Classic Cream of Celery soup is as easy as reheating the can of soup in the microwave. Get the full recipe here.
Serves:
Ingredients
- ¼cupbutter
- 1cupcelery,finely diced
- ½yellow onion
- 1clovegarlic
- ½tspkosher salt
- ¼cracked black pepper
- ¼cupflour
- ½cupevaporated milk
- ½cupchicken broth
Instructions
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Add the butter to a saucepan and melt.
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Add in the onion, celery, garlice, salt and pepper.
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Cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally for 5 to 7 minutes.
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Add in the flour and stir ingredients together well for about a minute to let the flour cook a bit.
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Add in the evaporated milk and chicken broth and cook until thickened.
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Use this recipe to replace two cans of condensed cream of celery soup.
Nutrition
- Calories: 389.25kcal
- Fat: 28.78g
- Saturated Fat: 17.72g
- Trans Fat: 0.93g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 7.82g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.26g
- Carbohydrates: 25.32g
- Fiber: 1.80g
- Sugar: 9.35g
- Protein: 8.45g
- Cholesterol: 81.08mg
- Sodium: 582.04mg
- Calcium: 205.89mg
- Potassium: 460.94mg
- Iron: 0.63mg
- Vitamin A: 246.76µg
- Vitamin C: 5.66mg
Helpful Technique for Enhancing Cream of Celery Soup
To achieve a smoother texture in your cream of celery soup, make sure to finely chop the celery and onion. This will ensure they cook evenly and blend seamlessly into the soup. Additionally, when adding the flour, stir continuously to prevent lumps from forming, which will help in achieving a velvety consistency.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Homemade Cream of Celery Soup
Chop ingredients in advance: Prepare the celery, onion, and garlic ahead of time and store them in airtight containers.
Use pre-chopped vegetables: Purchase pre-chopped celery and onion from the store to save prep time.
Measure ingredients beforehand: Measure out the butter, flour, evaporated milk, and chicken broth before you start cooking.
Cook in bulk: Double the recipe and freeze portions for future use, reducing the need to cook from scratch each time.
Use a food processor: Quickly chop the celery, onion, and garlic using a food processor.
Substitute Ingredients For Homemade Cream of Celery Soup Recipe
butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil provides a similar fat content and richness, making it a good alternative for sautéing vegetables.
celery - Substitute with fennel: Fennel has a similar texture and a slightly sweet, anise-like flavor that complements the soup well.
yellow onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder, sweeter flavor that can enhance the overall taste of the soup.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in place of fresh garlic, providing a similar flavor profile without the need for chopping.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt has a similar texture and flavor, making it an easy swap for kosher salt.
cracked black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a milder, slightly different flavor that can blend seamlessly into the soup.
flour - Substitute with cornstarch: Cornstarch can be used as a thickening agent, providing a similar consistency without altering the flavor.
evaporated milk - Substitute with heavy cream: Heavy cream offers a richer, creamier texture that can enhance the soup's overall richness.
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth provides a similar savory base, making it a suitable alternative for a vegetarian version of the soup.
Presentation Ideas for Homemade Cream of Celery Soup
Serve in a shallow bowl: Use a pristine white, shallow bowl to highlight the vibrant green color of the cream of celery soup.
Garnish with celery leaves: Finely chop fresh celery leaves and sprinkle them delicately on top for a burst of color and a hint of freshness.
Add a drizzle of cream: Lightly drizzle some heavy cream in a circular pattern on the surface of the soup to add a touch of elegance and richness.
Include a crispy element: Add a few celery sticks or croutons on the side to provide a contrasting texture and enhance the overall dining experience.
Use a microgreen garnish: Place a small bunch of microgreens in the center of the soup for a sophisticated touch and a pop of color.
Serve with artisan bread: Accompany the soup with a slice of warm, crusty artisan bread to complement the creamy texture and provide a satisfying crunch.
Finish with a touch of black pepper: Freshly crack some black pepper over the top just before serving to enhance the aroma and add a subtle spice.
Use a soup spoon: Present the dish with a polished, silver soup spoon to elevate the dining experience and ensure the perfect bite every time.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Cream of Celery Soup
- Allow the cream of celery soup to cool completely before storing or freezing.
- For storing in the refrigerator, transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 4-5 days in the fridge.
- If you plan to freeze the soup, follow these steps for the best results:
- Portion the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving some space at the top for expansion during freezing.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and contents for easy identification later.
- Place the containers or bags in the freezer, laying them flat for efficient storage and quicker thawing.
- Homemade cream of celery soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- To reheat the soup, follow these methods:
- For refrigerated soup, transfer the desired portion to a saucepan and heat gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
- For frozen soup, you can either thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or reheat it directly from frozen. Place the frozen soup in a saucepan and heat over low heat, stirring frequently, until it melts and warms through. Avoid boiling the soup, as it may cause the cream to separate.
- If the reheated soup appears slightly separated or grainy, use an immersion blender or regular blender to process it briefly until smooth again.
- Adjust the consistency of the reheated soup by adding a little chicken broth or water if it seems too thick.
How To Reheat Leftover Cream of Celery Soup
Reheat the cream of celery soup in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. This method allows for even heating and helps maintain the soup's original texture.
If the soup has thickened during storage, gradually add small amounts of chicken broth or water while reheating to achieve the desired consistency. Be careful not to add too much liquid, as it may dilute the flavor.
For a quicker reheating option, transfer the soup to a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. This method is faster but may result in uneven heating.
To add a fresh twist to the reheated soup, consider garnishing it with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives, or a handful of crispy croutons.
If you have leftover celery or onions, you can sauté them briefly in a small amount of butter and add them to the reheated soup for an extra burst of flavor and texture.
To reheat the soup in the oven, transfer it to an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. This method is ideal if you're reheating a large quantity of soup or if you prefer a hands-off approach.
Interesting Fact About Cream of Celery Soup
A random fact about this recipe is that using evaporated milk instead of regular milk gives the soup a richer and creamier texture, while also adding a slightly caramelized flavor due to the milk's concentrated nature.
Is Making Cream of Celery Soup at Home Cost-Effective?
This homemade cream of celery soup recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients like celery, onion, and garlic are inexpensive, and staples like butter, flour, and chicken broth are often already in the pantry. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $5-$7 USD. Given its simplicity and affordability, I would rate this recipe an 8 out of 10 for cost-effectiveness.
Is Cream of Celery Soup Healthy or Unhealthy?
The homemade cream of celery soup recipe, while comforting and flavorful, may not be the healthiest option due to a few key ingredients:
- Butter and flour are used as the base for the soup, which can add significant amounts of saturated fat and calories.
- Evaporated milk, although lower in fat than heavy cream, still contributes to the overall fat content of the dish.
- The recipe lacks a significant source of lean protein, which could help balance out the meal.
- The sodium content may be higher than desired, especially if using store-bought chicken broth.
However, the recipe does include some nutritious elements, such as celery and onion, which provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
To make this soup healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Replace half of the butter with olive oil to reduce saturated fat and increase heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
- Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour to add fiber and nutrients.
- Opt for low-fat or fat-free evaporated milk to reduce the overall fat content.
- Increase the amount of celery and onion to boost the vegetable content and add more flavor without relying on excess salt.
- Choose low-sodium chicken broth or prepare your own to control the salt content.
- Add a lean protein source, such as cooked chicken breast or white beans, to make the soup more satiating and balanced.
- Experiment with additional herbs and spices, like thyme or bay leaf, to enhance the flavor without increasing sodium.
Editor's Opinion on This Cream of Celery Soup Recipe
This homemade cream of celery soup recipe is a delightful, fresh alternative to canned versions. The use of butter, fresh celery, and onion creates a rich, aromatic base, while the garlic adds a subtle depth. The combination of evaporated milk and chicken broth ensures a creamy, flavorful consistency. Cooking the flour briefly before adding liquids prevents any raw flour taste. This recipe is versatile and can be used in various dishes, providing a homemade touch that elevates any meal. Overall, it's a simple yet effective way to enhance your culinary creations.
Enhance Your Homemade Cream of Celery Soup Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Similar Soup Recipes to Try
Why trust this Homemade Cream of Celery Soup Recipe:
This homemade cream of celery soup recipe is a must-try because it uses simple, wholesome ingredients like butter, celery, and evaporated milk. The step-by-step instructions ensure a creamy, flavorful soup that can easily replace store-bought versions. With fresh garlic and chicken broth, the taste is rich and satisfying. Plus, making it at home allows you to control the quality and freshness of each ingredient.
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