This Cozy Celery Soup is a creamy, comforting dish made without any cream—thanks to the natural creaminess of potatoes. It’s a budget-friendly, healthy recipe that comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner. Ideal for using up that extra celery in your fridge, this soup is both delicious and nutritious.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter (or olive oil for a vegan option)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, chopped
• 8 cups chopped celery (about 12 stalks)
• 1 lb potatoes, peeled and diced
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable stock
• Optional: ½ cup parsley (for color)
• Sea salt and pepper, to taste
• To serve: sour cream and fresh dill

Directions

1. In a large pot over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until translucent.
2. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Stir in the chopped celery, diced potatoes, and stock. Bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft.
5. If using parsley, add it to the pot. Then, using an immersion blender or in batches with a regular blender, blend the soup until smooth.
6. Season with sea salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh dill.

Nutritional Facts (per 2½ cups serving)

• Calories: 277 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Protein: 10g
• Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
  • Monounsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 24mg
• Sodium: 566mg
• Potassium: 1313mg
• Fiber: 6g
• Sugar: 10g
• Vitamin A: 1111 IU
• Vitamin C: 32mg
• Calcium: 118mg
• Iron: 2mg

Why Choose Celery Soup?

Celery might not always be the first vegetable that comes to mind when planning meals, but it deserves a place in your kitchen for many reasons. Often overlooked, celery is a vegetable with a mild, refreshing flavor that balances other ingredients beautifully. It’s a low-calorie vegetable, full of fiber, antioxidants, and key vitamins such as vitamin K and folate.

In the case of this soup, celery provides the base flavor, while potatoes give it the creamy consistency without the addition of cream. The result is a heartwarming, satisfying dish that doesn’t feel too heavy—an ideal meal for any season. The addition of herbs like parsley, dill, and even a dollop of sour cream transforms the dish into an elevated yet simple option.

Health Benefits of Celery Soup

Celery itself is a superfood for several reasons. High in dietary fiber, celery can help support digestion, regulate blood sugar, and contribute to heart health by lowering cholesterol. Celery is also known for its high-water content, making it hydrating and refreshing, which is why it’s often used in soups and salads.

The inclusion of potatoes in this recipe brings a nice balance of carbohydrates and fiber, providing energy and promoting digestive health. Potatoes are also a great source of vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants, making them a nutritious addition to this already healthy dish.

One of the most appealing aspects of this Cozy Celery Soup is how it offers a creamy texture without any added cream or dairy. By relying on potatoes to thicken the soup, it keeps the dish vegan-friendly and lower in calories, which is a bonus for anyone watching their fat intake. The use of vegetable stock, rather than heavy chicken stock or broth, makes it even more suitable for vegan diets and anyone following a plant-based lifestyle.

The Simplicity of Celery Soup

One of the greatest things about this Cozy Celery Soup is how simple it is to make. The ingredient list is minimal, making it an accessible dish for anyone, regardless of their cooking experience. You don’t need to be a gourmet chef to enjoy this warm, flavorful meal. A few basic ingredients, a good-quality pot, and an immersion blender are all that’s needed to create this dish.

The preparation process is also straightforward. Sautéing onions and garlic in butter (or olive oil for a vegan alternative) adds depth and richness to the soup’s flavor profile, while the celery and potatoes provide the bulk of the soup. The real magic happens when the soup is blended to a smooth, creamy texture, either with an immersion blender or a regular blender. It’s a simple recipe that can be made in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a leisurely weekend meal.

Flavor Variations

While the recipe for Cozy Celery Soup is already wonderfully balanced, there are many ways to tweak it to suit your personal preferences or dietary needs. For example, if you like a bit of heat in your soups, you can easily add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes while sautéing the onions and garlic. This will give the soup a subtle warmth and enhance its savory flavor.

For those who love extra herbs, adding fresh thyme or rosemary can bring an added layer of flavor. Both herbs pair beautifully with celery and potatoes, adding a fragrant, earthy undertone to the soup. You can also experiment with spices like cumin or smoked paprika for a more adventurous flavor profile.

If you’re looking for a more indulgent version, you can add a small amount of grated cheese—cheddar or parmesan are great choices—or a swirl of cream for extra richness. These variations will make the soup feel a little more decadent while still maintaining its comforting nature.

Pairing Ideas for Cozy Celery Soup

Celery soup is wonderfully versatile and can be paired with a variety of side dishes to make a complete meal. If you’re serving it as a light lunch or dinner, consider serving it with a simple side salad. A fresh green salad with mixed greens, avocado, and a tangy vinaigrette will complement the soup perfectly.

For a heartier meal, you can serve the soup with a slice of crusty bread. A warm, toasted baguette or sourdough loaf will make the perfect accompaniment, allowing you to dip into the soup and enjoy its creamy goodness. You can also top the soup with some croutons or roasted chickpeas for a bit of crunch.

If you want to take the soup into dinner territory, you could pair it with roasted vegetables or a protein-rich side like grilled chicken or tofu. This makes the soup more filling while maintaining its healthy profile.

How to Make Cozy Celery Soup Ahead of Time

One of the best things about soup is that it can often taste even better the next day. Making this Cozy Celery Soup ahead of time is a great way to save time during the week, especially if you have a busy schedule. The flavors have time to meld together overnight, and the soup becomes even more flavorful after sitting in the fridge for a day or two.

To make the soup ahead of time, simply prepare the soup according to the recipe and allow it to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. You can reheat the soup gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave. If you find the soup has thickened too much after refrigeration, simply add a splash of vegetable stock or water to loosen it up.

Conclusion

Cozy Celery Soup is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a delicious and nutritious dish. With its creamy texture, satisfying flavor, and health benefits, this soup makes for a great addition to any meal plan. Whether you enjoy it on its own or paired with a salad or crusty bread, it offers a comforting and nourishing option that’s perfect for any time of year.