Dive into the comforting warmth of this Creamy Carrot and Celery Soup, a delightful blend of sweet carrots and crisp celery simmered to perfection. This simple, wholesome soup is ideal for chilly days, serving as a nourishing meal that soothes and satisfies with every spoonful. Light yet flavorful, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy the natural tastes of fresh vegetables.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 sticks celery, finely diced
- 5 medium carrots (approximately 280 g or 10 oz), halved lengthwise and finely sliced
- 4 cups (960 ml) vegetable stock
Instructions:
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion turns translucent and the garlic releases its aroma, typically around 3-4 minutes. This crucial step lays the foundation of flavors for the soup.
- Add Vegetables: To the pot, add the finely diced celery and sliced carrots. Stir well to combine them with the onion and garlic. Allow the ingredients to cook for roughly 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to tenderize. This enhances their natural sweetness and prepares them for even cooking.
- Pour in Vegetable Stock: Add the vegetable stock to the pot. Bring the mixture to a rapid boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook without disturbance for about 25 to 30 minutes. Cover and allow it to simmer for approximately 25-30 minutes. During this time, the vegetables will become completely soft and the flavors will meld together.
- Blend the Soup: Once the vegetables are tender, use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender, blend until smooth, and return it to the pot.
- Season and Simmer: After blending, bring the soup back to a simmer and season with salt and pepper to taste. If the soup is too thick, adjust the consistency by adding a little more vegetable stock or water until you reach your desired thickness.
- Serve: Serve the soup hot. For an extra touch of richness, you can drizzle a bit of olive oil or a spoonful of cream on top. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or a sprinkle of paprika for color and flavor.
Conclusion:
This Creamy Carrot and Celery Soup is a testament to the beauty of simple ingredients coming together to create a dish that’s both fulfilling and flavorful. It’s perfect for a light lunch or as a starter for a dinner meal. Not only is this soup easy to prepare, but it also offers health benefits, being rich in vitamins from the carrots and celery. Enjoy the smooth, creamy texture and the cozy, home-cooked essence of this delightful soup.