How to Make Mary Berry Celery Soup

 Today, I’m going to show you how to make Mary Berry Celery Soup, a classic comfort food that celebrates the fresh taste of celery. This soup is easy to make, low in calories, and perfect for chilly nights.

Let’s get started!

What is Mary Berry Celery Soup?

Mary Berry Celery Soup is a creamy and delicious soup that is inspired by the famous British cook and author, Mary Berry. She is known for her simple and elegant recipes that are suitable for any occasion. This soup is one of her signature dishes, and it features celery as the main ingredient. Celery is a crunchy and refreshing vegetable that has many health benefits, such as lowering blood pressure, reducing inflammation, and aiding digestion. By blending it with potatoes, garlic, and milk, you can create a smooth and velvety soup that is full of flavor and nutrients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are many reasons to love this recipe, but here are some of the main ones:

• It’s easy to make, even if you’re not a kitchen pro. You only need a few basic ingredients and a large saucepan to cook everything in one pot.
• It’s simple and delicious, just like comfort food should be. It has a mild and delicate taste that is soothing and satisfying.
• It’s a clever way to use celery, making it extra special. Celery is often overlooked or used as a garnish, but this soup showcases its natural sweetness and crunchiness.
• It warms you up inside, perfect for cold evenings. This soup is like a warm, tasty hug in a bowl. It will fill you up and keep you cozy.

Mary Berry Celery Soup Ingredients

To make this soup, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 300g celery, sliced, with tough strings removed
• 1 garlic clove, peeled
• 200g potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• 500ml vegetable stock
• 100ml milk
• crusty bread, to serve

Method to Make Mary Berry Celery Soup

Here are the step-by-step instructions to make this soup:

Step 1: Heat the oil in a large saucepan over a medium heat

Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat, until it is hot but not smoking.

Step 2: Tip in the celery, garlic, and potatoes and coat in the oil

Add the celery, garlic, and potatoes to the saucepan and stir well to coat them in the oil. You can also season them with some salt and pepper at this point.

Step 3: Add a splash of water and cook for 15 minutes

Add a splash of water to the saucepan, enough to cover the bottom of the pan. This will help the vegetables cook faster and prevent them from sticking or burning. Cover the saucepan with a lid and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Pour in the vegetable stock and bring to a boil

Pour the vegetable stock into the saucepan and bring the mixture to a boil. You can use any kind of vegetable stock you like, homemade or store-bought.

Step 5: Turn down the heat and simmer for 20 minutes

Once the mixture is boiling, turn down the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are falling apart and the celery is soft.

Step 6: Use a stick blender to purée the soup

Remove the saucepan from the heat and use a stick blender to purée the soup until it is smooth and creamy. You can also use a food processor or a blender for this step, but be careful not to overfill them or spill hot liquid.

Step 7: Pour in the milk and blitz again

Pour the milk into the saucepan and blitz again with the stick blender until well combined. The milk will add some richness and creaminess to the soup. You can also use cream or yogurt if you prefer.

Step 8: Season to taste

Season the soup to taste with more salt and pepper if needed. You can also add some herbs or spices if you like, such as parsley, thyme, nutmeg, or cumin.

How do I serve Mary Berry Celery Soup?

You can serve this soup hot or cold, depending on your preference. To serve it hot, reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. To serve it cold, chill it in the fridge for at least an hour before serving.

You can also garnish your soup with some toppings if you like, such as:

• Croutons: Toast some bread cubes in a skillet with some butter or oil until golden and crisp. Sprinkle them over your soup for some crunch.
• Cheese: Grate some cheese of your choice, such as cheddar, parmesan, or blue cheese, and sprinkle it over your soup for some extra flavor and meltiness.
• Bacon: Fry some bacon strips in a skillet until crisp and chop them into small pieces. Sprinkle them over your soup for some smokiness and saltiness.
• Nuts: Toast some nuts of your choice, such as almonds, walnuts, or pistachios, in a dry skillet until golden and fragrant. Chop them coarsely and sprinkle them over your soup for some nuttiness and texture.

What I do Serve With Mary Berry Celery Soup?

You can serve this soup as a starter or a main course, depending on how hungry you are. You can also pair it with some sides if you want a more complete meal, such as:

• Bread: Serve your soup with some crusty bread or crispy baguette to dip into the soup and soak up the flavors.
• Salad: Serve your soup with a light salad with vinaigrette to balance out the richness and creaminess of the soup.
• Cheese: Serve your soup with some cheese and your favorite crackers to make it more filling and satisfying.
• Garlic bread: Serve your soup with some garlic bread for extra comfort and flavor. You can make your own by spreading some butter, garlic, and parsley on sliced bread and baking it in the oven until golden and crisp.
• Fruit salad: Serve your soup with some fresh fruit salad for a contrast and a refreshing touch. You can use any fruits you like, such as apples, oranges, grapes, berries, or melon.

Tips to Make the Best Mary Berry Celery Soup

Here are some tips to make the best Mary Berry Celery Soup:

• Use fresh celery for the best flavor and texture. Avoid celery that is wilted, brown, or limp. You can also peel off any tough strings from the celery stalks before slicing them.
• Cut the celery and potatoes into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. You don’t have to be too precise, as you will blend them later anyway.
• Adjust the consistency of the soup to your liking by adding more or less stock or milk. You can also add some water if the soup is too thick for your taste.
• Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.