Jamie Oliver’s Celery Soup is a delightful, hearty dish perfect for any season. With its vibrant, soothing flavors, it’s not just a meal but a comforting experience. This simple yet exquisite soup is ideal for both casual family dinners and elegant gatherings.
This recipe serves 4-6 people and can be prepared in about 30 minutes, making it a quick and satisfying option for any day of the week.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps to create Jamie Oliver’s Celery Soup, offering helpful tips to enhance the flavor and texture along the way.
What is Jamie Oliver Celery Soup?
Jamie Oliver Celery Soup is a smooth, creamy concoction made primarily from celery, onions, and potatoes, blended into a rich and comforting soup that warms the soul.
Other Soup Recipes
- Jamie Oliver Lettuce Soup
- Jamie Oliver Broccoli and Stilton Soup
- Jamie Oliver Carrot and Ginger Soup
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: Ready in just 30 minutes, this soup is perfect for a last-minute meal.
- Health Benefits: Celery is known for its low calories and high fiber, making this soup both nutritious and filling.
- Versatile: This soup serves as a wonderful base for various toppings and mix-ins, allowing you to customize it to your taste.
- Comforting: Ideal for chilly evenings, the warmth and creaminess of this soup provide a comforting meal that soothes.
- Diet-Friendly: Easily adaptable to gluten-free or vegan, this recipe can fit into many dietary preferences.
- Economical: Requires simple, affordable ingredients, making it a cost-effective meal option.
Ingredients Needed to Make Jamie Oliver Celery Soup
- Celery: 400 grams (about 0.88 pounds), roughly chopped
- Onions: 2 medium-sized, finely chopped
- Potatoes: 300 grams (about 0.66 pounds), peeled and diced
- Vegetable Stock: 750 milliliters (about 3.17 cups), you can use chicken stock for a richer flavor
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, for sautéing
- Salt: to taste
- Black Pepper: freshly ground, to taste
- Cream: 100 milliliters (about 0.42 cups), for garnishing (optional)
Useful Equipment
- Large Pot: For cooking the soup
- Blender or Immersion Blender: To puree the soup until smooth
- Chopping Board and Knife: For prepping the vegetables
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements
Instructions to Make Jamie Oliver Celery Soup (Step-by-Step Guide)
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Before you start cooking, wash and chop the celery, onions, and potatoes into consistent sizes to ensure even cooking.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and a pinch of salt, and sauté until the onions become translucent and soft, about 5 minutes. Then add the celery and potatoes, continuing to sauté for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 3: Simmer
- Pour in the vegetable stock, making sure it covers the vegetables. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Step 4: Blend the Soup
- Once the vegetables are cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup directly in the pot until it achieves a smooth and creamy consistency. If you’re using a regular blender, allow the soup to cool slightly before blending it in batches.
Step 5: Season and Serve
- Return the blended soup to the pot to reheat. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot, with a drizzle of cream if desired for an extra touch of richness.
What Do I Serve With Jamie Oliver Celery Soup?
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping and adding a satisfying crunch.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic pairing that turns the soup into a fulfilling meal.
- Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of chopped parsley or chives can add a fresh, vibrant flavor.
- Croutons: For added texture and a buttery taste.
- Lemon Zest: A light grating of lemon zest over the soup before serving can brighten the flavors.
- Greek Yogurt: A dollop of Greek yogurt can add a creamy tanginess that complements the soup wonderfully.
- Bacon Bits: Sprinkle some crispy bacon bits for a savory, smoky flavor boost.
- Toasted Seeds: Toasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds can offer a delightful crunch and nuttiness.
Expert Tips to Make Perfect Jamie Oliver Celery Soup
- Use Fresh Vegetables: Fresh, crisp celery and potatoes will give the best flavor and texture to the soup.
- Simmer Gently: Avoid boiling the soup vigorously once the vegetables are added, as slow cooking enhances the flavors.
- Blend Thoroughly: Ensure the soup is completely smooth for the best creamy texture.
- Season Wisely: Celery can be quite potent, so start with less salt and adjust as needed after blending.
- Stir in Cream Gradually: If using cream, add it slowly and heat gently to prevent curdling, enhancing the soup’s silky texture.
- Sauté Aromatics Properly: Take your time sautéing the onions until they are golden; this foundational step builds depth of flavor.
Variations of Jamie Oliver Celery Soup
- Add Proteins: Stir in some cooked, shredded chicken or white beans for added protein and heartiness.
- Spice It Up: Introduce a dash of cayenne pepper or curry powder for a spicy twist.
- Go Green: Mix in some spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for an extra dose of greens.
- Herbal Notes: Add fresh dill or tarragon for a unique, aromatic flavor.
- Creamy Without Cream: Use blended cashews or white beans to add creaminess without dairy.
- Citrus Spark: Finish with a splash of lemon juice or orange zest to give the soup a refreshing lift.
How do I Store Jamie Oliver Celery Soup Leftovers?
- Refrigerate: Cool the soup completely and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze: Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight when ready to use.
How do I Reheat Jamie Oliver Celery Soup Leftovers?
- Stovetop: Warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
- Microwave: For a quicker option, reheat individual servings in the microwave, using a microwave-safe dish, for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Nutrition Value (Per Serving):
- Calories: Approximately 150
- Total Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 300mg (varies with stock used)
- Total Carbohydrates: 22g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 3g
- Vitamin D: 0mcg
- Calcium: 57mg
- Iron: 1mg
- Potassium: 636mg
FAQs
Can You Make Jamie Oliver Celery Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare Jamie Oliver Celery Soup ahead of time. It stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, and the flavors often enhance as it sits. Just ensure it’s stored in an airtight container to maintain freshness. When ready to serve, gently reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
What Are the Best Toppings for Jamie Oliver Celery Soup?
The best toppings for Jamie Oliver Celery Soup include a dollop of crème fraîche or Greek yogurt, a drizzle of olive oil, crispy croutons, or freshly chopped herbs like parsley or dill. For a crunchy contrast, consider adding toasted pumpkin seeds or bacon bits.
Is Jamie Oliver Celery Soup Healthy?
Jamie Oliver Celery Soup is quite healthy. Celery, the main ingredient, is low in calories but high in fiber and essential nutrients, including vitamins A, K, and C. When prepared with low-sodium stock and minimal added fats, it can be a nutritious part of a balanced diet.
Can Jamie Oliver’s Celery Soup Be Frozen?
Yes, Jamie Oliver Celery Soup can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Cool the soup completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or bag. To serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat slowly on the stove, adding a little extra liquid if needed to adjust the consistency.
Final Words
Jamie Oliver’s Celery Soup is more than just a meal; it’s a versatile, nourishing, and comforting dish that can adapt to any dining table. Whether you’re seeking a quick dinner fix or a cozy meal to share, this soup promises satisfaction with every spoonful. Remember, the key to a great soup lies in the freshness of its ingredients and the love with which it’s prepared. Enjoy the warmth and share the joy!