This creamy celery leek soup is a warm hug in a bowl! It features fresh leeks and crunchy celery, all blended together for a smooth and tasty treat.
Making this soup is so easy! Just sauté the veggies, add some broth, and blend. I enjoy it with crispy bread on the side—perfect for dipping! 🥖
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Leeks: The star of this soup! Look for fresh leeks with firm, green tops. If you can’t find leeks, you can use green onions or shallots, but the flavor will differ slightly.
Celery: Fresh celery gives this soup its unique taste. If you’re low on celery, fennel works as a substitute; it brings a sweet, anise-like flavor.
Potato: Adding potato makes the soup creamy without using too much cream. For a healthier option, you could use cauliflower for a similar texture and taste.
Broth: You can use vegetable or chicken broth, but make sure it’s low-sodium for more control over seasoning. Homemade broth would be great if you have it on hand!
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, swap in half-and-half or coconut cream for a dairy-free option. Both will add creaminess to the soup.
How Do You Make Sure Your Soup Is Smooth and Creamy?
Smooth, creamy soup is essential for this recipe. An immersion blender is perfect for this task, but if you use a regular blender, take care not to fill it too full to avoid spills.
- Let the soup cool for a few minutes before transferring to the blender, filling it halfway to allow for expansion.
- If using an immersion blender, move it around the pot to blend all areas thoroughly.
- Blend until you reach your desired consistency—smooth and velvety is the goal!
How to Make Celery Leek Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 4 large leeks (white and light green parts only), sliced and cleaned
- 5 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 medium potato, peeled and diced (optional, for creaminess)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or crème fraîche (plus more for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Garnish:
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or smoked paprika (for garnish)
- Fresh green onions or chives, thinly sliced (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious celery leek soup will require about 10 minutes for prep and around 35-40 minutes for cooking, including simmering time. So, in total, you’ll need about 50 minutes to enjoy a warm bowl of this comforting soup!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Leeks:
Start by carefully slicing the leeks, making sure to only use the white and light green parts. Rinse them thoroughly under running water to remove any grit or dirt. Once cleaned, set them aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and prepared leeks. Sauté for about 6-8 minutes until they’re soft and translucent, sharing delicious aromas in your kitchen!
3. Add Celery and Potato:
Next, stir in the chopped celery and diced potato (if you’re using it). Let this cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure everything gets nicely mixed and tender.
4. Simmer the Broth:
Now, pour in the vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until all the vegetables are tender and ready to be blended.
5. Blend the Soup:
After simmering, remove the pot from heat. If you have an immersion blender, use it to blend the soup until smooth and creamy right in the pot. If you don’t have one, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender and puree it until it reaches a smooth consistency.
6. Add Cream and Season:
Stir in the heavy cream or crème fraîche for an extra creamy finish. Season your soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Warm it gently over low heat for another 2-3 minutes, but be careful not to let it boil!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Now it’s time to serve! Ladle the soup into bowls and add a dollop of cream or crème fraîche on top. Finish off with a sprinkle of thinly sliced green onions or chives and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for a little extra flavor and flair.
8. Enjoy!
Serve the soup hot, paired with some crusty bread or your favorite side dish. Enjoy every comforting spoonful of your homemade celery leek soup!
Can I Use Different Broths for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth for a non-vegetarian version. Just make sure to choose low-sodium options to better manage the seasoning of your soup.
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream or Crème Fraîche?
No problem! You can substitute them with half-and-half for a lighter version, or if you’re looking for a dairy-free option, coconut cream works wonderfully and adds a nice flavor.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth if it has thickened too much.
Can I Freeze This Soup?
Yes! Freeze the soup in airtight containers for up to 3 months. It’s best to leave out the cream before freezing and stir it in after reheating to ensure a creamy texture. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.