I remember the first time I made Jamie Oliver’s Carrot and Celery Soup. It was one of those gloomy days when I needed something warm, comforting, and easy. I was browsing through his cookbooks, and the simplicity of this soup caught my eye. No long ingredient lists, no fancy kitchen tools. Just wholesome ingredients that, together, make something magical. The soup was delicious and light, yet full of flavor. And, I felt like I had done something good for myself, which is always a nice feeling.
Ever since, this soup has become my go-to when I’m in the mood for something simple and nourishing. It’s also great when I have leftover veggies that need to be used. If you haven’t tried it yet, you’re in for a treat!
Jamie Oliver’s Carrot And Celery Soup Recipe
Jamie Oliver’s Carrot and Celery Soup is a perfect balance of savory and slightly sweet flavors. It’s a soup that doesn’t scream for attention but instead quietly comforts you. It’s one of those recipes that doesn’t require any special technique. Just chop, cook, and blend, and you’re done. It’s great for beginners, yet it’s so delicious you’ll find yourself making it over and over again.
Ingredients Needed
I love this recipe because the ingredients are so simple, but they come together in such a satisfying way. You probably already have most of these in your kitchen.
- Carrots: Fresh and sweet, they add depth and texture to the soup. The natural sweetness balances the other veggies.
- Celery: A great supporting character in this recipe. It brings that subtle, savory flavor that ties everything together.
- Onion: For a bit of sweetness and a savory backbone. It’s the perfect base for any soup.
- Garlic: It elevates the entire flavor profile and adds that aromatic richness.
- Olive oil: A healthy fat that helps sauté the veggies and enhances the taste.
- Vegetable stock: You can use homemade stock if you have it, or store-bought works perfectly. It’s the liquid that helps everything blend together.
- Salt & pepper: For seasoning, though you can adjust to taste. Don’t be shy with the seasoning.
- Fresh herbs (optional): A handful of thyme or parsley adds an extra layer of freshness and depth.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Carrot And Celery Soup
I’ll be honest-I love how this recipe takes almost no time to prep. Here’s the step-by-step:
- Prepare your ingredients: Start by peeling and chopping the carrots and celery into small pieces. Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
- Sauté the veggies: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent and soft.
- Add carrots and celery: Toss them in with the onion and garlic. Stir and let them soften for about 5 minutes.
- Add stock: Pour in the vegetable stock (enough to cover the veggies). Bring it to a simmer, then reduce the heat. Let it cook for 15-20 minutes until everything is tender.
- Blend: Once the veggies are soft, use a hand blender or a regular blender to puree the soup until smooth.
- Season and serve: Taste the soup, add salt and pepper to your liking, and serve hot. If you want to get fancy, garnish with some fresh herbs or a drizzle of cream.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
Let’s dig into the science behind a few of these ingredients to see why they work so well together. It’s fascinating how simple vegetables create such an amazing dish.
- Carrots: These are rich in beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. That’s good for your vision, immune system, and skin. Plus, carrots have natural sugars that balance the savory flavors of the celery.
- Celery: Celery is full of potassium and other electrolytes, which help keep your body hydrated. It also contains flavonoids-antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation.
- Garlic: Garlic is famous for its immune-boosting properties, thanks to allicin. It’s also great for lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, making this soup not only tasty but healthy.
- Onion: Packed with antioxidants and sulfur compounds, onions are good for your heart and can help with digestion. They bring out the natural sweetness in the carrots and the savory flavor in the celery.
Expert Tips
I’ve learned a few things along the way that make this soup even better.
- Don’t skimp on the sauté: Make sure you cook the onion and garlic properly to release their natural sweetness. This builds the soup’s depth from the start.
- Use good stock: Whether it’s homemade or store-bought, the quality of the vegetable stock matters. A rich, flavorful stock adds a lot of character to the soup.
- Blend it smooth: The smoother, the better. A velvety texture makes the soup feel more luxurious, even though it’s so simple.
- Adjust seasoning: Sometimes, soups need a little more than salt and pepper. Try a pinch of cumin or even a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright finish.
Recipe Variations
As much as I love the classic version, there’s room to play around with this recipe.
- Add ginger: For an extra kick, try adding a thumb of fresh ginger along with the garlic. It’ll give the soup a warm, zesty flavor.
- Top with croutons: If you want a bit of crunch, toast up some sourdough and add it as a garnish. The texture contrast is wonderful.
- Swap in sweet potatoes: For a slightly sweeter and creamier texture, try using sweet potatoes instead of carrots.
- Add a dollop of cream: For extra richness, swirl some cream into the soup just before serving.
- Roast the veggies: Roast the carrots and celery before adding them to the soup for an extra layer of flavor. The caramelization adds depth and a hint of smokiness.
Final Words
When I make this soup, it feels like a warm hug. It’s one of those recipes that’s both incredibly simple and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re having it on a rainy afternoon or serving it at a cozy dinner, Jamie Oliver’s Carrot and Celery Soup is a classic for a reason. The flavors are clean, bright, and nourishing. And you don’t need any fancy equipment or skills to make it work-just a pot and a blender.
FAQs
How Do I Make Jamie Oliver’s Carrot And Celery Soup?
You start by sautéing onions, garlic, carrots, and celery in olive oil. Then add vegetable stock, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for around 20-30 minutes before blending it smooth.
Can I Freeze Jamie Oliver’s Carrot And Celery Soup?
Yes, the soup freezes well. Just let it cool completely before transferring it into freezer-safe containers. It should stay good for up to 3 months.
What Can I Serve With Jamie Oliver’s Carrot And Celery Soup?
This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a side of grated cheese. You can also add a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess.