I’ve always been a fan of simple, wholesome meals that offer both comfort and nourishment. There’s something about a warm, fresh bowl of soup that hits just right, especially when the weather starts to cool down. Jamie Oliver’s Celery Soup is one of those recipes that takes something so ordinary, like celery, and transforms it into a silky, flavorful bowl of goodness.
A few years ago, I decided to try this soup after hearing rave reviews from friends. The first time I made it, the house filled with the most inviting aromas. The combination of the delicate celery flavor with the richness of the broth had me hooked. I found that the soup was simple, but the flavor was deep, earthy, and comforting. Since then, it’s become one of my go-to recipes when I need something quick yet satisfying.
Jamie Oliver’s Celery Soup Recipe
Jamie Oliver’s Celery Soup is a fantastic recipe for anyone who loves a clean, veggie-packed meal. The key here is not to overcomplicate it. You don’t need to do anything fancy; the ingredients speak for themselves. This soup is light, fresh, and perfect for all occasions, whether as a starter, a light lunch, or a side dish.
Here’s the beauty of it: the simplicity of the ingredients makes it a canvas for creativity. You can easily adjust it to your personal taste while still keeping that signature Jamie Oliver twist-using fresh, seasonal vegetables and minimal effort.
Ingredients Needed
Before we dive into the actual recipe, let me quickly run through the ingredients that you’ll need:
- Celery (about 2-3 bunches): The star of the show. It gives the soup its signature flavor and creaminess once blended.
- Onions (1 medium): A base for the soup, providing some sweetness to balance out the celery.
- Garlic (2-3 cloves): For that aromatic punch that enhances the depth of flavor.
- Potatoes (2 medium): These give the soup a creamy texture without being too heavy. Perfect for body.
- Olive oil (a couple of tablespoons): For sautéing the vegetables and adding richness.
- Vegetable stock (around 1 liter): This adds depth, but the celery still stands out.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Seasoning is key to bringing all the flavors together.
- A little lemon zest or juice (optional): Adds a fresh kick if you’re feeling a bit bold.
- Fresh herbs (like parsley or thyme): Optional, but they add a nice touch of freshness at the end.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Celery Soup
The method is refreshingly simple, which is one of the reasons I love it. Here’s how to do it:
- Prep the vegetables: Start by washing the celery thoroughly. Chop the celery into smaller pieces. Peel and chop the potatoes. Dice the onion and garlic.
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic. Stir occasionally until softened (about 5 minutes).
- Cook the celery and potatoes: Add the celery and potatoes to the pot. Stir everything together, making sure the vegetables are well-coated with the oil. Let them cook for 5-7 minutes, softening them up.
- Add stock and simmer: Pour in the vegetable stock. Bring everything to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the vegetables are soft.
- Blend the soup: Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until it’s smooth. Alternatively, you can transfer it in batches to a stand blender. Blend until creamy and silky.
- Season and serve: Taste the soup and add salt, pepper, and maybe a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten it up. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs or a swirl of cream if desired.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
I’ve always wondered why celery, often considered a bland vegetable, works so well in this soup. Here’s what’s happening on the science side of things:
- Celery: It’s packed with water (about 95%!), which contributes to the soup’s light texture. Celery also contains natural sugars that balance the savory elements of the soup and give it an unexpected sweetness once cooked.
- Potatoes: Potatoes are rich in starch, which helps thicken the soup and gives it that creamy texture without adding heavy cream or dairy.
- Olive oil: When sautéing onions and garlic in olive oil, you’re allowing fat-soluble compounds to be released, which helps develop deeper flavors. Olive oil also adds richness to the soup without being overpowering.
- Stock: The vegetable stock introduces umami, the fifth taste that elevates the flavor profile, making the soup more savory and satisfying.
Expert Tips
- Use homemade stock: If you’ve got the time, homemade stock is a game-changer. It adds so much depth of flavor that store-bought stock can’t always replicate.
- Texture preference: Some people prefer a chunky soup, so don’t feel the need to blend it too much. You can leave some of the vegetables in larger pieces if you like a bit more texture.
- Add heat: If you’re a fan of spice, throw in a pinch of chili flakes or a small fresh chili when sautéing the onions and garlic. It adds a nice kick without overpowering the soup.
- Freeze leftovers: This soup freezes beautifully. Just let it cool down, transfer it into freezer-safe containers, and it’ll last for a couple of months.
Recipe Variations
While Jamie’s recipe is already great, there are plenty of ways to tweak it to suit your preferences:
- Add cream: For a richer texture, stir in a bit of heavy cream or coconut cream. This is especially nice if you want the soup to feel more indulgent.
- Cheese: Stir in some grated Parmesan or goat cheese after blending for an extra layer of flavor.
- Roast the vegetables: If you prefer a deeper flavor, try roasting the celery, onion, and garlic before adding them to the pot. It gives the soup a slightly caramelized, smoky taste.
- Spices: Try adding cumin or coriander for a more exotic spin. These spices pair wonderfully with the celery and add complexity.
Final Words
Jamie Oliver’s Celery Soup is one of those recipes you can make on autopilot and still end up with a delicious meal. It’s light, nourishing, and bursting with fresh flavor. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust it based on what you have in your kitchen or to suit your taste.
Whether you’re trying to use up a bunch of celery or you’re just looking for a cozy, healthy dish, this recipe is a winner.
FAQs
What Ingredients Do I Need For Jamie Oliver’s Celery Soup?
You’ll need celery, onion, garlic, vegetable stock, olive oil, salt, pepper, and some fresh herbs like thyme or parsley.
How Long Does It Take To Cook Jamie Oliver’s Celery Soup?
It takes about 30-40 minutes to cook. You’ll want to simmer the vegetables until soft and then blend it all together.
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Celery Soup Vegan?
Yes, just use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock, and make sure the olive oil is your primary fat.