This article explores a delicious and healthy keto cream of celery soup recipe, perfect for those seeking a comforting, low-carb meal. Whether you're following a ketogenic diet, looking for gluten-free options, or simply craving a warm bowl of soup, this recipe offers a flavorful and nutritious alternative to traditional cream of celery soup.
Introduction
Homemade cream of celery soup surpasses the canned variety in taste and health benefits. Celery, a naturally low-carb vegetable, forms the base of this soup, making it ideal for keto diets. This recipe cleverly uses cauliflower to achieve a creamy texture without the need for potatoes, further reducing the carbohydrate content.
Why Choose Keto Cream of Celery Soup?
- Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly: This soup is designed to fit seamlessly into a ketogenic lifestyle, helping you maintain ketosis while enjoying a satisfying meal.
- Vegan Option: With simple substitutions, this recipe can easily be adapted for vegans, making it inclusive for various dietary preferences.
- Gluten-Free: The recipe is naturally gluten-free, catering to those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
- Nutrient-Rich: Celery and other vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals, contributing to overall health and well-being.
- Versatile: Enjoy it as a starter, a light lunch, or a comforting dinner.
Ingredients
The quality of ingredients significantly impacts the soup's flavor. Here's what you'll need:
- Celery: The star of the show, providing the signature celery flavor. Use about 6-8 stalks, chopped.
- Celery Root (Celeriac): Enhances the celery flavor with its unique earthy notes.
- Onion: Adds depth and sweetness to the soup. Use about ½ cup, chopped.
- Garlic: Infuses the soup with aromatic flavor. 2 cloves, minced, are recommended.
- Cauliflower: This is the secret ingredient to thicken the soup without adding carbs. Use about 12 oz. riced cauliflower.
- Broth: Choose chicken or vegetable broth as the liquid base. About 14 oz. low sodium broth.
- Heavy Cream: Provides the creamy texture and richness. Alternatively, coconut milk or coconut cream can be used for a vegan option. About 16 oz.
- Butter or Coconut Oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables. Use about 1/2 cup of butter.
- Celery Seed: Intensifies the celery flavor.
- Nutritional Yeast: Adds a cheesy flavor and nutritional benefits, especially for vegans.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, adjusting as you cook.
Optional Additions:
- Ham or Bacon: For added protein and flavor (can be omitted for vegan/vegetarian).
- Fresh Herbs: Such as parsley or chives, for garnish.
- Avocado: For added creaminess and healthy fats.
- Pumpkin Seeds: For added nutrients, magnesium, zinc, and omega-3s.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This homemade cream of celery soup is easy to prepare. Here's how to make it:
- Prepare the Vegetables: Chop the celery stalks, onion, and garlic. If using celery root, trim off the ends and outer layer, then chop into large cubes.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter or heat coconut oil over medium heat. Add the onions, chopped celery stalks, and garlic. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions and garlic are translucent. Reserve about 2 cups of this mixture to add back to the soup later (optional).
- Simmer the Soup: Add the celery root (if using), riced cauliflower, broth (chicken or vegetable), salt, and celery seed to the pot. Cover and simmer for 15-25 minutes, or until the celery and cauliflower are tender.
- Blend Until Creamy: Remove from heat. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until perfectly smooth. Alternatively, carefully pour the soup into a regular blender (in batches if necessary), allowing it to cool slightly first to prevent splattering.
- Add Cream and Season: Return the blended soup to the pot. Stir in the heavy cream (or coconut milk/cream) and the reserved celery/onion mixture (if using). Cook over low heat for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the soup to heat through without boiling. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh herbs, fried celery leaves, ham croutons, or a dollop of crème fraîche (optional). Serve hot and enjoy!.
Variations and Adaptations
This keto cream of celery soup recipe is highly adaptable to suit your preferences and dietary needs:
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- Vegan Cream of Celery Soup: Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth, olive oil or vegan butter for butter, and coconut milk or cream for heavy cream.
- Adding Protein: Incorporate cooked chicken, ham, or bacon for a heartier soup. For a vegetarian option, consider adding white fish fillets after pureeing the soup and poaching them in the hot liquid.
- Flavor Enhancements: Experiment with different herbs and spices, such as thyme, bay leaf, cumin, or sage, to create unique flavor profiles.
- Keto Condensed Cream of Celery Soup: This recipe can be adapted into a condensed version, perfect for use in casseroles or as a base for other dishes. To do this, simply reduce the amount of liquid used and simmer the soup for a longer period to thicken it.
Serving Suggestions
This soup is delicious on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to elevate your experience:
- Pair with Low-Carb Bread or Rolls: Enjoy a bowl of keto cream of celery soup with low-carb bread rolls, keto buns, or garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Serve with a Grilled Sandwich: This soup complements a grilled cheese or other sandwich perfectly.
- Top with Croutons: Add crispy ham croutons or fried celery leaves for added texture and flavor.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle fresh parsley, chives, or other herbs on top for a pop of color and freshness.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftover soup in the fridge in a sealed container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: This soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Allow the soup to cool completely before pouring it into an airtight container or zip-lock bag.
Nutritional Information
The nutritional information provided is approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods. Net carbs are calculated by subtracting fiber from total carbs. Erythritol carbs are typically not included in carb counts as they have minimal impact on blood sugar.
Benefits of Key Ingredients
- Celery: Low in carbs, high in fiber, and a good source of vitamins and minerals.
- Cauliflower: A versatile vegetable that adds creaminess without the carbs of potatoes.
- Avocado: Packed with healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, contributing to overall health and immunity.
- Coconut Cream: Provides a creamy texture and boosts fat content, along with immunity-boosting minerals.
- Cumin: Aids in digestion, boosts immunity, relieves stress, and removes toxins from the body.
- Sage: Beneficial for overall health.
- Pumpkin Seeds: A potent source of magnesium, zinc, and omega-3s, all beneficial for healing and immunity.
Homemade Condensed Cream of Celery Soup Recipe
This versatile recipe can be adapted for cream of chicken, cream of celery, and even cream of onion or garlic by simply adding some sautéed onions or garlic.
Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for keto)
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup chopped celery (for cream of celery)
Instructions:
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour (or almond flour) and cook for 1-2 minutes until a smooth paste forms.
- Gradually whisk in the broth until well blended and smooth.
- Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.
- Stir in the heavy cream (or coconut milk), salt, and pepper.
- If making cream of celery soup, add the chopped celery and simmer for another 5-10 minutes until the celery is tender.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly before using in your desired recipe.
Common Questions
- Can I make this cream of celery soup vegan? Yes, simply substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth, olive oil or vegan butter for butter, and coconut milk or cream for heavy cream.
- What does cream of celery soup taste like? Most creamy celery soups taste mild and earthy, with peppery celery balanced by rich cream. The savory broth may also taste slightly sweet with the addition of cream.
- How long will this soup last in the fridge? It should last for at least 5 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Can I freeze this soup? Yes, this soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Allow the soup to cool completely before pouring it into an airtight container or zip-lock bag.
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