Ingredients
Soup Base
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 large onion, finely diced
- 4 cups very finely chopped celery
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 6 cups low sodium chicken broth or vegetable stock
Finishing Ingredients
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup fresh herbs (such as parsley, thyme, rosemary)
- Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Melt the butter in a Dutch Oven or large soup pot over medium heat. Add the finely diced onions and chopped celery, cooking until very soft and translucent, about 7 to 10 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Broth: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Then add the bay leaf and pour in the low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable stock. Bring the mixture to a low boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook gently for 20 to 25 minutes. Remove the bay leaf after simmering.
- Puree the Soup: Using an immersion blender right in the pot, or carefully transferring the soup to a stand blender, puree the soup until smooth and creamy in texture.
- Add Cream and Herbs: Return the pureed soup to the stovetop if needed, set the heat to the lowest setting, and stir in the heavy cream along with the freshly chopped herbs. Season the soup generously with kosher salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve and Store: Serve the soup warm and enjoy immediately. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute butter with olive oil and use vegetable stock and a dairy-free cream alternative.
- Make sure the celery and onions are chopped very finely to allow smooth blending and better texture.
- If you prefer a chunkier soup, puree only half of the soup and add the rest back in without blending.
- Fresh herbs such as parsley, thyme, or rosemary add bright, fresh flavors; adjust the combination to your preference.
- Low sodium broth allows better control over the saltiness of the final dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
