Celery is the unsung hero of the soup world - usually relegated to supporting roles in mirepoix. This soup puts celery center stage, letting its subtle, aromatic flavor shine. The result is a clean, refreshing soup that feels almost cleansing.
Using the entire celery bunch - stalks, hearts, and leaves - maximizes flavor and reduces waste. The celery hearts are tender and sweet, while the leaves add a fresh, herby finish that's often thrown away.
Celery Benefits
- Low calorie: Almost negligible calories
- Hydrating: 95% water content
- Aromatic: Natural flavor enhancer
- Fiber-rich: Aids digestion
Using the Whole Bunch
- Outer stalks: More fibrous, cook longer
- Inner hearts: Tender, sweet
- Leaves: Herb-like, for garnish
- Base: Save for stock
Serving Suggestions
- Fresh celery leaves on top
- Crusty bread
- Perfect for detox days
- Light lunch or starter
Chicken Soup with Celery
Clean, refreshing soup celebrating celery.
Nutrition per serving
195Calories
28gProtein
8gCarbs
6gFat
2gFiber
3gSugar
Ingredients
Instructions
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Sauté aromatics. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and carrots. Cook 4 minutes. Add celery stalks and cook 3 minutes more. Add garlic and cook 1 minute.
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Build the soup. Add broth, bay leaf, and chicken breast. Bring to a simmer. Cook 25 minutes until chicken is cooked through and celery is tender.
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Shred chicken. Remove chicken and shred with two forks. Remove bay leaf. Return chicken to pot.
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Serve. Season with salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls and garnish generously with celery leaves and fresh parsley.
Recipe Notes
- Celery root: Add diced celeriac for deeper flavor.
- Cream option: Blend and add cream for creamy celery soup.
- Save the base: Use celery base for homemade stock.
- Storage: Refrigerate 5 days. Freezes well.
