Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Simple and Clean Flavors: Emphasizes the natural taste of fresh vegetables.
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Low-Calorie and Nutrient-Rich: Great for detox or light eating.
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Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal ingredients.
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Versatile: Can be served hot or cold and customized with herbs and spices.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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4 celery stalks, chopped
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4 large carrots, peeled and chopped
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1 onion, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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4 cups vegetable broth
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Optional: fresh herbs like thyme, parsley, or dill
Directions
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Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
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Add Celery and Carrots: Stir in chopped celery and carrots; cook for another 5 minutes.
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Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes.
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Blend Soup: Use an immersion blender or transfer to a blender to puree soup until smooth.
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Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve hot or chilled.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Preparation Time: 10 minutes
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Cooking Time: 25 minutes
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Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
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Add Creaminess: Stir in a splash of coconut milk or cream before serving.
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Herb Variations: Use basil, cilantro, or chives for different flavor profiles.
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Add Heat: Include a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne.
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Chunky Style: Blend only half the soup for a chunkier texture.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Freezing: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months.
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Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use celery root instead of celery stalks?
Yes, it adds an earthy flavor and thicker texture.
Can I prepare this soup in advance?
Yes, flavors improve when made ahead.
Is this soup vegan?
Yes, it contains no animal products.
Can I add potatoes for extra thickness?
Yes, add diced potatoes with the broth and cook until tender.
Can I use chicken broth?
Yes, for a non-vegetarian version.
How do I prevent the soup from being too watery?
Simmer uncovered to reduce liquid to desired consistency.
Can I serve this soup cold?
Yes, it makes a refreshing chilled soup for warm days.
Can I add lemon juice?
A splash of lemon juice brightens the flavor.
Are there any good toppings?
Croutons, toasted seeds, or a drizzle of olive oil.
Can I use pre-cut vegetables?
Yes, but fresh vegetables yield the best flavor.
Conclusion
Celery and Carrot Soup is a simple, wholesome, and flavorful dish that celebrates fresh vegetables in a light, comforting way. Easy to prepare and versatile, it’s a perfect choice for a healthy starter or light meal any time of year.
PrintCelery and Carrot Soup
White Bean, Kale, and Wild Rice Soup is a nourishing, hearty soup combining tender white beans, nutrient-rich kale, and chewy wild rice in a flavorful broth, perfect for a healthy and comforting meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Sautéing and Simmering
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 cup wild rice, rinsed
6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
2 cans (15 oz each) white beans, drained and rinsed
4 cups chopped kale, stems removed
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: lemon juice for brightness
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in wild rice and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 40-45 minutes or until rice is tender.
- Add white beans, kale, thyme, and rosemary. Simmer for another 10 minutes until kale is wilted and tender.
- Taste and season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice if desired.
- Ladle soup into bowls and serve warm.
Notes
- Add cooked shredded chicken or sausage for extra protein.
- Use vegetable broth and omit meat for a vegan version.
- Substitute kale with spinach or Swiss chard if preferred.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for added flavor.
- Store leftovers in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months.
- Reheat gently on stovetop or microwave until warmed through.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 0mg