I often buy a whole or half head of celery when I only need one stalk for a recipe (eg. Fennel, Kohlrabi & Carrot Puree, Ground Beef Stroganoff, Kohlrabi Mash, Smoked Fish & Jerusalem Artichoke (Orzo) Risotto, “Jazzed Up” Toad in the Hole & Crustless Bacon & Mushroom Quiche), so this is a great way to use up the rest and perfect winter comfort food served for lunch or as a starter/entree in the evening.
The first time I made this soup I added a teaspoon of chilli flakes, but it was a bit too hot for everyone, so I think half a teaspoon is safer.
I have a stick blender with a soup attachment which is the easiest way to blend soup, but it can be done in a food processor.
Celery Soup with a Kick
(4 servings)
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion (chopped)
4 cloves garlic (crushed)
½ teaspoon mace
½ teaspoon chilli flakes
2 vegetable stock cubes
½ head celery (stalks & leaves chopped)
Small bunch of fresh thyme (chopped) & 4 sprigs for garnish
1 teaspoon mild curry powder
Freshly ground salt & pepper
1 lemon (juice & finely grated zest)
600 mls milk
Heat the oil in a large frypan and gently fry the onions, garlic, mace, chilli and stock cubes until they just start to brown.
Add the celery, thyme, curry powder, salt & pepper.
Continue to gently fry until the celery is translucent and add the lemon juice and most of the zest (just keep a little for garnish).
Transfer to a large saucepan, add the milk and heat through.
Blend until it is a thick pureed soup.
Garnish and serve immediately.