Potage Velouté de Céleri

Don’t let this recipe’s fancy name put you off. This velvety cream of celery soup is so elegant that I felt it deserved the flourish of an equally elegant French name.

Potage Velouté de Céleri:

8-to-10 c. (1.9-to-2.4 mL) chicken stock

8-to-10 medium stalks celery with leaves, coarsely chopped (see Note) 

1-to-2 large carrots, coarsely chopped

2 medium onions, coarsely chopped

1 large potato, coarsely chopped 

1/4 c. (60 mL) butter or margarine

1/2 c. (125 mL) all-purpose flour

1-1/2 c. (375 mL) light cream (also called half-and-half “coffee cream”)

2 tbsp. (30 mL) celery salt plus 1/2 tsp. (2.5) table salt, or to taste (see Further Note)

1/2 tsp. (2.5) coarsely ground pepper, or to taste

Pour stock into a large, heavy pot, bringing to a boil. Add celery, carrots, onion, and potato. Simmer, covered, for 20 min. Cool 10 min. Working with a few cups at a time, transfer to blender and purée on highest setting. Set aside. Use slotted spoon to strain for lumps or solid bits of vegetable; discard or blenderize again, if necessary. 

Wipe soup pot with a clean cloth to remove and solid bits of vegetables or celery fibers. Transfer blenderized soup to pot, reheating on simmer setting.

In medium saucepan over medium-low setting, melt margarine or butter. Gradually whisk in flour until no lumps remain. Slowly add cream and seasonings. Gradually stir flour mixture into hot soup. Serves 8-to-10.

Note: If desired, reserve a few uncooked celery leaves, chopping them finely to sprinkle over each bowl. This is a fancy little garnish that I’d only bother with for guests. 

Further Note: Made from ground celery seeds and salt, celery salt is one part celery seed and two parts salt. I consider it more of a seasoning than a “salt.” That’s why I’ve used such a liberal hand with the salts in this recipe. 

One More Note: You may also want to try this Cream of Celery Soup!