Cream Of Celery Recipe

Cream of Celery is a classic soup that has been enjoyed for many years. It is a delicious and creamy soup made from the humble celery. Throughout history, celery has been used for various culinary purposes, but it was not until the late 19th and early 20th centuries that cream of celery soup became popular.

Fun fact: Did you know that celery was originally grown for medicinal purposes? The ancient Greeks and Romans used it as a remedy for various ailments. It was not until later that it was recognized for its culinary potential.

To make Cream of Celery, you will need the following ingredients:

- 1 large stalk of celery, diced
- 1 celery root, diced
- 1 pint of water
- 1 pint of scalded milk
- 1 tablespoonful of flour
- Cold milk
- 2 tablespoonfuls of butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup of whipped cream
- Small "croutons" of bread to serve

First, cook the large stalk of celery and celery root in 1 pint of water for about 30 minutes or until tender. The longer you cook it, the more flavor it will infuse into the soup. Once cooked, mash the celery and put it through a fine sieve to remove any fibrous bits.

Next, add the scalded milk to the mashed celery. Scalded milk is milk that has been heated to just below boiling point. It helps to enhance the creaminess of the soup.

In a separate bowl, mix the flour with a little cold milk to make a smooth paste. This will serve as a thickening agent for the soup. Add the flour mixture to the soup and stir well to combine.

Now, add the butter, salt, and pepper to the soup. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences. Let the soup simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Just before serving, add a cup of whipped cream to the soup. The whipped cream adds a luxurious and airy texture to the soup, elevating it to a whole new level of creaminess.

To serve, garnish the Cream of Celery with small "croutons" of bread. Croutons are small pieces of toasted or fried bread that add a delightful crunch to the soup.

Cream of Celery soup is delicious on its own, but it can also be enjoyed with other dishes. It pairs well with a fresh garden salad or a crusty bread roll. It also makes a great appetizer before a main course. If you're feeling creative, you can even use it as a base for other recipes such as casseroles or creamy pasta dishes.

In conclusion, Cream of Celery is a tasty and comforting soup that has stood the test of time. Its creamy texture and delicate celery flavor make it a favorite among soup lovers. Whether you enjoy it as a standalone dish or as a starter for a meal, you're sure to be delighted by its simple yet satisfying taste.

Similar dishes to Cream of Celery include Cream of Mushroom, Cream of Asparagus, and Cream of Potato. These soups share the same creamy base and can be made using a similar process. However, each soup has its own unique flavor profile that is sure to appeal to different taste preferences. Experiment with different variations to find your favorite creamy vegetable soup.