If you’re looking for a soul-warming dish that feels like a hug in a bowl, this Creamy Celeriac and Potato Soup with Croutons and Chives Recipe is your new best friend. Silky smooth, with just the right balance of earthy celeriac and comforting potato, this soup is elevated by the fragrant herbs, a touch of cream, and those irresistibly crunchy croutons sprinkled with fresh chives. It’s a delightful way to savor root vegetables and transform simple ingredients into something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh ingredients come together beautifully in this recipe, each playing a crucial role in crafting the soup’s luscious texture and vibrant flavors. From the buttery base that brings richness, to the fresh herbs that add fragrant depth, every addition counts.
- Butter (60g / 4 tbsp, unsalted): Creates a rich base while gently cooking the aromatics without browning.
- Garlic cloves (2, finely chopped): Adds a subtle savory punch that complements the sweetness of the vegetables.
- Onion (1, diced): Brown or yellow onions provide foundational sweetness and body.
- Leek (1/2 white part, diced): Enhances the soup’s mild, oniony flavor without overpowering.
- Celery stems (3, diced): Contributes a fresh, crisp note and balances the creaminess.
- Celeriac (800g peeled, cut into 2cm cubes): The star ingredient bringing earthiness and a unique, nutty flavor.
- Potato (200g peeled, cubed): Adds smoothness and body, perfect for creamy consistency.
- Water or stock (1.5 litres): The cooking liquid that gently infuses flavors without masking the delicate ingredients.
- Salt (1 1/2 tsp): Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the natural flavors.
- White pepper (1/4 tsp): Adds subtle warmth without the black specks, keeping the soup visually clean.
- Full fat cream (1 cup): Brings luxurious creaminess and depth to the texture.
- Bay leaf (1, fresh): Imparts subtle herbal notes and complexity to the broth.
- Thyme sprigs (2): Earthy, slightly minty flavor that complements the root vegetables.
- Black peppercorn (1/2 tsp): Adds faint peppery heat, especially when simmered in the sachet.
- Coriander seeds (1/2 tsp): Brilliant for warmth and a hint of citrus undertone.
- Croutons: For a crunchy contrast that livens up the creamy soup.
- Olive oil (for drizzling): Adds a fruity richness on top for the finishing touch.
- Chives (1 tbsp finely chopped): Fresh, mild onion flavor brightens the final presentation.
How to Make Creamy Celeriac and Potato Soup with Croutons and Chives Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Spice and Herb Sachet
Create a little bouquet garni by bundling the bay leaf, thyme sprigs, black peppercorns, and coriander seeds loosely in a small piece of cheesecloth. Tie it securely with cooking twine so these herbs and spices gently infuse the soup without leaving gritty bits behind. This sachet is the secret to layering in fragrance and warmth gently.
Step 2: Build Your Flavor Base by Cooking Onion, Leek, Celery, and Garlic
Melt the butter over medium-low heat in a large pot and add the diced onion, leek, celery, and chopped garlic. Slowly cook for about 10 minutes, letting the onion soften beautifully without any color. This slow sweat releases the essential sweetness and depth you need to make a flavorful soup using water rather than stock. Trust me, patience here really pays off!
Step 3: Gently Cook the Celeriac and Potato
Add the cubed celeriac and potato to the pot and cook for another 10 minutes, stirring regularly. You want the vegetables to start softening but without browning them — since the goal is a pristine white soup with a delicate flavor. Keep an eye on it and stir often to prevent any color changes on the veggies’ surfaces.
Step 4: Simmer with Herbs and Seasonings
Time to add the salt, white pepper, your fragrant spice sachet, and water (or stock if you prefer). Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Do not cover the pot and let everything cook for 25 minutes until the celeriac becomes very tender—this silky softness is essential for an ultra-smooth texture later on.
Step 5: Stir in the Cream for Luxurious Smoothness
Once the vegetables are tender, pour in the full-fat cream and simmer for an additional 3 minutes. The cream enriches the soup by adding velvety texture and mildly sweet flavor that complements the earthy roots perfectly.
Step 6: Blend Until Silky Smooth
Remove the herb sachet and blend the soup until completely smooth. You can use a stick blender directly in the pot, which takes about 3 minutes, or let the soup cool slightly and puree it in batches using a countertop blender. After blending, you’ll be left with a thick, creamy soup that feels indulgent with every spoonful.
Step 7: Taste and Adjust Seasonings
Give your soup a final taste and add any extra salt or pepper needed to brighten the flavor. This tasting step is key because your seasoning can deepen or soften after blending, so adjusting ensures every bite sings.
Step 8: Serve With Crunchy Croutons and Fresh Chives
Ladle the steaming soup into bowls. Top generously with crunchy croutons and chopped fresh chives for a pop of color and a burst of fresh, mild onion flavor. A drizzle of olive oil adds a silky finish and subtle fruity aroma. Don’t forget a side of crusty bread to mop up every last bit!
How to Serve Creamy Celeriac and Potato Soup with Croutons and Chives Recipe
Garnishes
Adding the right garnishes can completely elevate this soup. Freshly chopped chives offer a bright green pop and a mild onion kick that contrasts beautifully with the creamy base. Croutons introduce crunch which brings texture balance, while a drizzle of good-quality olive oil adds a fruity richness that’s irresistible. Feel free to experiment with microgreens or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky note!
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with rustic, crusty bread – perfect for dipping and soaking up the luscious broth. For a heartier meal, serve alongside a crisp garden salad or a tangy fermented vegetable relish which cuts through the creaminess and cleanses the palate. Light sandwiches or roasted garlic focaccia also complement this soup brilliantly.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant dinner party, serve the soup in small porcelain cups as a starter topped with edible flowers or a tiny dollop of crème fraîche. Alternatively, pour it into hollowed-out mini bread bowls for a playful twist. You can also swirl in some vibrant green pesto or saffron threads on top for color contrast and extra flavor. The Creamy Celeriac and Potato Soup with Croutons and Chives Recipe lends itself well to beautiful presentations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the croutons and fresh chives separate to maintain their crunch and freshness when serving later. Just give the soup a quick stir before reheating.
Freezing
Want to save some for later? Freeze the soup in portion-sized containers once completely cooled. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Avoid freezing the croutons and chives — add those fresh after reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low heat on the stove, stirring frequently until warmed through. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure it heats evenly. Add your croutons and chives just before serving to preserve their texture and bright flavors.
FAQs
Can I use vegetable stock instead of water?
Absolutely! Using vegetable stock instead of water will deepen the flavor even more, making the soup richer. However, the recipe works well with just water thanks to the aromatic base and spice sachet that build incredible taste.
What type of potato is best for this soup?
A floury or all-rounder potato works best because it breaks down nicely, creating the perfect creamy texture without becoming gluey. Avoid waxy potatoes as they hold their shape more and won’t yield the silky finish you want.
Is there a vegan alternative to this Creamy Celeriac and Potato Soup with Croutons and Chives Recipe?
You can make this soup vegan by substituting the butter with olive oil or vegan margarine and replacing the cream with coconut cream or a cashew cream. Just keep in mind the flavor profile will shift slightly but remain delicious.
How do I make homemade croutons for topping?
Cut bread into small cubes, toss with olive oil, salt, and your favorite herbs, then bake at 180°C (350°F) until golden and crunchy. These homemade croutons add a fresh, buttery crunch that store-bought can’t match.
Can I prepare parts of this soup in advance?
Definitely! You can chop all the vegetables ahead of time and store them in the fridge. You can also make the spice sachet and even cook the soup to the simmering stage, then just add cream and blend right before serving to keep the flavors fresh and vibrant.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Celeriac and Potato Soup with Croutons and Chives Recipe is the perfect cozy treat for chilly days or anytime you want a bowl of pure comfort. With its elegant simplicity and satisfying textures, it’s truly one of those dishes you’ll want to keep going back to and sharing with friends. Give it a go and watch how this humble soup turns into an unforgettable experience!
