Handwritten recipe for Celery Soup
by: salvagedrecipes

Creamy Celery Soup

Celery Soup
Celery Soup was a staple in early 20th-century American kitchens, often served in family homes or church potlucks. This version uses fresh celery simmered until tender, combined with a milk-based broth and thickened with flour and butter for a creamy, comforting consistency. The original recipe includes variations with onions and optional additions like chicken, potatoes, or rice, making it a flexible base. It’s beloved for its simplicity, frugality, and the way it elevates humble vegetables into something warm and hearty.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Soup
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 343 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups chopped celery
  • 1 pint boiling water
  • 2 ½ cups milk
  • 1 onion (finely chopped)
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • ¼ cup flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp pepper
  • 2 tbsp parsley (optional)

Optional

  • 1 cup chicken (diced & cooked – or ham)
  • 1 cup potatoes (cooked – or rice)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Cook Celery

  • Cut 3 cups of celery and place in a pot with 1 pint boiling water.
  • Simmer until tender (about 15–20 minutes).

Step 2: Make the Roux

  • In a separate saucepan, melt butter.
  • Add chopped onion if using, and cook until translucent.
  • Stir in flour, salt, and pepper. Cook 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly.

Step 3: Combine and Thicken

  • Slowly add milk to the roux, stirring constantly until thickened.
  • Add cooked celery (with water) to the milk mixture.
  • Mix well and continue cooking for 5–10 minutes over low heat.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

  • Add chopped parsley if using.

Optional:

  • Add cooked meat, potatoes, or rice.
  • Serve hot with buttered toast or crackers.

Tips

  • Add diced potatoes for a heartier, chowder-like texture.
  • Stir in cooked chicken for extra protein.
  • Add a pinch of nutmeg, traditional in many vintage cream soups.
  • Substitute part of the milk with cream for extra richness.
  • For a lighter soup, use vegetable broth and reduce the butter.
  • Blend the soup completely for a smooth, velvety finish.
  • Add fresh herbs like parsley or dill for brightness.
  • Stir in grated cheddar for a cheesy variation.
  • Use leeks in place of onions for a sweeter flavor.
  • Add a splash of sherry just before serving for depth.

Nutrition

Calories: 343kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 4gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 32mgSodium: 218mgPotassium: 361mgFiber: 2gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 379IUVitamin C: 9mgCalcium: 135mgIron: 1mg
Keyword celery soup, classic soup, comfort food, creamy soup, handwritten recipe, heirloom recipe, vintage recipe
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