Creamy Celeriac Soup with Bacon

Experience the comforting warmth of this Creamy Celeriac Soup, a sophisticated dish that showcases the subtle, nutty flavor of celery root. This recipe creates a velvety texture that is perfectly complemented by the savory crunch of golden bacon, making it an ideal choice for a cozy lunch or an elegant dinner starter.

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Celeriac may look humble on the outside, but once peeled and simmered, it transforms into a silky, delicately sweet base. The addition of a single potato helps achieve the perfect thickness, while a touch of cream and a hint of nutmeg round out the flavors for a truly gourmet result.

Ingredients

• Vegetables: 1 large celeriac (about 700 g), peeled and diced; 1 medium onion, chopped; 1 medium potato, peeled and diced; 1 clove garlic, minced.
• Liquids: 1 L (4 cups) chicken or vegetable stock; 200 ml (3/4 cup + 1 tbsp) heavy cream.
• Seasonings: 2 tbsp unsalted butter; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg (optional).
• Garnish: 4 slices streaky bacon; Chopped fresh chives or parsley (optional).

Instructions

Step 1

In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sauté until soft and translucent, about 4 minutes.

Step 2

Add the celeriac and potato. Stir to coat with the butter and cook for 3 minutes.

Step 3

Pour in the stock, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the vegetables are very tender.

Step 4

Meanwhile, place the bacon slices in a cold, dry skillet. Cook over medium heat until crispy, turning as needed. Drain on paper towels and crumble or leave whole.

Step 5

Remove the soup from heat. Purée with an immersion blender (or carefully in batches in a blender) until smooth.

Step 6

Stir in the cream and a pinch of nutmeg, season with salt and pepper. Gently reheat if needed, but do not boil.

Step 7

Ladle the soup into bowls. Top with crispy bacon and a sprinkle of chives or parsley, if desired.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To maintain the perfect consistency, be sure to purée the soup until absolutely smooth before adding the cream. When reheating, keep the temperature low and avoid boiling to prevent the cream from separating or losing its delicate texture.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon and use vegetable stock. For an extra touch of richness and luxury, add a small splash of truffle oil to each bowl just before serving.

Serviervorschläge

This soup pairs exceptionally well with warm, crusty bread to soak up every last drop. For a drink pairing, try a crisp glass of dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, to balance the creaminess of the dish.

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With its earthy base and indulgent finish, this Creamy Celeriac Soup is a testament to how simple ingredients can create a truly memorable meal. Serve it hot and enjoy the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup stores beautifully. Prepare it up to 3 days in advance and refrigerate in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. Add the crispy bacon just before serving to maintain its crunch.

→ What does celeriac taste like?

Celeriac has a mild, earthy flavor with subtle celery notes and a hint of nuttiness. When cooked and pureed, it becomes creamy and delicate, making it perfect for smooth, velvety soups.

→ Can I substitute the heavy cream?

Absolutely. You can use half-and-half for a lighter version, coconut cream for dairy-free, or Greek yogurt stirred in at the end for tanginess. Avoid boiling after adding yogurt to prevent curdling.

→ How do I choose a good celeriac?

Select celeriac that feels heavy for its size with firm, unblemished skin. Avoid ones with soft spots or excessive rootlets. Smaller to medium bulbs tend to be less woody and more tender than very large ones.

→ What can I use instead of bacon for topping?

Try crispy pancetta, toasted pine nuts, croutons, or roasted chickpeas for crunch. For herbaceous notes, drizzle with herb oil or add toasted pumpkin seeds. Truffle oil adds luxurious depth without meat.

→ Why add potato to the soup?

Potato adds body and helps create an ultra-smooth, creamy texture when pureed. It also balances the strong celery flavor of celeriac and provides natural starchiness that thickens the soup beautifully.