I remember the first time I tried Jamie Oliver’s Carrot and Celery Soup. It was a rainy day, the kind where you just want something comforting and warming. I was at a friend’s house, and they had been raving about this simple yet delicious soup. Skeptical at first, I was hooked after one spoonful. The blend of the natural sweetness from the carrots with the earthiness of celery created a perfect harmony.
Ever since then, I’ve made this soup on days when I crave something easy, satisfying, and full of flavor. It’s also a fantastic way to sneak in some healthy vegetables without sacrificing taste. If you’ve never tried it, let me walk you through how to recreate that same comforting experience in your own kitchen.
Jamie Oliver’s Carrot And Celery Soup Recipe
Jamie Oliver’s recipe for Carrot and Celery Soup is one of those dishes that shows you how simplicity can create something outstanding. It’s not just about the ingredients but also how they’re combined. Jamie is a genius at taking basic ingredients and making them shine.
The soup is vibrant, earthy, and creamy with just the right balance of textures and flavors. It’s light, yet it feels like a full meal-perfect for any time of year, but especially during the colder months when you want to cozy up with something warm and comforting.
Ingredients Needed
To get that perfect bowl of carrot and celery goodness, you’ll need a few basic ingredients. These are all staples you can probably find in your kitchen right now, but if not, they’re easy to track down at any local store:
- Carrots – About 4 large carrots, peeled and sliced. The sweetness of the carrots is key here.
- Celery – 3 to 4 stalks. Celery adds that signature fresh, slightly peppery flavor.
- Onion – 1 medium onion, chopped. This brings a mild sweetness and depth to the soup.
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced. For a gentle, aromatic kick.
- Vegetable Stock – 1 liter (about 4 cups). This is the base that ties all the flavors together.
- Olive Oil – A couple of tablespoons for sautéing the vegetables.
- Salt and Pepper – To taste. It’s the simplest seasoning but really brings out the flavors.
- Herbs (optional) – You can add thyme or bay leaves for extra fragrance if desired.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can always throw in a little extra like a splash of lemon juice, a handful of fresh parsley, or even a dash of cream for richness.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Carrot And Celery Soup
Making this soup is straightforward but requires a little attention to detail to make it just right. Here’s how I go about it:
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Prep your vegetables.
Peel the carrots and slice them thinly. Chop the celery and onion, and mince the garlic. The finer you chop, the quicker everything cooks.
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Sauté the aromatics.
Heat a little olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook it for about 5 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent. Add the garlic, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Cook the vegetables.
Toss in the carrots and celery, stirring them around to coat with the oil and onions. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, letting the vegetables sweat and soften slightly.
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Add the stock and seasoning.
Pour in the vegetable stock and bring everything to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. If you like a little extra flavor, now’s the time to add any herbs or spices like thyme or bay leaves. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the carrots are soft.
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Blend and serve.
Once the vegetables are soft and tender, remove the pot from the heat. Use an immersion blender (or a regular blender) to purée the soup until it’s smooth and creamy. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Optional: You can drizzle a little extra olive oil or cream on top before serving for added richness. Serve hot with some crusty bread, and you’re good to go!
Ingredient Science Spotlight
Ever wondered why carrot and celery are such a perfect pairing? There’s some interesting science behind their flavors and textures.
- Carrots are naturally sweet because they’re rich in sugars, especially glucose. When cooked, their sweetness intensifies and creates a smooth, velvety texture in soups. They also contain beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A, a key nutrient for skin and eye health.
- Celery, on the other hand, has a more savory, slightly bitter flavor due to its high levels of sodium and minerals like potassium. This balances out the sweetness of the carrots, creating a more complex taste. Celery also contains flavonoids and antioxidants, which are great for reducing inflammation and boosting heart health.
Together, the combination of the earthy celery and the sweet carrots is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients.
Expert Tips
As simple as this recipe is, there are a few things I’ve learned over the years that will take your soup to the next level:
- Sauté the veggies properly. Don’t rush the process of cooking the onions and garlic. This step brings out a lot of the natural sweetness and depth of the soup.
- Use good-quality stock. It makes a world of difference. Homemade stock is ideal, but if you’re using store-bought, look for a low-sodium option to control the salt levels.
- Control the texture. If you like a chunkier soup, don’t blend it completely. Leave some bits of vegetables for texture. But if you prefer it smooth, blend it well and add a touch of cream or butter for richness.
- Fresh herbs. Fresh thyme or rosemary can be added toward the end of cooking for an extra flavor boost.
- Don’t skip the seasoning. It might seem simple, but salt and pepper really make the flavors pop. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust.
Recipe Variations
There are plenty of ways to personalize Jamie’s Carrot and Celery Soup:
- Add a little spice. Try a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of smoked paprika for a mild kick.
- Add some protein. For a more filling meal, you can toss in cooked lentils, chickpeas, or even shredded chicken.
- Creamy twist. If you prefer a creamy texture, blend in some heavy cream or coconut milk after the soup has been puréed.
- Roast the veggies. To add a richer, deeper flavor, you can roast the carrots and celery in the oven with a bit of olive oil and salt before adding them to the pot.
Final Words
Jamie Oliver’s Carrot and Celery Soup is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something magical. It’s one of those recipes that anyone can make, regardless of skill level, but still has that wow factor. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, it’s a soup that brings warmth, comfort, and nourishment.
FAQs
What Ingredients Do I Need For Jamie Oliver’s Carrot And Celery Soup?
You’ll need carrots, celery, onion, garlic, vegetable stock, olive oil, and some seasoning like salt and pepper.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead Of Time?
Yes, this soup stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days or you can freeze it for later.
How Can I Make The Soup Richer In Flavor?
You can add a bit of cream or a dollop of sour cream for extra richness. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can also boost the flavor.