Mary Berry Celery Soup Recipe

Mary Berry Celery Soup is a light, creamy, and comforting recipe that turns basic celery into a beautifully smooth bowl of warmth. This soup is perfect for colder days, light lunches, or as a starter for family dinners. With a gentle sweetness from celery and richness from butter and cream, it delivers balanced flavors without being heavy. It takes about 35–40 minutes from start to finish and uses easy pantry ingredients, making it ideal for beginners and home cooks alike.

What Is Mary Berry’s Celery Soup?

Mary Berry Celery Soup is a classic blended vegetable soup prepared by simmering chopped celery, onion, potatoes, and stock until tender, then blending until velvety smooth. A splash of cream enhances the richness while keeping the flavor fresh, mild, and wholesome.

Other Popular Mary Berry Recipes

• Mary Berry Venison Casserole
• Mary Berry Lancashire Hotpot
• Mary Berry Old-Fashioned Parkin
• Mary Berry Stuffed Chicken Breast

Why This Recipe Is Worth Trying

• Budget-friendly ingredients make it accessible and practical.
• Creamy and smooth finish without relying on heavy cream.
• Quick cooking time is ideal for busy days.
• Versatile flavor profile pairs well with bread, salads, and sandwiches.
• Ideal for meal prep because it reheats beautifully.

Essential Ingredients to Make Mary Berry Celery Soup

Here are the exact amounts you’ll need:

• 1 large bunch of celery (about 8–10 stalks), chopped
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 1 medium potato, peeled and chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 litre vegetable or chicken stock
• 1–2 garlic cloves (optional), crushed
• 80 ml double cream or whole milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or chives for garnish

Handy Kitchen Tools for Best Results

• Large soup pot
• Blender or stick blender
• Sharp knife
• Chopping board
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring jug

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mary Berry Celery Soup

• Prepare the vegetables: Wash the celery, chop it into small pieces, and dice the onion and potato.
• Sauté the base: Melt the butter with olive oil in a large pot and cook the onions until soft and fragrant.
• Add celery and potatoes: Stir in the celery and potatoes, coating them in the buttery mixture.
• Pour in the stock: Add enough stock to cover the vegetables and bring the pot to a simmer.
• Cook gently: Simmer for 20–25 minutes until all vegetables soften fully.
• Blend until smooth: Use a stick blender to puree the soup into a silky consistency.
• Add cream and season: Stir in cream, then adjust the salt and pepper to your preference.

What I Got Wrong (And How I Fixed It)

• Used too much stock at first – soup turned thin, so adding stock slowly helped control consistency.
• Didn’t chop celery evenly – uneven pieces delayed cooking; cutting uniformly fixed the issue.
• Blended too soon – unsoftened celery strands caused a grainy texture; simmering longer solved it.
• Forgot to season in layers – adding salt gradually improved the depth of flavor.

Healthier Version of Mary Berry Celery Soup

• Use olive oil instead of butter
• Replace cream with low-fat milk
• Add cauliflower for extra body without added fat
• Choose low-sodium vegetable stock
• Reduce cream and finish with a spoonful of Greek yogurt

Ingredient Substitutions for Mary Berry Celery Soup

• Replace potatoes with cauliflower for a lighter version.
• Use leeks instead of onions for a gentler flavor.
• Swap cream with oat cream for a dairy-free option.
• Use water and a bouillon cube if stock isn’t available.
• Add celery leaves for deeper herbal notes.

Pairing Ideas: What to Serve With Mary Berry Celery Soup

• Cheesy garlic toast – adds richness and crunch to the creamy soup.
• Simple avocado salad – brings a refreshing contrast.
• Fresh sourdough slices – perfect for dipping.
• Herb-crusted croutons – boost texture and flavor.
• Grilled cheese sandwiches – makes the soup a complete meal.
• Roasted sweet potatoes – offer a warm, earthy balance.

Expert Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry Celery Soup

• Start with bright green celery to ensure the best flavor.
• Cook the onions slowly to release natural sweetness.
• Avoid boiling rapidly as it affects the creaminess.
• Taste the stock first to adjust salt levels correctly.
• Blend in batches if using a countertop blender for safety.
• Add cream at the end to prevent separation.
• Finish with fresh herbs for aroma and color.

Creative Ways to Customize Mary Berry Celery Soup

• Introduce mild spices like turmeric or cumin for warmth.
• Add a handful of spinach for extra nutrients and color.
• Stir in white beans to make it heartier.
• Use coconut milk for a dairy-free twist.
• Finish with lemon zest for a bright, fresh note.
• Add roasted garlic for deeper flavor complexity.

Storing Mary Berry Celery Soup the Right Way

• Cool completely before transferring to containers.
• Store in airtight jars to maintain freshness.
• Refrigerate safely for 3–4 days.
• Freeze for up to 2–3 months without cream added.
• Reheat slowly to keep the texture smooth.

How to Reheat Celery Soup (If Needed)

• On the stove: Warm the soup on medium-low heat, adding a splash of stock if needed.
• In the microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between for even warming.
• From frozen: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat slowly on the stove.

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

(Approximate values)

• Calories: 175
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 11g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: varies by stock used

Print

FAQs

How do you keep celery from tasting bitter in celery soup?

Celery can taste slightly bitter if the inner strings are not removed. For a smoother, sweeter flavor, peel off the tough strings from each stalk before chopping. Cooking the celery slowly with onions and butter also softens any bitterness and brings out natural sweetness.

Why is my celery soup not smooth after blending?

If your soup feels grainy, the celery or potato likely wasn’t cooked long enough. Continue simmering until all vegetables are completely soft, then blend again. Using a stick blender directly in the pot helps achieve a velvety, restaurant-style texture.

Can I make Mary Berry Celery Soup without cream?

Yes, the soup turns creamy even without dairy. Replace cream with extra potatoes, cauliflower, or a splash of oat cream. These options help thicken naturally while keeping the flavor mild and balanced.

Why did my celery soup turn watery?

Adding too much stock at the beginning often leads to a thin soup. Start with just enough liquid to cover the vegetables, then add more only if needed after blending. Potatoes also act as a natural thickener if the consistency feels too loose.

Wrapping It Up

Mary Berry Celery Soup is simple, creamy, and full of gentle flavors that make it suitable for any season. With easy steps, accessible ingredients, and plenty of room for personal customization, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll enjoy making again and again. This version gives you the perfect balance of comfort and nourishment without complicating the process.