Creamy Chinese Celery Soup

Chinese Celery Soup Recipe - Creamy and Delicious

Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour and 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Creamy Chinese Celery Soup is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This soup is packed with flavor and nutrients, making it a great option for a healthy and satisfying meal.

History

Chinese celery has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries due to its numerous health benefits. This recipe combines the unique flavor of Chinese celery with creamy potatoes and shallots to create a rich and flavorful soup that is sure to please.

Ingredients

1 medium leek, chopped (white and pale green parts only)
1 medium russet potato
0.5 cup chopped shallot
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp olive oil
2 bunches Chinese celery, stalks cut into 2-inch pieces (1.5 lb total)
0.5 cup dry white wine
4 cups chicken stock or low-sodium chicken broth (32 fl oz)
0.5 cup heavy cream
0.5 tsp salt
0.25 tsp black pepper

How to prepare

Peel and chop the potatoes.
In a pot, cook the shallot in boiling butter and oil for approximately 2-3 minutes.
Add the leek and cook for another 5-6 minutes, stirring vigorously.
Add the celery, potatoes, and wine, and cook for another 4 minutes.
Add the broth and let the soup simmer for 60 minutes.

Variations

Add cooked chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
Stir in a spoonful of miso paste for an extra depth of flavor.
Garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or chives for a pop of color.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the shallots in butter and oil until they are soft and translucent to bring out their sweet flavor.

- Simmering the soup for a longer period of time will allow the flavors to meld together and create a more complex and delicious dish.

- For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to puree the soup before adding the cream.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Creamy Chinese Celery Soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to simmer the soup on low heat to allow the flavors to develop fully.

- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup to your desired consistency.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use regular celery if Chinese celery is not available.

- Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth to make this recipe vegetarian.

Make Ahead Tips

Creamy Chinese Celery Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Creamy Chinese Celery Soup with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of black pepper, and a sprig of fresh parsley for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Creamy Chinese Celery Soup with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay for a perfect pairing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Creamy Chinese Celery Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Creamy Chinese Celery Soup contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Creamy Chinese Celery Soup contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Creamy Chinese Celery Soup contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Creamy Chinese Celery Soup contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Creamy Chinese Celery Soup is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals such as potassium and magnesium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (butter and cream) and may not be suitable for those with dairy allergies.

Summary

Creamy Chinese Celery Soup is a nutritious and delicious dish that is rich in vitamins and minerals. It is a great option for a healthy and satisfying meal.

Summary

Creamy Chinese Celery Soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. Packed with flavor and nutrients, this soup is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a magnet. It was a rainy day in Chinatown, and I had decided to take a stroll through the bustling streets in search of new culinary inspiration. As I walked past the various food stalls and restaurants, the aroma of garlic, ginger, and soy sauce filled the air, enticing me to explore further.

I came across a small, unassuming shop tucked away in a narrow alleyway. The sign above the door simply read "Ling's Kitchen." Intrigued, I pushed open the creaky wooden door and was immediately greeted by the warm, comforting smell of soup simmering on the stove. I approached the counter, where a kind-looking woman with a twinkle in her eye was busy chopping vegetables.

"Hello, dearie," she said with a smile. "What can I do for you today?"

I couldn't help but notice the large bunch of celery sitting on the cutting board in front of her. It was unlike any celery I had ever seen before – thick, crisp, and fragrant. I asked her what she was making, and she replied, "Creamy Chinese Celery Soup. It's a family recipe passed down through generations."

Intrigued, I asked if she would be willing to share the recipe with me. She hesitated for a moment, her eyes searching mine as if trying to determine if I was worthy of such a secret. Finally, she nodded and motioned for me to sit at one of the small tables in the corner of the shop.

As I watched her expertly prepare the soup, I listened intently as she recounted the story behind the recipe. It had been created by her great-grandmother, a renowned chef in the Qing Dynasty. Legend had it that the soup had been served to the Emperor himself, who had declared it to be the most delicious soup he had ever tasted.

The secret to the soup, she explained, lay in the quality of the ingredients and the slow, gentle simmering process. The celery had to be fresh and crisp, the chicken broth rich and flavorful, and the seasonings perfectly balanced. She added a touch of cream at the end to give the soup a velvety smooth texture that melted in your mouth.

As she ladled the steaming soup into a bowl and handed it to me, I couldn't wait to take my first spoonful. The taste was unlike anything I had ever experienced – earthy, savory, and comforting all at once. I felt as though I had been transported back in time to the imperial court, where emperors dined on delicacies fit for royalty.

I thanked Ling profusely for sharing her family recipe with me and promised to cherish it forever. She smiled and patted my hand, saying, "Food is meant to be shared, dearie. Pass on the tradition to your loved ones and keep the spirit of our ancestors alive."

From that day on, Creamy Chinese Celery Soup became a staple in my own kitchen. I would make it for special occasions, family gatherings, or simply as a comforting meal on a cold winter's day. Each time I prepared the soup, I would think of Ling and her great-grandmother, grateful for the gift of their culinary legacy.

Over the years, I have shared the recipe with friends, neighbors, and fellow food enthusiasts. They have all marveled at the unique flavors and textures of the soup, each one adding their own twist to make it their own. But no matter how they adapt the recipe, the essence of Ling's Creamy Chinese Celery Soup remains the same – a taste of history, tradition, and love.

As I sit here now, stirring a pot of soup on my own stove, I can't help but smile at the thought of all the people who have enjoyed this recipe over the years. Ling's Kitchen may be long gone, but her spirit lives on in every bowl of Creamy Chinese Celery Soup that is made with care and shared with love.

And so, dear reader, I pass on this recipe to you with the hope that you will experience the same joy and satisfaction that it has brought me. May it warm your heart, nourish your soul, and connect you to a culinary tradition that spans generations. Enjoy, and remember – food is meant to be shared. Bon appétit!