Jamie Oliver’s Carrot and Celery Soup is a simple yet hearty dish that brings together the freshness of carrots and celery with a punch of flavor from herbs and seasoning. It’s all about balancing the natural sweetness of carrots with the earthy, slightly bitter notes from celery. The soup is both nourishing and comforting, with a lovely texture that’s smooth but still has a bit of body. It’s great as a starter or even as a light lunch and it’s one of those recipes that proves healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated.
Jamie Oliver Carrot And Celery Soup Recipe
Ingredients Needed
Here’s the thing: this soup isn’t about having a cupboard full of exotic spices or rare ingredients. It’s simple and that’s the charm. The key ingredients are:
- Carrots: Fresh and sweet, they’re the base of this soup. They add that lovely creamy texture when blended.
- Celery: This brings a bit of bite and balance to the sweetness of the carrots. It’s also the secret ingredient that takes this soup from basic to exciting.
- Onion: For depth of flavor and a bit of natural sweetness.
- Garlic: A couple of cloves add some background warmth and depth.
- Vegetable stock: This is the base for your soup’s liquid. It helps tie everything together without overwhelming the subtle flavors.
- Olive oil: For sautéing the veggies and giving that silky finish.
- Herbs and spices: Fresh thyme, salt and pepper are used to season and you can add a dash of nutmeg if you like a bit of extra warmth.
- Lemon juice: A squeeze of lemon right at the end lifts the flavors, making everything feel bright and fresh.
Equipment Needed
No fancy equipment needed here. just a few basic kitchen tools:
- A good knife: For chopping the carrots, celery, onion and garlic.
- A large pot: This will be where the magic happens. You’ll sauté the vegetables and then cook everything in the stock.
- A blender (or immersion blender): To make the soup smooth and velvety. A hand blender works perfectly here and saves you from having to transfer everything in batches to a stand blender.
- A spoon or ladle: To stir, serve and taste-test as you go!
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Carrot And Celery Soup
- Prepare the veggies: Peel and chop the carrots into small pieces and finely chop the celery and onion. Crush or chop the garlic too. The smaller the pieces, the faster they’ll cook and the smoother your soup will be.
- Sauté the aromatics: In your large pot, heat a generous drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the onions and garlic, cooking them until soft and fragrant. This is when your kitchen will start smelling amazing.
- Add the carrots and celery: Stir them in, letting everything cook for a few minutes. You want the vegetables to soften and start to release their natural sugars and flavors.
- Add stock and herbs: Pour in the vegetable stock and add a couple of sprigs of thyme. Bring everything to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes or until the vegetables are completely tender.
- Blend it up: Once everything’s cooked, take the thyme sprigs out (if you used whole sprigs) and either use an immersion blender to purée the soup directly in the pot or transfer everything into a blender. Blend until smooth. If you like your soup a little chunkier, you can leave it slightly less blended for texture.
- Season: Add salt and pepper to taste and if you feel it needs a little zing, squeeze in some fresh lemon juice.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, drizzle with a little more olive oil or add a sprinkle of fresh herbs for garnish and enjoy!
What I Learnt
Making Jamie Oliver’s Carrot and Celery Soup taught me a few things. First off, it’s incredible how just a few simple ingredients-things most of us already have in the kitchen-can combine to create something so flavorful. The soup is so forgiving. You can adjust seasoning, throw in extra herbs or swap in different types of stock to change it up. It really allows for creativity within a simple framework.
I also learned that you don’t need to rush. Letting the vegetables cook slowly helps develop layers of flavor that you can’t replicate by cranking up the heat. The texture from the blending process is a game-changer, too-it turns something that could have been quite thin into a rich, velvety soup.
One final thing: lemon juice at the end is a must. It adds brightness and cuts through the richness, making the soup feel light despite its creamy texture.
Recipe Tweaks For Jamie Oliver’s Carrot And Celery Soup
Jamie Oliver’s carrot and celery soup is simple, wholesome and full of flavor but there are plenty of ways to personalize it and make it your own. Want it a little richer? Add a splash of cream or a dollop of mascarpone right at the end. This gives it a smooth, velvety texture.
For an extra layer of flavor, try roasting the carrots and celery first. Toss them in a little olive oil, salt and pepper and roast until they’re tender and slightly caramelized. The roasting process brings out their natural sweetness and adds a deeper, more complex flavor to the soup.
If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in some ginger or turmeric for a spicy kick and a vibrant color. These spices will not only enhance the soup’s flavor but also provide extra health benefits like anti-inflammatory properties. You could also experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary instead of the usual bay leaves. They’ll infuse the soup with earthy notes that balance well with the sweetness of the carrots.
For those who prefer a heartier version, try adding a handful of lentils or beans. They’ll blend well with the soup’s base and make it more filling. Alternatively, for a slight crunch, you can top the soup with toasted seeds or croutons for texture.
Lastly, if you want a bit more depth, swap water for vegetable stock or even chicken stock if you’re not strictly vegetarian. This will give the soup a richer, more savory base.
Storage Tips For Leftovers
Carrot and celery soup keeps well in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers. After cooking, allow the soup to cool to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days in the fridge. If you’ve added cream or dairy, try to consume it within the first 2-3 days as dairy can spoil a little faster.
Want to store it for longer? This soup freezes beautifully! Transfer the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, leaving a little room for expansion. It can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove. If the soup has thickened a bit in the freezer, just stir in a bit of water or broth to loosen it up.
An easy way to make reheating convenient is by portioning the soup into single-serving containers before freezing. That way, you can defrost just the amount you need without having to thaw the entire batch.
What To Eat With Jamie Oliver’s Carrot And Celery Soup?
This soup is a great standalone meal but it pairs well with a variety of sides if you’re looking to turn it into a more substantial dish. A classic choice is a warm, crusty loaf of bread. Think sourdough or a thick baguette, perfect for dunking into the soup. If you’re in the mood for something lighter, a simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette would be a refreshing complement.
For a heartier meal, try pairing the soup with a grilled cheese sandwich. The crispy, cheesy bread is an irresistible contrast to the smooth, savory soup. If you want to get a little fancy, consider adding a few slices of roasted tomatoes or caramelized onions to your grilled cheese for extra flavor.
You could also enjoy the soup with a charcuterie platter. think thin slices of cured meats like prosciutto or salami, paired with a few mild cheeses and some olives. This adds a Mediterranean flair and brings a balance of savory and sweet to the meal.
If you want something a little different, try topping the soup with a poached or soft-boiled egg. The richness of the egg yolk will blend beautifully with the soup, making every spoonful feel more luxurious.
FAQs
What Ingredients Do I Need For Jamie Oliver’s Carrot And Celery Soup?
You’ll need carrots, celery, onion, garlic, olive oil, vegetable stock, and seasoning like salt and pepper. Optional extras include herbs like thyme or bay leaves.
How Long Does It Take To Cook Jamie Oliver’s Carrot And Celery Soup?
It takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. The soup cooks quickly because the vegetables soften up fast.
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Carrot And Celery Soup Vegan?
Yes! Just swap the vegetable stock for a vegan-friendly version, and make sure to use olive oil instead of butter for sautéing.
