I found myself with too much celery this week, so I wanted to use it all up before my next CSA produce box came. Celery, a crunchy and versatile vegetable, offers numerous health benefits. Here are some reasons why it’s a great addition to your diet, especially in soup form:
Nutritional Benefits:
- High in Vitamins and Minerals: Celery is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as potassium, folate, and manganese. These nutrients support various bodily functions, including vision, immune health, and bone health.
- Low in Calories: Celery is a low-calorie food, making it a great choice for those watching their weight. It’s a filling vegetable that can help you feel satisfied without consuming excessive calories.
- Rich in Fiber: Celery is a good source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes gut health, and can contribute to feelings of fullness.
Why Celery Soup is Beneficial:
- Hydrating: Soup, especially vegetable-based soups like celery soup, is a hydrating option, especially during hot weather or when you’re feeling under the weather.
- Easy to Digest: The process of cooking celery softens its fibers, making it easier to digest. This can be beneficial for individuals with sensitive stomachs or digestive issues.
- Nutrient-Dense: By combining celery with other vegetables, herbs, and spices in a soup, you can create a nutrient-dense meal that provides a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Creamy Celery Spinach Soup
Yields: 8 servings Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 large bunch celery, chopped
- 2 tablespoons good EVOO
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup milk
- 3 cups water
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt
- 1/2 tsp white pepper
Equipment:
- Large pot
- Hand immersion blender
Instructions:
- Prepare the celery: In a large pot, boil celery in water and vegetable stock. Cook for 10 minutes until soft. Using a hand immersion blender, mix cooked celery. Let cook and strain and mush through some of the vegetable matter through mesh strainer. You are trying to remove just the long fivers.
- Put back on stove and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Add spinach: Stir in the spinach until wilted.
- Blend: Using a hand immersion blender, puree the soup until spinach is blended and consistency is smooth. Add the remaining milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Blend until well combined.
- Serve: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve hot. If you have a finishing oil like basil or garlic, drizzle on top of hot soup. Would pair really well with a large garlic crouton or piece of toast!
Tip: For a thicker soup, add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of water to the soup and simmer for a few minutes, stirring constantly.
Enjoy your homemade celery spinach soup!
