Save Creamy Celery Root Bisque is an elegant, velvety soup that highlights the sophisticated flavor of celeriac. With its smooth texture and delicate taste, it serves as the perfect refined starter for a dinner party or a cozy evening meal that feels truly special.
Save The beauty of this bisque lies in its simplicity. By gently sautéing aromatics like leeks and onion before simmering the celery root in vegetable broth, you unlock deep, earthy notes that are perfectly balanced by a finish of fresh cream.
Ingredients
- 1 large celery root (approx. 700 g / 1.5 lb), peeled and diced
- 1 medium Yukon Gold potato, peeled and diced
- 1 medium leek, white and light green parts only, sliced
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups (1 liter) vegetable broth (gluten-free if needed)
- 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk or unsweetened plant-based milk
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream or non-dairy cream
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter or olive oil
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/4 tsp ground white pepper
- Salt, to taste
- Chopped chives or parsley, for garnish
- Drizzle of cream (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add leek, onion, and garlic. Sauté until soft but not browned, about 5 minutes.
- Step 2
- Add diced celery root and potato. Sauté for another 3 minutes.
- Step 3
- Pour in the vegetable broth and add the bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 25 minutes or until vegetables are very tender.
- Step 4
- Remove and discard the bay leaf. Using an immersion blender (or transfer in batches to a blender), purée the soup until completely smooth.
- Step 5
- Stir in the milk and cream. Heat gently (do not boil), and season with salt and white pepper to taste.
- Step 6
- Ladle into warm bowls. Garnish with chopped chives, parsley, and a drizzle of cream if desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To achieve the smoothest bisque, ensure the celery root and potatoes are fork-tender before blending. Using a high-speed countertop blender will result in an even silkier texture than an immersion blender, but be sure to blend in batches to avoid steam pressure buildup.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a vegan version, substitute the butter with olive oil and use plant-based milk and non-dairy cream. To add more depth and acidity, you can deglaze the pot with a splash of dry white wine after sautéing the vegetables but before adding the broth.
Serviervorschläge
Ladle the warm bisque into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs. This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread for dipping and a glass of crisp, mineral-driven white wine to cut through the richness of the cream.
Save Whether served as a holiday starter or a quiet weeknight treat, this Creamy Celery Root Bisque brings a touch of classic French culinary tradition to your kitchen with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Recipe FAQ
- → What does celery root taste like?
Celery root, also known as celeriac, offers a subtle, earthy flavor with mild celery undertones and hints of parsley. When cooked, it becomes wonderfully creamy and develops a delicate sweetness that pairs beautifully with rich, velvety textures.
- → Can I make this bisque ahead of time?
Absolutely. This bisque actually develops deeper flavors when made a day ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk if needed to restore consistency.
- → Why use potato in celery root bisque?
Potato acts as a natural thickener and contributes additional creaminess without overpowering the delicate celery root flavor. The combination creates an ultra-smooth, luxurious texture while maintaining the elegant, refined character of the soup.
- → What's the difference between bisque and soup?
Bisque traditionally refers to a smooth, creamy soup that has been strained and often enriched with cream. This celery root version achieves that velvety consistency through puréeing and the addition of milk and cream, creating a refined, elegant presentation suitable for special occasions.
- → Can I freeze celery root bisque?
Yes, though the cream may separate slightly upon thawing. Freeze without the final cream addition for best results. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, reheat gently, and stir in the milk and cream just before serving to restore smooth texture.
- → What garnishes work well with this bisque?
Fresh chives or parsley add bright color and mild flavor. A drizzle of cream creates elegant swirls. For added texture, consider toasted croutons, crispy fried shallots, or a sprinkle of finely diced celery root quickly sautéed in butter until golden.