French

A rich Cheese and Celery Bisque soup with hints of celery, carrot and herbs.

Ingredients

1 tbsp butter
2 large stalks celery, finely chopped
1 carrot, finely chopped
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cups chicken broth
bouqut garni (thyme, parsley stems, and bay leaf)
¼ cup heavy cream
¾ cup cheddar cheese
salt & pepper, to taste
freshly grated nutmeg and chopped chives for garnish

Directions

Melt butter in large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the carrot, celery and onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are slightly softened, about 5 minutes. Add the stock, bouqut garni and bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes,

sautéed vegetables

Strain the soup, pressing firmly with the back of a spoon to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the solids and return soup to pan. Stir in cream, set over low heat and simmer 5 minutes. Slowly add the cheese, stirring constantly until smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. (Do not allow the soup to boil)

celery soup stage

Ladle into soup bowls and grate a little nutmeg over each and garnish with chives or celery leaves.