Ingredients
1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) butter
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
2 cups very finely chopped celery (about 5 large ribs)
1 large clove garlic, minced
1/3 cup all-purpose unbleached flour
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 1/2 cups whole milk
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Optional: 1 bay leaf and 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
Optional garnish: fresh parsley, chives, crunchy croutons, or crispy bacon bits
Instructions
1. Melt the butter in a heavy stockpot over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and garlic; cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are soft and translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes.
2. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux base.
3. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk, ensuring no lumps.
4. Add salt, sugar, pepper, and optionally, the bay leaf and dill. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, and simmer for 15 minutes.
5. Use an immersion blender for a smoother texture or leave slightly chunky.
6. Adjust seasoning if necessary and serve warm with garnishes of choice.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
🧄 Fresh celery ensures the best flavor; opt for organic when possible.
🌾 To mimic canned soup thickness, reduce liquid and flour by half.
🥛 Use plant-based substitutes for a vegan version, replacing butter and cream with alternatives.
- Prep Time: 10–20 minutes
- None: 0 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 170–230 kcal
- Sugar: 6–7 g
- Sodium: 790–874 mg
- Fat: 14–15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: 11–18 g
- Fiber: 1–3 g
- Protein: 2–6 g
- Cholesterol: 39–40 mg
