Grana Padano and Celery Soup
Category: Appetizers
Serves: 4
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Grana Padano DOP | 100g |
| Potato starch (Fecola di patate) | 10g |
| Whole milk | 280g |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 20g |
| Vegetable broth | 30g |
| Celery | to taste |
| Extra virgin olive oil | to taste |
| Bread croutons | to taste |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Celery Chips:
Start by preheating your oven to 250°C (480°F) in static mode. Lay the celery leaves on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Brush them lightly with extra virgin olive oil and cover them with another sheet of parchment paper.
Bake the celery leaves for about 4 minutes, or until crisp. Remove them from the oven and allow them to cool, keeping them covered to preserve their crisp texture. -
-
Make the Soup Base:
In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over low heat. Add the potato starch and stir to create a roux (a smooth paste), cooking it gently for 2-3 minutes to eliminate the raw taste.
Slowly add the whole milk while whisking continuously to ensure a smooth texture. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens slightly and forms a creamy sauce. -
Final Touches:
Once the soup base has thickened, pour in the vegetable broth and stir to combine. Let the soup simmer gently for a few more minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the soup to reach a velvety consistency.
Grate the Grana Padano cheese finely and stir it into the soup, ensuring it melts completely, enriching the flavor with its creamy texture. -
Serving the Soup:
Ladle the warm soup into serving bowls. Garnish each portion with the crispy celery leaves, drizzle a bit of extra virgin olive oil on top, and season with freshly ground pepper to taste.
For an extra crunch, top with homemade or store-bought bread croutons. -
Enjoy:
Serve immediately as a light and flavorful starter to your meal, delighting in the contrast between the creamy cheese base and the crispy, aromatic celery.
Nutritional Information
(Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 10g
- Sodium: 450mg
This Grana Padano and Celery Soup is the perfect combination of creamy and fresh flavors, elevated by the rich taste of the renowned Grana Padano cheese and the delicate crunch of baked celery leaves. A comforting and elegant appetizer that sets the tone for a delightful meal!
