Spicy Middle Eastern Celeriac Soup 🌿✨

Celeriac Soup with Coriander and Chilli 🌿🌶️

Overview

I created this vibrant Celeriac Soup with Coriander and Chilli recipe for a British cooking magazine contest, aiming for a soul-warming, Middle Eastern-inspired bowl of goodness perfect for those chilly days. It’s a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will surely become a favorite in your winter soup repertoire. Plus, if you’re not a fan of celeriac, feel free to swap it out with another root veggie like turnip for a delicious twist!

Time Breakdown

Ingredients

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 red chile, deseeded and finely chopped
• 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 medium celeriac, peeled and diced
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 3 cups water
• 1 bunch fresh coriander (cilantro), roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup milk (or dairy-free alternative)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Sauté Aromatics: In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion, red chile, and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and onions are translucent.

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2. Infuse with Spices: Stir in the ground cumin, allowing it to bloom in the oil for about 30 seconds. Season generously with salt and pepper for a flavorful base.

3. Add Celeriac: Toss in the diced celeriac, coating it in the aromatic mixture. Let it cook for a minute or two to absorb those wonderful flavors.

4. Simmer the Soup: Pour in the chicken broth and water. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the celeriac is tender and easily pierced with a fork.

5. Blend to Smoothness: Remove the soup from heat and let it cool slightly. Using a hand blender or food processor, blend the soup until velvety smooth. This step creates that creamy, luxurious texture we all love in a soup.

6. Add Creaminess: Stir in most of the chopped fresh coriander, reserving a bit for garnish. Pour in the milk (or dairy-free alternative) to add a touch of creaminess to the soup. Mix well to combine.

7. Taste and Adjust: Give the soup a final taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. The flavors should be balanced and aromatic, with a subtle kick from the chile.

8. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot soup into bowls, each serving a comforting warmth. Sprinkle over a few coriander leaves for a burst of freshness and vibrant color.

9. Enjoy!: Serve this Celeriac Soup with Coriander and Chilli immediately, letting its comforting aroma fill the room. It’s perfect for cozy evenings or as a delightful starter for a winter gathering.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 256.9
• Fat: 12.2g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.3g
  • Cholesterol: 2.7mg
• Sodium: 1007.4mg
• Carbohydrates: 29.1g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Sugar: 8.2g
• Protein: 10g

Recipe Notes

• Variations: Feel free to customize this soup to your liking! Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness, a dollop of yogurt for creaminess, or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for crunch.

• Storage: This soup keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing the flavors to meld even more. Simply reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to adjust the consistency.

• Garnish Ideas: Get creative with your garnishes! Try a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, a sprinkle of sumac for tanginess, or a handful of crispy fried shallots for added texture.

• Make it Vegan: Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and use a dairy-free milk alternative to make this soup completely vegan-friendly.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve this Celeriac Soup with a side of crusty bread for dipping, or alongside a simple green salad for a light and satisfying meal.

• For an extra touch of indulgence, top each bowl with a swirl of cream, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, or a handful of croutons for added crunch.

Warm up your kitchen and your soul with this Celeriac Soup with Coriander and Chilli recipe. It’s a delightful blend of comforting flavors, perfect for those cold winter nights or whenever you crave a bowl of hearty goodness. 🍲✨