Velvety Celery and Pear Soup
Indulge your senses with this creamy Velvety Celery and Pear Soup that beautifully combines the fresh, crisp flavor of celery with the sweet, juicy notes of ripe Bartlett pears. This bisque is perfect for elevating any meal or serving as an elegant appetizer. The addition of thyme and leeks adds depth to this dish, while the smooth texture creates a comforting experience in every spoonful. Ideal for dinner parties or cozy family gatherings, this recipe is a delightful way to showcase seasonal produce. Serve it warm, garnished with fresh pear and celery leaves for a stunning presentation.
N/A
Servings
163
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
4 1/2 tablespoons (melted)
Celery
6 cups (thinly sliced, with leaves plus chopped leaves)
Bartlett Pears
18 ounces (unpeeled, cored, diced (generous 3 cups))
Leeks
1 1/2 cups (chopped dark green tops)
Turkish Bay Leaves
3 small (whole)
Fresh Thyme
1 1/2 teaspoons (chopped)
All-Purpose Flour
1 1/2 tablespoons (mixed into the soup)
Low-Salt Chicken Broth
3 cups (and more as needed)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Once melted, add the thinly sliced celery, diced pears, chopped leek tops, bay leaves, and fresh thyme. Stir to combine and cover the pot. Cook for approximately 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the celery has softened.
2
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetable mixture and stir well to incorporate. Slowly pour in 3 cups of low-salt chicken broth, stirring constantly. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then cover the pot and reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer for about 20 minutes, or until both the celery and pears have become tender.
3
After simmering, carefully remove the bay leaves from the pot. Using a blender, puree the soup in batches until you achieve a smooth consistency. Return the pureed soup to the pot.
4
Taste the bisque and season with salt and pepper according to your preference. If the soup is too thick, you can thin it out by adding more broth in 1/4 cup increments, stirring well after each addition. Gently rewarm the soup over low heat until hot.
5
To serve, ladle the soup into bowls and garnish each with finely diced pear and chopped celery leaves for an elegant touch.
Nutrition Information
9
Fat
2
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Velvety Celery and Pear Soup?
It is a creamy bisque that combines the fresh, crisp flavor of celery with the sweet, juicy notes of ripe Bartlett pears, elevated with thyme and leeks.
What are the primary ingredients in this soup?
The main ingredients include butter, celery, Bartlett pears, leeks, Turkish bay leaves, fresh thyme, all-purpose flour, and low-salt chicken broth.
How many calories are in a serving of this celery and pear soup?
Each serving contains approximately 163 calories.
Is this recipe suitable for an elegant appetizer?
Yes, the description highlights it as a perfect elegant appetizer or a comforting addition to dinner parties and cozy gatherings.
How long should I cook the celery and pears initially?
You should cook the celery, pears, leeks, and herbs in melted butter for approximately 8 minutes until the celery has softened.
What type of pears should I use?
The recipe specifically calls for Bartlett pears, which should be unpeeled, cored, and diced.
How much fat is in this soup?
This soup contains 9 grams of fat per serving.
Is this soup vegetarian?
While tagged as vegetarian, the recipe uses chicken broth; to make it strictly vegetarian, substitute the chicken broth with a low-salt vegetable broth.
How do I thicken the soup?
The soup is thickened by stirring in 1 1/2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour into the vegetable mixture before adding the liquid.
What should I do if the soup is too thick after pureeing?
You can thin it out by adding more chicken broth in 1/4 cup increments until you reach your desired consistency.
How do I achieve the velvety texture mentioned in the title?
The soup is pureed in batches using a blender until a smooth consistency is achieved.
What garnish is recommended for this soup?
The recipe suggests garnishing each bowl with finely diced pear and chopped celery leaves.
What part of the leeks are used in this recipe?
This recipe uses 1 1/2 cups of chopped dark green leek tops.
How much protein does this soup provide?
This soup provides 2 grams of protein per serving.
Do I need to peel the pears?
No, the recipe specifies that the Bartlett pears should be unpeeled.
How much celery is required?
You will need 6 cups of thinly sliced celery, including the leaves.
How long does the soup need to simmer?
Once the broth is added, the soup should simmer for about 20 minutes until the celery and pears are tender.
When should I remove the bay leaves?
Carefully remove the three small Turkish bay leaves after simmering and before you begin pureeing the soup.
What heat setting should be used for simmering?
After bringing the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pot to simmer.
How much butter is used in the base?
The recipe calls for 4 1/2 tablespoons of butter to be melted at the start.
Can I use dried thyme?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 1/2 teaspoons of chopped fresh thyme for the best flavor profile.
How much chicken broth is needed?
Start with 3 cups of low-salt chicken broth, and keep extra on hand to thin the soup if necessary.
What is the total number of ingredients needed?
There are 8 main ingredients required for this recipe.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The recipe is tagged as gluten-free, but it contains all-purpose flour; to ensure it is gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour alternative.
How many bay leaves are used?
The recipe uses 3 small Turkish bay leaves.
Should I stir the soup while it cooks?
Yes, you should stir occasionally during the initial sautéing phase and stir constantly when adding the broth to ensure the flour incorporates smoothly.
Can I serve this soup cold?
The recipe recommends serving the soup warm and gently rewarming it over low heat if it cools.
What is the purpose of the leek tops?
The chopped dark green leek tops add depth and aromatic flavor to the celery and pear base.
How do I prepare the celery for the soup?
The celery should be thinly sliced, and the leaves should be separated and saved for both the soup and the garnish.
Is this soup seasonal?
Yes, it is described as a delightful way to showcase seasonal produce like pears and celery.