Mary Berry is a well-known British chef and author, famous for her simple and elegant recipes. One of her signature dishes is the creamy and delicious celery soup. This soup is a great way to enjoy the health benefits of celery, which is low in calories and high in fiber and vitamin K.
Celery soup has been around for centuries and is a popular dish in many cultures. It is believed to have originated in France, where it was served as a light and refreshing summer soup. Today, celery soup is enjoyed all over the world and is often served as a starter or a light lunch.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Mary Berry’s celery soup is a creamy and delicious soup that is inspired by the famous British chef and author.
- Celery soup is a popular dish that has been around for centuries and is enjoyed all over the world.
- Celery is low in calories and high in fiber and vitamin K, making it a healthy ingredient to include in your meals.
Mary Berry’s Profile
Mary Berry is a renowned British food writer, television presenter, and cookbook author. She is known for her expertise in baking and has published over 70 cookbooks throughout her career. Her recipes are loved by many for their simplicity and deliciousness.
Career Highlights
Mary Berry started her career as a food writer in the 1960s, contributing to various magazines and newspapers. She later became the cookery editor of Housewife magazine and Ideal Home magazine. In the 1970s, she began making appearances on television, including on the BBC’s “Afternoon Plus” program.
In the 1980s, Mary Berry became a household name with her role as a judge on the popular cooking competition show “The Great British Bake Off.” Her warm and knowledgeable personality made her a fan favorite, and she continued to judge the show until 2016.
Mary Berry has also been awarded numerous honors throughout her career, including being appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2012 for her services to culinary arts.
Cookbook Publications
Mary Berry has published over 70 cookbooks throughout her career, covering a wide range of topics from baking to healthy eating. Some of her most popular books include “Mary Berry’s Baking Bible,” “Mary Berry’s Complete Cookbook,” and “Mary Berry’s Quick Cooking.”
Her recipes are known for their simplicity and use of fresh, seasonal ingredients. She often includes helpful tips and tricks in her cookbooks to make cooking and baking easier for home cooks.
Mary Berry’s celery soup recipe is a perfect example of her approach to cooking. It uses just a few simple ingredients and is easy to make, yet it is packed with flavor and perfect for a cozy meal on a cold day.
Celery Soup Origins
Historical Context
Celery is one of the oldest vegetables known to humans, and it has been used in cooking for thousands of years. The ancient Greeks and Romans used celery for medicinal purposes and as a flavoring agent in their cuisine. In the Middle Ages, celery was used as a garnish and as a flavoring in soups and stews. In the 18th century, celery became more widely used in cooking, and it was often paired with other vegetables in soups and stews.
Health Benefits
Celery is a low-calorie vegetable that is high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is an excellent source of vitamin K, which is important for bone health, and it contains antioxidants that may help prevent cancer and other diseases. Celery is also a natural diuretic, which means it can help reduce bloating and water retention. Additionally, celery is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as arthritis and heart disease.
Mary Berry Celery Soup is a delicious and healthy soup that is easy to make. It contains fresh celery, potatoes, and vegetable stock, and it is seasoned with salt, pepper, and fresh parsley. This soup is a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet, and it is a perfect meal for a cold winter day.
Recipe Overview
Ingredient List
To make Mary Berry celery soup, the following ingredients are required:
- Olive oil, 1-2 tablespoons
- Onion, 1 large, chopped
- Garlic cloves, 3, peeled and crushed
- Fresh celery, 2 lbs, cleaned and chopped
- Vegetable stock, 1 qt
- Potatoes, 1 lb, peeled and cut into quarters
- Fresh parsley, a good handful, roughly chopped including stems
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Preparation Steps
- In a large pot, heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add 1 large chopped onion and 3 peeled and crushed garlic cloves to the pot and cook until the onion is translucent.
- Add 2 lbs of cleaned and chopped celery and cook for 5-7 minutes.
- Add 1 qt of vegetable stock and 1 lb of peeled and quartered potatoes to the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
- Remove the pot from heat and use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
- Add a good handful of roughly chopped fresh parsley, including stems, to the soup and blend again.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
This recipe yields a creamy and delicious soup that is perfect for any occasion. With its simple yet elegant flavors, Mary Berry celery soup is a great way to warm up on a cold day or to enjoy as a light and healthy meal.
Cooking Techniques
Soup Base Preparation
To prepare the soup base for Mary Berry celery soup, one needs vegetable stock, garlic, onions, and potatoes. The garlic and onions should be peeled and chopped while the potatoes should be peeled and cut into quarters. The vegetable stock should be heated until it starts boiling. The garlic, onions, and potatoes should then be added to the stock and left to cook for about 30 minutes. This helps to soften the potatoes and infuse the stock with the flavors of the garlic and onions.
Celery Handling
When it comes to handling the celery, it is important to clean it thoroughly and chop it into uniform pieces. The celery should be cut into pieces that are about 1-1.5 inches long. The celery pieces can then be sautéed in a large saucepan with heated butter. Once the celery turns golden brown, it should be removed from the heat and left to cool.
After the celery has cooled, it should be added to the soup base along with the parsley. The soup should then be seasoned with salt and pepper to taste. The soup can be served with chunks of crusty bread for a complete meal.
Overall, Mary Berry celery soup is a delicious and healthy meal that can be prepared with just a few ingredients. By following the proper cooking techniques and handling the celery correctly, one can create a flavorful and nutritious soup that is perfect for any occasion.
Serving Suggestions
Garnishing Tips
To elevate the presentation of Mary Berry’s celery soup, one can experiment with a variety of garnishing options. A few suggestions include:
- Croutons: Toasted bread cubes can add a crunchy texture to the soup. One can also try flavored croutons for added taste.
- Fresh Herbs: Chopped fresh parsley, chives, or thyme can add a pop of color and freshness to the soup.
- Cream or Yogurt: A dollop of cream or yogurt can add richness and creaminess to the soup. One can also try sour cream or crème fraîche for a tangy twist.
- Sautéed Vegetables: Sautéed mushrooms, onions, or garlic can add depth and complexity to the soup. One can also try roasted vegetables for added flavor.
Accompaniments
Mary Berry’s celery soup pairs well with a variety of accompaniments. A few suggestions include:
- Bread: A slice of crusty bread or a warm baguette can make a satisfying meal with the soup.
- Salad: A light salad with fresh greens and a tangy dressing can complement the soup’s flavors.
- Cheese: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a slice of cheddar can add a savory note to the soup.
- Meat: For a heartier meal, one can add cooked chicken or bacon to the soup. One can also try a side of ham or prosciutto for added flavor.
Overall, Mary Berry’s celery soup is a versatile dish that can be customized to one’s liking. With the right garnishing and accompaniments, one can create a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the health benefits of adding cooked celery to soup?
Celery is a low-calorie vegetable that is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K, vitamin C, potassium, and folate. Adding cooked celery to soup can help boost its nutritional value and provide health benefits such as improved digestion, reduced inflammation, and better heart health.
What role does celery play in enhancing the flavor of broth?
Celery contains natural compounds that enhance the flavor of broth and add depth to the overall taste of the soup. It also helps to balance out the flavors of other ingredients in the soup, making it a popular choice for many soup recipes.
Can cream of celery soup be enjoyed as a standalone dish?
Cream of celery soup can be enjoyed as a standalone dish, but it is often used as a base for other recipes such as casseroles and pot pies. It is a creamy and comforting soup that is perfect for cold winter nights.
How can I make a celery soup without using potatoes?
If you want to make celery soup without potatoes, you can substitute them with other starchy vegetables such as cauliflower or parsnips. Alternatively, you can omit the potatoes altogether and thicken the soup with a roux or cornstarch.
What are some easy celery soup recipes for beginners?
There are many easy celery soup recipes for beginners that require minimal ingredients and preparation time. Some popular options include creamy celery soup, celery and apple soup, and celery and leek soup.
Where can I find a traditional French celery soup recipe?
A traditional French celery soup recipe can be found in many French cookbooks and online recipe databases. It typically includes celery, onions, leeks, potatoes, and chicken broth, and is seasoned with herbs such as thyme and bay leaves.