This Hairy Bikers Celeriac and Apple Soup is a deliciously creamy and flavorful dish that pairs the earthy taste of celeriac with the sweetness of apples. It’s a warming, comforting soup that’s perfect for colder days or as an elegant starter for a dinner party. The simple ingredients combine to create a velvety texture with a subtle balance of sweet and savory flavors.
What is Hairy Bikers Celeriac and Apple Soup?
Hairy Bikers Celeriac and Apple Soup is a smooth, creamy soup made from celeriac (also known as celery root) and apples, which complement each other perfectly. The celeriac provides a rich, earthy base, while the apples add a touch of natural sweetness. This soup is blended to a silky texture and finished with a touch of cream, making it a perfect starter or light meal.
Other Popular Recipes
- Hairy Bikers Carrot And Coriander Soup
- Hairy Bikers Red Pepper and Lentil Soup
- Hairy Bikers Leek And Potato Soup
Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Balanced flavors: The sweetness of the apples perfectly complements the earthiness of the celeriac.
- Comforting and hearty: Ideal for warming up on a cold day.
- Simple and nutritious: Uses fresh, wholesome ingredients.
- Elegant enough for entertaining: A great starter for a dinner party.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable with different garnishes or added spices.
Ingredients Needed to Make Hairy Bikers Celeriac and Apple Soup
- Celeriac (1 medium, about 600g, peeled and chopped): Adds a rich, earthy flavor and smooth texture.
- Apples (2 large, peeled, cored, and chopped): Brings sweetness to balance the celeriac.
- Onion (1 medium, finely chopped): Provides a mild, sweet base for the soup.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Enhances the savory flavor.
- Vegetable stock (1 liter): Forms the base of the soup, adding depth of flavor.
- Butter (25g): For sautéing the onion and garlic (can be substituted with olive oil for a dairy-free version).
- Double cream (100ml, optional): Adds richness and a silky texture.
- Fresh thyme (1 sprig, or 1 tsp dried): Provides a subtle, herbal note.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
- Lemon juice (1 tbsp): Brightens the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Chopped parsley or chives (for garnish): Adds a fresh touch to the finished dish.
Equipment
- Large saucepan
- Hand blender or countertop blender
- Knife and cutting board
- Wooden spoon
- Ladle
Instructions to Make Hairy Bikers Celeriac and Apple Soup
- Sauté the onion and garlic: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté for 3-5 minutes until softened but not browned.
- Add the celeriac and apples: Stir in the chopped celeriac and apples, allowing them to cook with the onion and garlic for 5 minutes.
- Add the stock and thyme: Pour in the vegetable stock and add the thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the celeriac and apples are tender.
- Blend the soup: Remove the soup from the heat and use a hand blender to blend until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the soup in batches to a countertop blender and blend until creamy.
- Stir in the cream and season: If using, stir in the double cream. Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley or chives. Serve hot with crusty bread or a light salad.
What Goes Well with Hairy Bikers Celeriac and Apple Soup?
- Crusty bread: Perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
- Grilled cheese sandwich: A classic pairing for a comforting meal.
- Green salad: A fresh, light salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.
- Toasted seeds: Add some toasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds on top for texture.
- Crème fraîche: A dollop of crème fraîche or yogurt adds a creamy, tangy finish.
- Roasted vegetables: Serve with roasted carrots or parsnips for a hearty vegetarian meal.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Hairy Bikers Celeriac and Apple Soup
- Cut the celeriac evenly: Cutting the celeriac into uniform pieces ensures it cooks evenly.
- Use fresh, sweet apples: Sweet varieties like Gala or Fuji work best for this recipe, balancing the earthy celeriac.
- Don’t over blend: If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend the soup lightly or pulse in a blender rather than fully pureeing it.
- Add herbs: Thyme pairs well, but you can experiment with rosemary or sage for a different flavor.
- Serve chilled: This soup can also be served cold, making it a refreshing option in warmer weather.
Easy Variations of Hairy Bikers Celeriac and Apple Soup
- Vegan version: Omit the butter and cream, and use olive oil for sautéing. Substitute the cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
- Spicy twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or curry powder for a bit of heat.
- Add potatoes: For a thicker, heartier soup, add a chopped potato when cooking the celeriac.
- Caramelized apples: For a richer flavor, caramelize the apples in a little sugar and butter before adding them to the soup.
Best Practices to Store Hairy Bikers Celeriac and Apple Soup
- Refrigerate leftovers: Store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for longer storage: Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Portion for convenience: Freeze the soup in individual portions to make reheating easy.
Best Practices to Reheat Hairy Bikers Celeriac and Apple Soup
- Reheat on the stovetop: Pour the soup into a saucepan and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
- Microwave for quick reheating: Place the soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat in 1-minute increments, stirring between each, until hot.
- Add liquid if necessary: If the soup thickens after refrigeration or freezing, add a splash of water or stock while reheating to adjust the consistency.
How Can I Make Hairy Bikers Celeriac and Apple Soup Healthier?
- Skip the cream: For a lighter version, omit the cream or use a low-fat alternative like Greek yogurt.
- Use low-sodium stock: Opt for low-sodium vegetable stock to reduce the salt content.
- Add more vegetables: Incorporate carrots, parsnips, or sweet potatoes for added nutrients and fiber.
- Reduce the butter: Use less butter or substitute with olive oil for a healthier fat option.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 3g
- Fiber: 5g
FAQs
Can I freeze celeriac and apple soup?
Yes, celeriac and apple soup freeze well. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave.
What type of apples are best for celeriac and apple soup?
Sweet apple varieties like Gala, Fuji, or Golden Delicious work best in celeriac and apple soup. These apples balance the earthy flavor of celeriac with their natural sweetness, creating a well-rounded flavor.
How can I make celeriac and apple soup vegan?
To make celeriac and apple soup vegan, replace the butter with olive oil and omit the cream. You can also use coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative for added richness while keeping the soup dairy-free.
How do I prevent celeriac from browning while preparing?
To prevent celeriac from browning, peel and chop it just before cooking. If you need to prep it in advance, submerge the chopped celeriac in water with a little lemon juice or vinegar to keep it from oxidizing and turning brown.
Final Words
Hairy Bikers Celeriac and Apple Soup is a unique and flavorful dish that combines the earthy notes of celeriac with the natural sweetness of apples. With its creamy texture and balanced flavors, it’s perfect for both cozy dinners and special occasions.
Enjoy it hot or cold, and feel free to experiment with garnishes and variations!
More By British Baking Recipes
- Delia Smith Vegetable Soup
- Mary Berry Vegetable Soup
- Delia Smith Leek and Potato Soup
- James Martin Fondant Potatoes
Hairy Bikers Celeriac and Apple Soup
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering and blending
- Cuisine: British
Description
Hairy Bikers Celeriac and Apple Soup is a smooth, creamy soup made from celeriac (also known as celery root) and apples, which complement each other perfectly. The celeriac provides a rich, earthy base, while the apples add a touch of natural sweetness. This soup is blended to a silky texture and finished with a touch of cream, making it a perfect starter or light meal.
Ingredients
- Celeriac (1 medium, about 600g, peeled and chopped): Adds a rich, earthy flavor and smooth texture.
- Apples (2 large, peeled, cored, and chopped): Brings sweetness to balance the celeriac.
- Onion (1 medium, finely chopped): Provides a mild, sweet base for the soup.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Enhances the savory flavor.
- Vegetable stock (1 liter): Forms the base of the soup, adding depth of flavor.
- Butter (25g): For sautéing the onion and garlic (can be substituted with olive oil for a dairy-free version).
- Double cream (100ml, optional): Adds richness and a silky texture.
- Fresh thyme (1 sprig, or 1 tsp dried): Provides a subtle, herbal note.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
- Lemon juice (1 tbsp): Brightens the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Chopped parsley or chives (for garnish): Adds a fresh touch to the finished dish.
Instructions
- Sauté the onion and garlic: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté for 3-5 minutes until softened but not browned.
- Add the celeriac and apples: Stir in the chopped celeriac and apples, allowing them to cook with the onion and garlic for 5 minutes.
- Add the stock and thyme: Pour in the vegetable stock and add the thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the celeriac and apples are tender.
- Blend the soup: Remove the soup from the heat and use a hand blender to blend until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the soup in batches to a countertop blender and blend until creamy.
- Stir in the cream and season: If using, stir in the double cream. Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley or chives. Serve hot with crusty bread or a light salad.
