Mary Berry Jerusalem Artichoke And Celery Soup Recipe [Tips & Tricks]

If you’re looking for a comforting and unique soup that combines rich flavors with a touch of elegance, then Mary Berry’s Jerusalem artichoke and celery soup is a must-try!

The earthy, nutty taste of the Jerusalem artichokes pairs perfectly with the crisp, aromatic freshness of celery, creating a beautifully balanced dish. Plus, Mary Berry’s recipe makes it easy to prepare, even for those who might not consider themselves expert chefs. Whether you’re after a cozy dinner or something to impress guests, this soup brings warmth, depth, and a little twist to your usual soup repertoire.

Mary Berry Jerusalem Artichoke And Celery Soup Recipe

Ingredients Needed

To make Mary Berry’s Jerusalem Artichoke and Celery Soup, you’ll need a selection of fresh, simple ingredients that come together in a flavorful, comforting dish. Jerusalem artichokes (also known as sunchokes) bring a slightly nutty and earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the crisp, refreshing taste of celery. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Jerusalem Artichokes: These knobby tubers, resembling ginger root, offer a unique nutty flavor with a slightly sweet undertone. Their texture when cooked is creamy, making them perfect for blending into soups.
• Celery: Fresh celery provides a mild, savory flavor and a bit of crunch. It adds freshness and balances the richness of the artichokes.
• Onion: A classic soup base ingredient, onions bring sweetness and depth of flavor when sautéed.
• Garlic: A couple of cloves of garlic add aromatic richness and complexity to the soup’s flavor profile.
• Vegetable or Chicken Stock: You’ll need stock to form the liquid base of the soup. It can be either vegetable or chicken depending on your dietary preference or flavor preference.
• Butter: For sautéing the vegetables, butter adds a lovely richness to the soup and enhances its creamy texture.
• Cream: A small amount of cream or crème fraîche helps to make the soup luxuriously smooth and velvety.
• Salt and Pepper: Seasoning to taste. The right amount of salt enhances the flavors, while pepper provides a hint of warmth and spice.
• Fresh Herbs (optional): Fresh thyme or parsley are great optional garnishes to brighten up the soup and add a fresh contrast to the creamy texture.

These ingredients combine to create a beautifully balanced soup, rich in flavor but light enough to be a comforting starter or a light meal.

Equipment Needed

Making Mary Berry’s Jerusalem Artichoke and Celery Soup doesn’t require any fancy equipment, just a few basic kitchen tools. Here’s what you’ll need to gather before you begin:

• Sharp Knife: A good sharp knife is essential for chopping the vegetables, including the artichokes, celery, onions, and garlic.
• Cutting Board: A sturdy cutting board provides a stable surface for chopping and slicing your ingredients.
• Large Soup Pot or Dutch Oven: A large pot is crucial for sautéing the vegetables and cooking the soup. A Dutch oven works especially well as it distributes heat evenly, allowing for thorough cooking.
• Wooden Spoon: You’ll use this to stir the vegetables while they’re sautéing in butter, ensuring they don’t burn and cook evenly.
• Blender or Hand Blender: To achieve that smooth, creamy texture, you’ll need a blender. A stand blender or immersion (hand) blender works perfectly here. An immersion blender is especially convenient as it allows you to blend the soup directly in the pot.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accuracy when measuring your ingredients, especially liquids like the stock and cream.
• Soup Ladle: Once the soup is ready, a ladle will help you serve it elegantly.
• Serving Bowls: Finally, beautiful bowls are a must for presenting your soup. Choose something that showcases the smooth texture and vibrant color.

These tools will ensure the process runs smoothly and efficiently, helping you create a delicious, restaurant-quality soup right at home.

How To Make Mary Berry’s Jerusalem Artichoke And Celery Soup

Making Mary Berry’s Jerusalem Artichoke and Celery Soup is relatively straightforward, but the steps require a bit of patience to bring out the full depth of flavor from the ingredients. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to make this beautiful soup:

1. Prepare the Vegetables:
   Begin by washing the Jerusalem artichokes thoroughly, as they often have dirt and grit stuck in the crevices. Peel the artichokes using a vegetable peeler (or a paring knife if necessary). Slice them into thin pieces to help them cook faster. Next, chop the celery into small pieces and dice the onion. Peel and crush the garlic cloves.

2. Sauté the Vegetables:
   In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the diced onion, celery, and garlic. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened and the onion becomes translucent. This process helps to release the flavors and form the flavor base of the soup.

3. Add the Jerusalem Artichokes:
   After the onions and celery have softened, add the sliced Jerusalem artichokes to the pot. Stir them well with the other vegetables, ensuring that they are coated with the butter and onion mixture. Continue to sauté for a further 5 minutes. The Jerusalem artichokes will begin to soften, and their nutty scent will fill the kitchen.

4. Add Stock and Simmer:
   Pour in the vegetable or chicken stock, ensuring that the vegetables are covered. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until the vegetables, particularly the Jerusalem artichokes, are tender and easily pierced with a fork.

5. Blend the Soup:
   Once the vegetables are tender, it’s time to blend the soup. Use an immersion blender directly in the pot, or transfer the soup in batches to a stand blender. Blend until the soup is completely smooth and velvety. If using a stand blender, be sure to let the soup cool slightly before blending to avoid splattering.

6. Finish the Soup:
   After blending, return the soup to the pot (if necessary). Stir in the cream to make the soup extra rich and smooth. Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper to your preference. If the soup is too thick, you can thin it out with additional stock or water.

7. Serve:
   Ladle the creamy soup into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme if desired. Serve hot with some crusty bread for dipping, and enjoy!

Expert Tips

1. Choosing Jerusalem Artichokes: When selecting Jerusalem artichokes, look for ones that are firm and free of blemishes. Avoid those that are wrinkled or sprouting, as they won’t cook as nicely. They can be a little tricky to peel because of their uneven shape, so a sharp vegetable peeler or paring knife is helpful.

2. Adding Flavor with Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary complement the earthy flavors of the Jerusalem artichokes and celery. You can add a sprig or two to the pot while simmering the soup, and remove them before blending. Alternatively, sprinkle chopped fresh herbs over the soup just before serving for an aromatic garnish.

3. Make It Vegan: For a vegan version, simply substitute the butter with olive oil and use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream substitute in place of the heavy cream. Vegetable stock will already fit into this modification.

4. Adjusting Consistency: Depending on your preference for soup texture, you can make the soup thicker or thinner by adjusting the amount of stock and cream. For a more rustic feel, leave a bit of texture in the soup by only blending half of it.

5. Boost the Umami Flavor: Adding a splash of soy sauce or a spoonful of nutritional yeast can elevate the savory flavors in the soup and add depth, especially if you’re following a vegan or vegetarian recipe.

Mary Berry’s Jerusalem Artichoke and Celery Soup is a delightful dish that highlights the rich, earthy flavors of Jerusalem artichokes while balancing the freshness of celery. With its smooth, velvety texture and subtle yet layered flavor profile, it’s the perfect soup for any occasion, from cozy weeknight dinners to elegant dinner parties.

The beauty of this soup lies in its simplicity and versatility. By using fresh, quality ingredients and a few expert tips, you can create a dish that feels indulgent yet light, nourishing yet refreshing.

Whether you enjoy it as a starter or as the main event, this soup is sure to warm your soul and impress your guests. Enjoy!.

Easy Recipe Variations For Mary Berry’s Jerusalem Artichoke And Celery Soup

Mary Berry’s Jerusalem Artichoke and Celery Soup is a comforting, velvety dish with a delicate balance of earthy flavors from the artichokes and the subtle freshness of celery. However, if you’re looking to personalize the recipe or explore new taste combinations, here are a few easy variations to make this soup your own:

1. Add a Protein Boost: To turn this soup into a more filling meal, you can easily add proteins like roasted chicken, turkey, or even chickpeas. The mild flavors of the soup will complement the richness of the chicken, while the chickpeas add a delightful texture. Simply shred or dice your choice of protein and stir it in during the final stages of cooking.

2. Spicy Twist: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, incorporating a pinch of chili flakes, a finely chopped red chili, or a dash of cayenne pepper can give your soup an exciting kick. Add the spice gradually to control the heat level and balance the flavors.

3. Herb Infusion: While celery and artichokes already offer a lovely herbal flavor, you can intensify the aroma by adding fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves. Tie the herbs in a bouquet garni (a small bundle) to make it easy to remove once the soup is done, or finely chop them for more intensity.

4. Creamy and Rich: For a richer, creamier soup, stir in a dollop of double cream or a spoonful of crème fraîche at the end of cooking. This will give the soup a luxurious texture that complements its earthy flavors. Alternatively, a swirl of coconut milk can add a unique, dairy-free twist to the dish.

5. Smoky Flavor: To introduce a smoky note, consider adding smoked paprika or smoked salt. These ingredients will provide an interesting contrast to the natural sweetness of the Jerusalem artichokes and the freshness of the celery.

6. Vegetarian and Vegan Versions: If you’re preparing a vegan version, swap out the butter for olive oil, and use a vegetable stock instead of chicken stock. To enhance the flavor profile, add a splash of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar at the end of cooking for a subtle acidic balance.

7. Roasted Vegetables: Instead of boiling the vegetables, you can roast the Jerusalem artichokes, celery, and even onions. Roasting caramelizes the natural sugars in the vegetables, adding depth and a slight smokiness to the flavor. After roasting, blend them with the stock to achieve a silky texture.

8. Garnishes for Extra Texture: Top your soup with crunchy croutons, toasted seeds (like sunflower or pumpkin), or a drizzle of truffle oil for a refined, gourmet touch. These garnishes not only enhance the visual appeal but also add delightful textures that contrast with the smoothness of the soup.

Best Practices To Store Leftovers

Storing leftovers properly can extend the shelf life of your Jerusalem Artichoke and Celery Soup and maintain its flavors. Follow these best practices to ensure your soup stays fresh:

1. Cool Before Storing: Always let the soup cool down to room temperature before storing. Placing hot soup directly into the fridge can raise the temperature inside your fridge, potentially allowing harmful bacteria to grow. Cooling the soup first will help maintain a safe temperature in your refrigerator.

2. Airtight Containers: Store the soup in airtight containers to keep it fresh. Glass jars or BPA-free plastic containers work best as they will prevent the soup from absorbing any unwanted odors in the fridge.

3. Refrigeration: The soup will typically last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Make sure your fridge temperature is set to 40°F (4°C) or lower to ensure the soup stays at a safe temperature.

4. Freezing: If you’d like to store the soup for a longer period, freezing is a great option. However, because of its creamy texture, the soup may change slightly once thawed, so it’s best to freeze it before adding cream or any dairy products. You can freeze it in individual portions, which makes it easy to defrost only what you need. For best results, use freezer-safe containers or resealable freezer bags. The soup can stay in the freezer for up to 3 months.

5. Reheating: When reheating leftovers, always bring the soup to a full boil on the stove to ensure it’s thoroughly heated. Avoid reheating the soup in the microwave multiple times, as this can lead to uneven heating and a potential loss of flavor. If the soup has thickened in storage, add a little extra stock or water to reach your desired consistency.

6. Avoid Storing with Garnishes: If you’ve added garnishes like croutons, herbs, or cream, it’s best to store them separately. These can become soggy or lose their texture when stored with the soup. Add them fresh when serving the reheated soup.

What Goes Well With Jerusalem Artichoke And Celery Soup

While Jerusalem Artichoke and Celery Soup is delicious on its own, pairing it with complementary sides and accompaniments can elevate the dining experience. Here are a few ideas for perfect pairings:

1. Crusty Bread: A warm, rustic loaf of sourdough or baguette is the classic choice to serve alongside this soup. The crunchy texture of the bread contrasts wonderfully with the velvety soup, and you can dip it to absorb every last drop.

2. Cheese and Crackers: A cheese platter featuring a selection of soft, creamy cheeses like brie or goat cheese pairs wonderfully with the earthiness of the soup. The slight tang of goat cheese, in particular, complements the sweetness of the Jerusalem artichokes. Serve with a side of crisp crackers for added crunch.

3. Salad: A light, fresh salad is the perfect contrast to the rich and comforting soup. Try a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to add a citrusy freshness that balances the deep flavors of the soup. Alternatively, a beetroot and walnut salad offers earthy notes that marry well with the artichokes.

4. Roasted Vegetables: If you’re looking for something more substantial, roasted root vegetables (such as carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes) add an additional layer of sweetness and depth to the meal.

5. Charcuterie: For a more indulgent pairing, serve the soup with a selection of charcuterie. Thinly sliced prosciutto or salami offers a salty contrast to the mild flavors of the soup and adds an interesting texture.

6. Wine Pairing: A light, crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay is an excellent match for this soup. These wines’ subtle acidity and floral notes help cut through the richness of the soup while enhancing its flavors. For a non-alcoholic option, consider a sparkling water with a splash of lemon or a herbal iced tea.

Conclusion

Mary Berry’s Jerusalem Artichoke and Celery Soup is a delightful, versatile dish that shines with its rich, creamy texture and delicate balance of flavors. The recipe lends itself easily to creative variations, whether you’re adding spice, herbs, or even protein to cater to your taste.

Proper storage of leftovers ensures you can enjoy this comforting meal over multiple days without compromising its quality. To complete the meal, pairing the soup with complementary sides like crusty bread, fresh salads, or even a selection of cheese and charcuterie can turn it into a memorable dining experience. Whether you’re preparing it for a simple lunch or a special dinner, this soup is bound to impress with its elegance and versatility.

FAQs

What Are The Main Ingredients In Mary Berry’s Jerusalem Artichoke And Celery Soup?

The main ingredients for Mary Berry’s Jerusalem artichoke and celery soup are Jerusalem artichokes, celery, onions, garlic, vegetable stock, and cream. Some recipes also call for a bit of olive oil or butter for sautéing the vegetables.

Can I Substitute Jerusalem Artichokes With Another Vegetable?

While Jerusalem artichokes have a unique flavor and texture, you can substitute them with other root vegetables like parsnips or potatoes. However, this will change the taste and consistency of the soup.

Is Mary Berry’s Jerusalem Artichoke And Celery Soup Vegetarian?

Yes, Mary Berry’s Jerusalem artichoke and celery soup is typically vegetarian as it uses vegetable stock and does not include meat-based ingredients. You can easily make it vegan by using non-dairy cream and ensuring the stock is plant-based.

Can I Make This Soup Ahead Of Time?

Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time. In fact, it often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have had time to meld together. Just allow it to cool, store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and reheat before serving.

How Can I Make Mary Berry’s Jerusalem Artichoke And Celery Soup Smoother?

To make the soup smoother, you can blend it using an immersion blender or a regular blender until it reaches your desired consistency. If you prefer an extra-smooth texture, you can strain the soup through a fine mesh sieve.

What Is The Best Way To Serve This Soup?

Mary Berry’s Jerusalem artichoke and celery soup is best served hot. It can be garnished with a swirl of cream, fresh herbs like parsley or thyme, or a sprinkle of toasted seeds or croutons for added texture.

How Long Does Mary Berry’s Jerusalem Artichoke And Celery Soup Last In The Fridge?

The soup will last in the fridge for about 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months.

What Kind Of Stock Should I Use For The Soup?

Mary Berry’s recipe calls for vegetable stock, which complements the flavors of the Jerusalem artichokes and celery. You can use homemade vegetable stock or a store-bought version, making sure it’s low in sodium for a more balanced flavor.

Can I Add Other Vegetables To The Soup?

Yes, you can customize the soup by adding other vegetables like leeks, carrots, or potatoes. Just be mindful that this might change the flavor, but it can still result in a delicious variation.

How Can I Adjust The Seasoning In The Soup?

You can adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or herbs according to your taste. Some people also like to add a splash of lemon juice or vinegar to balance the flavors and add a bit of acidity.