Celery-Root Soup with Bacon and Green Apple

Ingredients for Celery-Root Soup with Bacon and Green Apple

• 3 medium leeks (350g), white and pale green parts only

• 3 bacon slices (60g)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 675g celery root, peeled with a knife and cut into 1/2-inch pieces

• 725ml water

• 425ml reduced-sodium chicken broth

• 1 Granny Smith apple

• 3/4 celery rib, very thinly sliced on a long diagonal (1/2 cup)

• 1/3 cup inner celery leaves

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoons black pepper

• 120ml half-and-half

• Special equipment: an adjustable-blade slicer

How to make Celery-Root Soup with Bacon and Green Apple

Halve leeks lengthwise, then coarsely chop. Wash leeks in a bowl of cold water, agitating them, then lift out onto paper towels and pat dry.

Cook bacon in a 4-quart heavy pot over moderate heat, turning occasionally, until crisp, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer to paper towels.

Pour off all but 2 teaspoons fat from pot, then add oil and cook leeks over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 6 minutes. Add celery root and cook, stirring, 2 minutes. Add water and broth and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, until celery root is very tender, 35 to 40 minutes.

While soup simmers, thinly slice apple lengthwise into 1/8-inch-thick slices with slicer, working around core, then cut slices into 1/8-inch matchsticks with a knife. Gently toss with celery and celery leaves.

Purée soup in batches in a blender until smooth (use caution when blending hot liquids), transferring to a bowl. Return soup to cleaned pot. (If soup is too thick, thin with 120 to 180ml water.) Stir in salt, pepper, and half-and-half and cook over moderately low heat, stirring occasionally, until warm. Season with salt, then divide among 4 bowls and top with apple-celery mixture and coarsely crumbled bacon.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.