Soup: United States – Silky Celeriac and Apple Soup with Chive Pesto

Serving Size: 6

Approximate Time

Prep 15 min

Cook 32 min

Total 47 min

Ingredients

2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
1 tbsp (15 g) unsalted butter
1 cup (100 g) leek, white and light green parts, thinly sliced
1 small clove garlic, sliced
1 lb / 450 g celeriac (celery root), peeled and diced
1 large Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored, and chopped
1 small Yukon Gold potato, peeled and diced
1 / 2 cup (120 ml) dry hard cider or dry white wine
4 cups (960 ml) low-sodium chicken or vegetable stock
1 bay leaf
2 fresh thyme sprigs
1 / 4 cup (60 ml) heavy cream or crème fraîche (optional)
1 to 2 tsp (5 to 10 ml) fresh lemon juice, to taste
Kosher salt, to taste
Ground white pepper, to taste
1 / 4 cup (15 g) finely chopped fresh chives
3 tbsp (45 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
Pinch fine sea salt
Matchsticks of green apple or celery leaves, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Warm the olive oil and butter in a medium pot over medium heat. Add the leek and a pinch of salt and cook, stirring, until tender but not browned, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in the garlic for 30 seconds.
Add the celeriac, apple, and potato; cook 2 to 3 minutes to sweat.
Pour in the hard cider and simmer until reduced by about half, 2 to 3 minutes, scraping up any fond.
Add the stock, bay leaf, and thyme. Bring to a simmer, cover partially, and cook until the vegetables are very tender, 20 to 25 minutes.
Remove and discard the bay leaf and thyme. Blend the soup until completely smooth and silky, using a blender or immersion blender. Return to the pot and adjust thickness with a splash of stock if needed.
Stir in the cream or crème fraîche if using. Season with salt, white pepper, and lemon juice to brighten; keep warm.
Make the chive pistou: Combine the chopped chives, olive oil, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl or mortar. Lightly bruise to release flavor; the texture should be loose and spoonable.
To serve, ladle the velouté into warm bowls, drizzle with chive pistou, and finish with a few apple matchsticks or celery leaves if desired.