Creamless Celery Bisque
A smooth, creamy, and flavorful celery bisque without cream, perfect for a light, comforting starter or lunch that highlights fresh vegetables and subtle seasonings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil.
- Add sliced celery, chopped onion, diced potatoes, salt, poultry seasoning, and black pepper.
- Simmer for about 15 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
- Pour about one-third of the mixture into a blender or food processor.
- Whirl until smooth.
- Repeat with remaining mixture until all is blended smoothly.
- Return the blended soup to the saucepan; add the skim milk.
- Heat until hot, but do not boil.
- Serve with croutons.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider sautéing the onions and celery in a bit of olive oil before adding the broth. You can substitute vegetable broth for a vegetarian version or use leeks for a different flavor profile. If you want a thicker bisque, add more potatoes or blend longer. For added richness, stir in a tablespoon of butter just before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This bisque pairs beautifully with crispy croutons for added texture. Consider serving it alongside a light salad or sandwich to make a complete meal. For a hearty option, serve with Chicken Marimba for a delightful contrast. Garnish with fresh herbs for an extra touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so slowly on the stove over low heat to maintain the texture, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling, as this can separate the skim milk and alter the bisque's creamy consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Creamless Celery Bisque contains roughly 1134 calories, with 26g protein, 199g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (165% of the Daily Value), potassium (96% of the Daily Value), and iron (91% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 906mg per serving (39% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this bisque ahead of time?
Yes, this bisque can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just make sure to add the skim milk when reheating to keep the texture smooth. It can also be frozen, but the texture may change slightly upon thawing.
Is it possible to make this bisque dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the skim milk with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk for a dairy-free version. Just keep in mind that the flavor may change slightly depending on the milk you choose.
How can I add more protein to this dish?
To add protein, consider stirring in shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked lentils just before serving. This will enhance the heartiness of the bisque while incorporating flavors that complement the existing ingredients.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).