Description
This comforting Celeriac Leek Soup with Thyme & Gruyère Toasts offers a creamy, flavorful bowl perfect for chilly days. The soup combines earthy celeriac, mild leeks, and fresh thyme simmered in vegetable broth, then enriched with heavy cream. Paired with crispy Gruyère-topped toasts broiled to golden perfection, it makes a satisfying and elegant meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Soup
- 1 medium celeriac (celery root), peeled and diced
- 2 large leeks, white and light green parts only, cleaned and sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tablespoon dried thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Gruyère Toasts
- 4 slices crusty bread (such as sourdough or baguette)
- 1/2 cup grated Gruyère cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, sliced leeks, and minced garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Add Celeriac and Thyme: Stir in the diced celeriac and 2 tablespoons of fresh thyme leaves. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine flavors.
- Simmer the Soup: Pour in 4 cups of vegetable broth. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the celeriac is tender when pierced with a fork.
- Blend the Soup: Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender and puree until smooth.
- Finish the Soup: Return the blended soup to the pot (if using blender). Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. Warm through gently without boiling.
- Prepare Gruyère Toasts: Preheat the oven broiler. Brush each slice of crusty bread with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, place on a baking sheet, and sprinkle evenly with grated Gruyère cheese.
- Broil the Toasts: Place the baking sheet under the broiler. Broil for 2-3 minutes, watching closely, until cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh thyme if desired, and serve hot alongside the Gruyère toasts for a rich, comforting meal.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, substitute chicken broth for vegetable broth.
- If you prefer a thinner soup, add more broth when blending.
- To make the soup vegan, replace the heavy cream with coconut cream and omit the cheese or use vegan cheese alternatives.
- Clean the leeks thoroughly as they tend to retain dirt between layers.
- Gruyère toasts can be made ahead and briefly reheated under the broiler before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
