Celery Root and Leek Broth with Fresh Thyme
A clear, aromatic soup featuring earthy celery root and sweet leeks, infused with thyme for a bright, restorative finish. This french-inspired soups ready in about 55 minutes pairs medium celery root, medium leeks, medium carrots for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 80 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 medium celery root
- 2 medium leeks
- 2 medium carrots
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Peel and dice 2 medium celery root (1 lb / 450g) and 2 medium leeks (white parts only, sliced 1/4 inch thick). Dice 2 medium carrots (4 oz / 115g) into 1/4-inch cubes.
- Step 2: In a large pot, combine celery root, leeks, carrots, 4 cups vegetable broth, 2 sprigs fresh thyme, 1 bay leaf, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Step 3: Cover and simmer for 35 minutes, or until vegetables are fork-tender and flavors meld.
- Step 4: Discard thyme sprigs and bay leaf, then blend the broth with an immersion blender until smooth (or transfer to a blender in batches).
- Step 5: Return to low heat, taste, and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Celery Root and Leek Broth with Fresh Thyme take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Celery Root and Leek Broth with Fresh Thyme?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep medium celery root from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Celery Root and Leek Broth with Fresh Thyme?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Celery Root and Leek Broth with Fresh Thyme for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Celery Root and Leek Broth with Fresh Thyme?
French soups like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Kids gobbled it up without complaints — that's a 5-star in my book.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
