Creamy Celeriac Soup

Creamy Celeriac Soup

Serves 4.

2 Tbsp. butter
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 Red Dog yellow onion, chopped
1 Red Dog celeriac, peeled and cubed
3 cups vegetable stock
1/2 lb. Brussels sprouts, trimmed and sliced
6 rashers of unsmoked bacon or pancetta, cut into small pieces
1/2 cup heavy cream (or milk if you prefer a lighter soup)
1 pinch sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Heat the butter and 1 tablespoon oil in a large saucepan over a medium heat. Add the onion and sweat gently for a few minutes. Add the celeriac, stir to combine, then cover and sweat for about 10 minutes to soften.

Add the stock, bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the celeriac is tender. Add the sprouts, return to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes more. Puree the whole lot in a blender until smooth. Return to the pan.

While the soup is cooking, heat a trickle more oil in a frying pan over a medium heat and fry the bacon until crisp and golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

Add the cream or milk to the soup and reheat gently. Season with salt and pepper and serve, scattered with the bacon.

For a vegetarian version, serve the soup without the bacon. Some toasted blanched almonds or garlicky croutons are great alternatives to the bacon and give the soup a bit of a fancy finish.