Jamie Oliver Carrot and Celery Soup is a simple, nourishing dish that combines naturally sweet carrots with fresh, aromatic celery to create a smooth and comforting bowl of goodness. It’s light yet satisfying—perfect for days when you want something healthy, warm, and easy to prepare.
This soup works well as a starter, light lunch, or quick dinner, especially when served with crusty bread. The flavors are clean and balanced, making it a great option for everyday cooking.
The recipe typically serves 4 people and takes about 25–30 minutes from start to finish. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the step-by-step method, along with helpful tips and variations.
What Makes This Recipe Worth Making
- Light yet satisfying
A healthy soup that feels comforting without being heavy. - Simple, everyday ingredients
Uses basic vegetables that are easy to find. - Quick to prepare
Ready in under 30 minutes. - Naturally sweet and balanced flavor
Carrots add sweetness while celery brings freshness. - Great for meal prep
Stores well and reheats easily.
What Is Jamie Oliver’s Carrot and Celery Soup?
Jamie Oliver’s Carrot and Celery Soup is a smooth vegetable soup made by simmering carrots and celery with aromatics, then blending until creamy.
The result is a light, velvety soup with a naturally sweet and fresh flavor.
Jamie Oliver Carrot and Celery Soup Ingredients List
You’ll need the following ingredients:
- 4 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 liter vegetable stock
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or parsley
- Juice of ½ lemon (optional)
How to Prepare Jamie Oliver Carrot and Celery Soup – Simple Steps
Step 1 – Prepare the Vegetables
Chop the carrots, celery, and onion into small pieces for even cooking.
Step 2 – Cook the Base
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
Step 3 – Add Carrots and Celery
Add the chopped carrots and celery. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 4 – Add Stock
Pour in the vegetable stock and bring to a boil. Then reduce the heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes until the vegetables are soft.
Step 5 – Blend the Soup
Use a hand blender (or regular blender) to blend the soup until smooth and creamy.
Step 6 – Season and Finish
Season with salt, pepper, herbs, and lemon juice if using. Stir well.
Step 7 – Serve
Serve hot with a drizzle of olive oil or fresh herbs.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Jamie Oliver’s Carrot and Celery Soup
- Not cooking vegetables long enough
Undercooked vegetables won’t blend smoothly. - Using too much liquid
This can make the soup too thin. - Skipping seasoning
Proper seasoning enhances the natural flavours. - Blending while too hot (in a regular blender)
Let it cool slightly to avoid splashes. - Overcooking the soup
This can dull the fresh flavour.
Delicious Side Dishes to Serve With Jamie Oliver Carrot and Celery Soup
- Crusty bread – Perfect for dipping.
- Grilled cheese sandwich – A classic pairing.
- Garlic toast – Adds extra flavour.
- Simple green salad – Keeps the meal light and balanced.
- Roasted vegetables – Adds texture and depth.
Expert Tips to Get Jamie Oliver’s Carrot and Celery Soup Right
- Cut vegetables evenly – Ensures even cooking.
- Use fresh stock if possible – Improves flavour.
- Blend thoroughly – For a smooth texture.
- Add lemon at the end – Brightens the soup.
- Taste before serving – Adjust seasoning as needed.
How to Add More Flavour to Carrot and Celery Soup
- Add ginger – Adds warmth and spice.
- Use cumin or coriander – Gives a subtle earthy note.
- Add cream or yoghurt – Makes the soup richer.
- Include potatoes – Adds thickness.
- Finish with herbs – Fresh herbs enhance flavour.
How to Adjust Jamie Oliver Carrot and Celery Soup for Kids
- Keep seasoning mild – Avoid strong spices.
- Blend very smoothly – Kids prefer creamy textures.
- Add a little cream – Makes it more appealing.
- Serve with bread – Makes it more filling.
Best Way to Store Carrot and Celery Soup Leftovers
- Store in airtight containers – Keeps it fresh.
- Refrigerate within two hours – Maintains safety.
- Use within 3 days – Best for flavour.
- Freeze for longer storage – Up to 2 months.
Best Ways to Reheat Carrot and Celery Soup Leftovers
- Reheat on the stovetop – Warm gently over medium heat.
- Add a splash of water or stock – Adjust consistency.
- Microwave in intervals – Stir between intervals.
- Avoid boiling – Keeps flavour fresh.
Nutritional Value (Per Serving)
Approximate values per serving:
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Protein: 4 g
- Fat: 8 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
FAQs
Is carrot and celery soup healthy?
Yes, carrot and celery soup is considered very healthy. It is low in calories, high in fiber, and rich in vitamins like vitamin A and antioxidants. Since it uses simple vegetables and minimal fat, it’s a great option for a light, nutritious meal.
Do you need to peel carrots for soup?
Peeling carrots is recommended for a smoother texture and cleaner taste, especially in blended soups. However, if the carrots are fresh and well-washed, you can leave the skin on for extra nutrients and a slightly more rustic texture.
How do you make carrot and celery soup more creamy?
You can make the soup creamier by adding a splash of cream, milk, yogurt, or even blending in a boiled potato. Another simple method is to blend the soup thoroughly until it becomes naturally smooth and velvety.
Can carrot and celery soup be frozen?
Yes, carrot and celery soup freezes very well. Let it cool completely, then store it in airtight containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When reheating, thaw overnight and warm gently, adding a little water or stock if needed to adjust the consistency.
Final Words
Jamie Oliver Carrot and Celery Soup is a simple yet flavorful dish that highlights how basic ingredients can create something comforting and satisfying. It’s quick to make, healthy, and perfect for everyday meals.
With its smooth texture and balanced taste, this soup is a great addition to your recipe collection and an easy go-to for a light, nourishing meal.
PrintJamie Oliver Carrot and Celery Soup
Jamie Oliver’s Carrot and Celery Soup is a smooth vegetable soup made by simmering carrots and celery with aromatics, then blending until creamy.
The result is a light, velvety soup with a naturally sweet and fresh flavor.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering and blending
- Cuisine: British
Ingredients
You’ll need the following ingredients:
-
- 4 carrots, peeled and chopped
-
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
-
- 1 onion, chopped
-
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
-
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
-
- 1 liter vegetable stock
-
- Salt and black pepper to taste
-
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or parsley
-
- Juice of ½ lemon (optional)
Instructions
Chop the carrots, celery, and onion into small pieces for even cooking.
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
Add the chopped carrots and celery. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Pour in the vegetable stock and bring to a boil. Then reduce the heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes until the vegetables are soft.
Use a hand blender (or regular blender) to blend the soup until smooth and creamy.
Season with salt, pepper, herbs, and lemon juice if using. Stir well.
Serve hot with a drizzle of olive oil or fresh herbs.

