Oh wow.. CELERY SOUP… I can’t believe I’ve never made this before, but it’s incredibly easy to make and quite delicious… this is the basic recipe, but i just HAD to add a few other things i had handy: shallots, shiitake mushrooms, and some diced carrots…

i also added some porcini powder. And instead of using rice, I used a grain called Farro. I also added a squeeze of lemon at the very end and a dusting of Parmesan cheese… so easy, and so good… Great for a quick soup/stew on a cold winter day.
This is about 2-3 portions.
Super Simple Celery Soup with Rice2 cups chopped celery
Two or three garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 tablespoons butter
Salt and white/black pepper to taste
1-2 tbsp chopped fresh marjoram or some dried marjoram
4 cups chicken or veggie broth.
1 cup (Italian if you have it) rice
Sauté the garlic cloves and celery in butter, being careful not to burn the garlic… season with salt and pepper. Sauté over low heat a few minutes then cover and let cook while you wash the rice.
After the celery is softened, add rice and marjoram and a little more butter. Bring to boil, stir, lower heat and cover, gently simmer for 10-15 min or until the rice is tender.
Serve with a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil, a squeeze of lemon, and freshly chopped celery leaves. Some freshly grated Parmesan cheese is nice too.
(I added some tamari for an umami kick. Some add a splash of heavy cream, with good results.)