Creamy Celery Soup

Ingredients

1/4 cup butter

1 small yellow onion ,finely chopped (about 1 cup)

2 cups very finely chopped good quality flavorful celery (about 5 large ribs, organic recommended for optimal flavor).

1 large clove garlic ,minced

1/3 cup all-purpose unbleached flour

1 1/2 cups good quality chicken broth

1 1/2 cups whole milk (or use 3/4 cup milk and 3/4 cup cream for even tastier results)

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon sugar

1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Instructions

Melt the butter in a Dutch oven or heavy stock pot over medium-high heat and cook the onions, celery and garlic until soft and translucent, 5-7 minutes. Add the flour and cook for another minute. Add the chicken broth and milk/cream and stir until the mixture is smooth. Increase the heat and bring it to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium, add the remaining ingredients, and simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes. Add salt to taste.

If using as a base for other recipes, this soup will keep in the fridge for at least 3-4 days.