With approximately 640 mg of sodium per 1/2-cup serving, canned cream-of-celery soup may not be a good choice if you observe a low-sodium diet. Unfortunately, canned low-sodium cream-of-celery soup is difficult to find and isn't readily available. If your recipe calls for cream-of-celery soup, keep sodium in check by making your own low-sodium version.
Selection and Nutrition
Select celery with long, straight, pale green stalks. Avoid celery that appears wilted or displays bruises, soft spots or discolorations, because all are indications that the celery may be past its prime. A healthy vegetable, each stalk of celery contains only about 6 calories and no fat or cholesterol. In addition to generous quantities of fiber, celery provides plenty of vitamin C and potassium.
Care and Preparation
Refrigerate the celery in a plastic bag, or wrapped in damp paper towels. To prepare celery for soup, slice off the tops and the tough, white bottoms of the stalks. Rinse each celery stalk individually to remove dirt and sand. Use your paring knife to cut off damaged areas.
Homemade
Although the basis of homemade cream-of-celery soup is chicken broth, you can use low-sodium chicken broth to keep sodium in check. Alternatively, make your own salt-free chicken broth by simmering chicken bones in water and seasonings for several hours. In addition to celery, the soup contains chopped onion and milk. Use whole milk for a creamier soup, or use reduced-fat milk if you're limiting calories. Mix in a handful of spinach for extra flavor and nutrition. For a thicker soup, add a cubed potato. For a tangy flavor, stir in regular or low-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt.
Soup Mix
Keep homemade cream-soup mix on hand and then add celery and water to make cream-of-celery soup to use in recipes or hot dishes. To make cream soup mix, combine dry milk with a small amount of flour or cornstarch for thickening. Flavor the soup mix with pepper and garlic or onion powder. If your diet tolerates a limited amount of sodium, mix in low-sodium chicken-bouillon powder. To make cream-of-celery soup, heat the soup mix and water, and then add chopped celery. When the celery is tender, use a stick blender to create smooth, creamy soup.
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