Tasty Alternatives For Celery In Soups

Celery is a popular vegetable in many dishes, but it doesn’t always belong. Celery can be too strong for certain recipes and saucy stews, especially if you’re going for a sweeter flavor. Fortunately, there are plenty of alternatives to help you get the perfect taste every time!

1. Onion Powder

One alternative to celery is onion powder. You can use 1 tablespoon of onion powder in place of celery. Unfortunately, the result won’t look as chopped up or pretty as fresh celery, so it’s important to keep this in mind when adding it into your dish — an onion-less soup might not have the same visual appeal.

2. Parsley

Fresh parsley is a great celery alternative. It is also a popular garnish to be put on top of a dish just before serving to enhance the presentation. You can use 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley in place of 1 stalk of celery.  But when using fresh parsley, do not chop it up too finely, or it will lose its flavor faster than celery. Instead, you may want to put it on top and leave it alone.

3. Fennel

Fennel is a great choice if you are looking for a taste similar to celery without the hassle of peeling the stalks. Fennel seeds can be used in place of celery seeds, and ground fennel seeds will work in celery flakes or powder. Alternatively, 2 tablespoons of chopped fennel bulbs can be used in place of 2 stalks of celery.

4. Fruits And Vegetables 

If you want your dish to have a sweeter flavor, consider using fruits and vegetables that you perceive as sweet instead. To add more sweetness and visual appeal, Apple chunks can be added to creamy soups and sauces, or use sliced red bell peppers for added color.

5. Garlic

To taste celery or celeriac potatoes down a notch, throw in some minced garlic! This works well in stews and creamy sauces. When adding garlic to your dish, you may want to consider using 1 or 2 whole cloves instead of the powder or minced form.