The first time I made this, Iโd picked up Jerusalem artichokes from the market on a whim. I thought they were baby potatoes. They were not. I had no idea what to do with themโuntil I found this recipe. It sounded simple enough, but my first go was a bit of a disaster: I didnโt peel the artichokes properly (they were gritty), and I accidentally boiled off most of the wine. What I ended up with wasโฆ beige and bland.
But the second time? Magic. I took my time with the prep, didnโt rush the wine stage, and stirred in a proper swirl of cream at the end. The result was silky, deeply nutty, and much more special than its humble ingredient list suggests. If youโve never cooked with Jerusalem artichokes before, this is the recipe thatโll win you over.
WHAT MAKES THIS RECIPE SPECIAL
This soup is proof that simple doesnโt mean boring. Hereโs why it works:
- Jerusalem artichokes: Theyโve got this naturally nutty, sweet flavour that shines once softened and blended.
- White wine reduction: Just two minutes of simmering gives depth without overpowering.
- Cream + chives: Cream smooths it out, and the chives? Bright, fresh, and not optional in my book.
Itโs elegant enough for guests but honestly easy enough to make in your pyjamas.
INGREDIENTS + WHY THEY MATTER
- Jerusalem artichokes (750 g) โ The star. Scrub or peel them wellโmud hides in the nooks.
- Celery (4 sticks) โ Adds savoury backbone and lightens the soup.
- Onion (1, large) โ Builds a sweet base.
- White wine (187 ml) โ Reduces to intensify flavour. I once forgot to let it boilโflat soup.
- Stock (1 litre) โ Either chicken or veg works. Chicken gives it a richer body.
- Double cream (100 ml + extra to serve) โ Lifts the texture and adds richness.
- Chives (1 tbsp, plus more to garnish) โ Donโt skip them. They bring contrast and colour.
- Oil (1 tbsp) โ For frying the base veg.
- Salt and pepper โ Season in layers, not just at the end.
MAKING IT YOURS (WITHOUT RUINING IT)
- No wine? Use a splash of apple juice + a teaspoon of white wine vinegar. Not the same, but it works.
- Dairy-free? Use a swirl of oat cream and skip the garnish cream. Still silky.
- Vegetarian? Just use veg stock. Itโs already meat-free otherwise.
- No chives? Try a little finely chopped parsley or spring onionโbut chives are best.
MISTAKES IโVE MADE (AND HOW TO AVOID THEM)
What Went Wrong | Why It Happens | How to Fix It |
---|---|---|
Soup was gritty | Didnโt scrub/peel artichokes | Peel or scrub thoroughlyโmud hides in crevices |
Wine tasted sharp | Didnโt reduce it enough | Let it bubble hard for at least 2 mins |
Soup lacked flavour | Skipped seasoning layers | Add salt at each stepโnot just at the end |
Soup was too thick | Didnโt add enough liquid post-blend | Add a splash of hot stock or water |
HOW TO MAKE MARY BERRYโS JERUSALEM ARTICHOKE AND CELERY SOUP
Soften the Veg
Heat oil in a large saucepan. Add the chopped onion and celery, fry for 1 minute, then cover and cook on low for 10 minutes until nearly soft.
Cook the Artichokes
Stir in the sliced Jerusalem artichokes. Turn the heat up and cook for 3โ4 minutes until just starting to colour.
Deglaze with Wine
Pour in the white wine and let it boil hard for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
Simmer the Soup
Add the stock, bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 25 minutes until the veg is soft and tender.
Blend and Finish
Season generously. Stir in the cream and chives. Blend until smooth with a hand blender or food processor. Adjust thickness with more stock or water if needed.
Serve
Ladle into warm bowls, swirl with extra cream, and top with chopped chives.
TIPS FROM MY KITCHEN
- I peel Jerusalem artichokes with a spoonโless waste than a peeler.
- I always reduce the wine fully before adding stockโit deepens the flavour.
- If the soup looks too pale, I add a tiny grating of nutmeg or black pepper for contrast.
STORAGE + SERVING
- Fridge: Keeps for 3 days in a sealed tub.
- Freezer: Freeze in portions (skip the cream until reheating). Keeps for 2โ3 months.
- Reheat: On the hob, low heat. Stir gently and add a little stock if too thick.
- Serve with: Crusty rye bread, seeded crackers, or a warm goatโs cheese crostini.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Can I use a different wine?
A: Dry white works bestโSauvignon Blanc is perfect. Avoid anything sweet or oaky.
Q: Do I have to peel the artichokes?
A: Not strictly, but I always do. The skin can make the soup gritty if not scrubbed thoroughly.
Q: Is this soup good for batch cooking?
A: Yesโmake a big pot and freeze in portions. Just leave out the cream until reheating.
Q: Can I make this without cream?
A: You can. Itโll be thinner and a touch less rich, but still flavourful. Oat cream works well too.
Try More Recipes:
- Mary Berry Tzatziki Soup
- Mary Berry Puy Lentil and Pearl Barley Soup Recipe
- Mary Berry Roasted Tomato and Garlic Soup Recipe
Mary Berry Jerusalem Artichoke And Celery Soup
Course: SoupsCuisine: BritishDifficulty: Easy6
servings10
minutes35
minutes224
kcalCreamy, nutty, and a little bit fancyโthis Jerusalem artichoke and celery soup is comforting but light. A touch of white wine and chives gives it that elegant lift. Perfect for winter lunches or a simple starter when you want to impress without too much fuss.
Ingredients
1 tbsp oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
4 celery sticks, chopped
750 g Jerusalem artichokes, peeled and sliced
187 ml bottle white wine
1 litre chicken or vegetable stock
100 ml double cream (plus extra to serve)
1 tbsp snipped chives (plus more to garnish)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Directions
- Heat oil in a large saucepan. Add onion and celery. Fry for 1 min, then cover and cook on low for 10 mins.
- Stir in Jerusalem artichokes. Cook on high for 3โ4 mins until lightly browned.
- Add wine, boil for 2 mins.
- Add stock. Bring to boil, then simmer for 25 mins until veg is tender.
- Stir in cream and chives. Season. Blend until smooth.
- Serve hot with a swirl of cream and extra chives.
Notes
- Scrub or peel artichokes thoroughly to avoid a gritty texture.
- Always reduce the wine fully before adding stock.
- Add extra stock if it thickens too much after blending.