Celery Root Soup

I know you're scratching your head -- celery root soup -- what the heck is that?  I got a celery root in my last box from Door to Door Organics and I wasn't sure what to do with it.  My sister Renee sent me a link to a salad from Lidia that used apples and celery root, which sounded good, but I wanted soup!

I found this recipe and bought the needed leeks at the store last weekend.  Horribly expensive -- $1.50 each!!  Anyhow, I started by peeling and cubing the celery root -- it smelled so mmm, mmm good.  Then I rinsed and sliced the leeks.  I heated up some olive oil and butter and then sauteed the leeks and a bit of garlic:

Next up, the cubed celery root, chicken stock, water, white pepper and chili powder:

They look a little like potatoes there, don't they?  The pot cooked for 45 minutes before blending it in my Ninja:

 
Small problem, I added a bit too much chili powder so it's a bit zippy for me but perfect for my roommate.  The recipe called for a scant 1/8 teaspoon - I tapped the side of the bottle and probably got a scant 1/2 teaspoon!  I thought the soup was very tasty but will definitely be more careful adding the chili powder next time!