Name: Creamy Finnish Salmon Soup with Dill (Lohikeitto) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Finnish
Ingredients: 1½ lbs fresh salmon filet, skin-off, cut into 1-inch cubes; ¾ – 1 cup creme fraiche; 3 Tbsp unsalted butter; 3 large carrots, peeled and cut into ¼-inch thick rounds; 2 medium leeks, rinsed well and thinly sliced; 1 lb Yukon gold potatoes, cut into ¾-inch pieces; 1 bunch fresh dill (about 1 cup chopped), plus more for serving; 4 cups seafood stock; ½ tsp kosher salt (plus more to taste); Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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If you’re craving a soul-soothing, utterly delicious dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, look no further than this Creamy Finnish Salmon Soup with Dill (Lohikeitto) Recipe. This soup brings together tender cubes of fresh salmon, silky potatoes, vibrant carrots, and aromatic fresh dill all swirled into a luscious, creamy broth made with creme fraiche. Perfect for chilly days or when you want a quick yet restaurant-worthy meal, this Finnish classic is surprisingly easy to prepare and packed with fresh flavors that feel both comforting and elegant.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A round black cast iron pot with two handles holds a dish with three main layers visible from the top view. The bottom layer is an orange-red sauce with a smooth, slightly oily texture. On one side of the sauce, there is a layer of white cream that is partially mixed with the sauce, creating a swirled effect. The top layer consists of many small, raw salmon pieces that are a bright pinkish-orange color with fine white lines running through them, scattered evenly across the surface. The pot is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Creamy Finnish Salmon Soup with Dill (Lohikeitto) Recipe relies on simple, wholesome ingredients that each add their own magic to the final dish—from the sweetness of carrots to the delicate richness of the salmon, every element is essential and worth sourcing fresh for the best results.

Fresh salmon filet (1½ lbs, skin-off, cut into 1-inch cubes): The star of the soup, providing tender, flaky richness and beautiful pink color.
Unsalted butter (3 Tbsp): Adds a velvety base for sautéing the vegetables and deepens the overall flavor.
Carrots (3 large, peeled and sliced into ¼-inch rounds): Gives sweetness and a lovely orange hue, balancing the savoriness.
Leeks (2 medium, rinsed and thinly sliced): Delivers mild onion flavor that is aromatic without overpowering.
Yukon gold potatoes (1 lb, cut into ¾-inch pieces): Their waxy texture holds together beautifully, making the soup hearty and satisfying.
Seafood stock (4 cups): Deepens the seafood flavors while remaining light and clear, avoiding heaviness.
Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing natural flavors throughout the cooking process.
Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and aroma at the finish.
Creme fraiche (¾ – 1 cup): Brings creaminess with a subtle tang that elevates the soup’s texture and taste.
Fresh dill (1 bunch, about 1 cup chopped, plus extra for serving): The herb that makes it unmistakably Finnish, lending bright, fresh, and slightly citrusy notes.

How to Make Creamy Finnish Salmon Soup with Dill (Lohikeitto) Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Start by melting unsalted butter in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sliced carrots and leeks, seasoning with about half a teaspoon of kosher salt. Stir them occasionally and cook for about 8 to 10 minutes until they soften, releasing their natural sweetness and creating a fragrant base that will layer depth into your soup.

Step 2: Add Potatoes and Stock

Next, add the cubed Yukon gold potatoes along with the seafood stock. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender but not falling apart. This step lets the potatoes soak up the seafood stock, subtly infusing the broth with their creamy texture.

Step 3: Cook the Salmon and Finish with Creme Fraiche and Dill

When the potatoes are perfectly cooked, gently add the fresh salmon cubes and creme fraiche to the pot. Stir everything carefully and cover the pot, allowing the soup to simmer for another 3 to 5 minutes until the salmon is just cooked through—tender and opaque. Finally, stir in a generous cup of chopped fresh dill, season with freshly ground black pepper, and adjust salt to taste. This last step brightens the soup with herbal vibrancy and completes the creamy, comforting texture.

How to Serve Creamy Finnish Salmon Soup with Dill (Lohikeitto) Recipe

A large black pot filled with a creamy yellow soup that has visible chunks of orange carrots, pale yellow potatoes, and white pieces of fish or chicken scattered evenly throughout. The soup is thick with small green herbs mixed in and two thin lemon slices resting on top near the center, along with a small sprig of fresh dill. There are black pepper specks sprinkled all over the surface. The pot is placed on a white marbled surface with a piece of torn bread in the bottom right corner, two wooden salt and pepper shakers on the left, a green plate with two silver spoons in the top left, and a black plate holding extra lemon wedges in the top right. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The finishing touch to serving this soup is crucial for both flavor and presentation. Top your bowl with a few sprigs of fresh dill for an eye-catching green pop and a boost of fresh aroma. A crack of black pepper and even a small dollop of creme fraiche on top can elevate the experience, making every spoonful feel special.

Side Dishes

This soup is quite satisfying on its own but pairing it with a slice of dense rye bread or a crusty baguette adds wonderful texture contrasts. For a lighter complement, a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness and balances the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Creamy Finnish Salmon Soup with Dill (Lohikeitto) Recipe in rustic bowls for a cozy, homey vibe. For a more elegant dinner, use smaller soup cups and garnish each serving with edible flowers or a few thinly sliced radishes for crunch and color. Adding a swirl of infused oil or a sprinkle of smoked sea salt can also enhance both the taste and the visual appeal when entertaining guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can prepare this soup ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Because salmon is delicate, be sure to keep it chilled properly. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, give the soup a gentle stir before reheating to redistribute the flavors evenly.

Freezing

While freezing is an option, keep in mind that the creme fraiche can sometimes change texture after thawing. If you want to freeze your Creamy Finnish Salmon Soup with Dill (Lohikeitto) Recipe, use a well-sealed container and store it for no more than two to three months. Thaw slowly in the fridge overnight to maintain the best quality before reheating gently.

Reheating

To warm up your leftover soup without compromising its creamy texture, reheat it slowly on the stovetop over low heat. Avoid boiling as this could cause the dairy to curdle. Alternatively, use the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring each time to keep the temperature even and the soup silky smooth.

FAQs

Can I use a different fish for this soup?

Absolutely! While salmon is traditional and imparts a wonderful flavor and texture, you can substitute with other firm, fresh fish like cod or haddock. Just be mindful that cooking times may vary slightly.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, this Creamy Finnish Salmon Soup with Dill (Lohikeitto) Recipe is naturally gluten-free since it uses potatoes and seafood stock without any wheat-based thickeners. Just make sure your stock brand is gluten-free to be certain.

What can I do if I can’t find creme fraiche?

If creme fraiche isn’t available, full-fat sour cream or a mixture of heavy cream with a bit of plain yogurt can work as substitutes, though the flavor might be slightly less tangy and the texture less thick.

Can I make this soup vegan or vegetarian?

This recipe relies heavily on salmon and seafood stock for its signature flavor, so it’s tricky to make vegan or vegetarian without significantly changing the character of the dish. However, a vegetable broth and plant-based cream alternatives combined with smoked tofu could be an interesting twist!

How important is fresh dill for this recipe?

Fresh dill is absolutely key to capturing the authentic taste of this Finnish classic. Dried dill won’t provide the same bright, fresh notes that make the soup so special, so it’s worth seeking out fresh bunches at the market.

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t yet experienced the magic of a warm bowl filled with tender salmon, creamy potatoes, and fragrant dill, this Creamy Finnish Salmon Soup with Dill (Lohikeitto) Recipe is a must-try. It’s a beautifully simple yet elegant soup that feels like a loving embrace on a cold day and is easy enough to make on a weeknight. Pour yourself a bowl, invite friends or family, and enjoy a genuine taste of Finnish comfort that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Creamy Finnish Salmon Soup with Dill (Lohikeitto) Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need