Finnish Salmon Soup (Lohikeitto) Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, look no further than the Finnish Salmon Soup (Lohikeitto) Recipe. This traditional Finnish soup combines tender salmon, creamy potatoes, and fragrant dill in a luscious broth that’s both comforting and satisfying. Whether you’re battling cold weather or simply want a meal that’s easy to prepare yet full of rich flavor, this soup hits every note perfectly. Trust me, once you dive into this dreamy soup, it will become a fast favorite in your kitchen rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The charm of the Finnish Salmon Soup (Lohikeitto) Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and that inviting creaminess which makes the soup so irresistible. Here’s everything you’ll need to gather before getting started:

• Unsalted butter: Adds a gentle richness that helps soften the vegetables and builds depth at the base of the soup.
• Leek (white part only): Provides a delicate onion-like sweetness without overpowering the other flavors.
• Carrot: Brings a subtle sweetness and a pop of color for visual appeal.
• Potatoes (peeled and cubed): Create a creamy, hearty texture that makes the soup filling and satisfying.
• Fish stock: The cornerstone of any great fish soup, lending an authentic marine essence that enhances the salmon beautifully.
• Salmon fillets (skinned and cubed): The star ingredient that provides tender flakes and rich omega-3 goodness.
• Double cream (heavy cream): Gives the soup its signature silky smoothness and luxurious mouthfeel.
• Dill (roughly chopped): An aromatic finishing touch that brightens every spoonful with fresh, herbal notes.
• Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that bring balance and let all other flavors shine.

How to Make Finnish Salmon Soup (Lohikeitto) Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Leek Gently

Begin by melting the unsalted butter in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Once melted, add the finely chopped white part of the leek and sauté it slowly for 7 to 8 minutes. The goal here is to soften the leek until it becomes tender and translucent, releasing its sweet, subtle aroma. This step lays a lovely foundation for the soup’s delicate flavor.

Step 2: Add Carrots, Potatoes, and Fish Stock

Next, toss in the chopped carrot and cubed potatoes, then pour in the fish stock to cover them completely. Increase the heat slightly and bring the pot to a gentle boil. Let everything simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are nearly fork-tender. This cooking time allows the flavors to meld and the vegetables to soften perfectly without turning mushy.

Step 3: Incorporate the Salmon and Cream

Once the potatoes have softened, add the cubed salmon fillets along with the double cream. Lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer, and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until the salmon is just cooked through and tender. The cream enriches the broth, balancing the flavors and creating that signature silky consistency.

Step 4: Finish with Dill and Seasoning

Stir in the roughly chopped dill, allowing it to infuse its fresh, slightly citrusy flavor into the soup for about one minute. Then, season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. The dill not only adds a burst of color but also deepens the traditional Nordic character of the dish. At this point, your Finnish Salmon Soup (Lohikeitto) Recipe is ready to serve and savor.

How to Serve Finnish Salmon Soup (Lohikeitto) Recipe

Garnishes

A little goes a long way when it comes to garnishing this soup. Fresh dill sprigs placed on top of the bowl add visual appeal and a fresh herbal kick with every bite. If you want to brighten the flavors even more, a few drops of fresh lemon juice make an excellent optional drizzle, cutting through the creaminess with a zesty lift.

Side Dishes

Traditional Finnish Salmon Soup pairs beautifully with simple rye bread or crisp Finnish “ruisleipä.” The hearty, slightly tangy bread soaks up the creamy broth perfectly and offers a pleasant textural contrast. For a light but satisfying side, a green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, serving the soup in rustic ceramic bowls adds an earthy, comfort-food vibe. You might also present it in small cups as a starter or appetizer to impress guests with authentic Nordic flavors. To elevate the presentation, consider a small dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche and a sprinkle of finely chopped chives alongside the dill.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (though good luck with that), store the Finnish Salmon Soup (Lohikeitto) Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 2 to 3 days, maintaining the delicious creaminess and flavors. Just be sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to preserve the texture of the salmon and potatoes.

Freezing

While you can freeze this soup, take care because cream-based soups sometimes separate when thawed. To minimize this, cool the soup fully, then freeze in a sealed container without the cream if possible. When reheating, add fresh cream to restore the soup’s comforting richness.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring frequently to keep the soup smooth and prevent the cream from breaking. If the soup looks too thick, add a splash of water or fish stock to adjust the consistency back to that silky, spoon-worthy texture you love.

FAQs

Can I use other types of fish besides salmon?

Absolutely! While salmon is traditional and provides wonderful flavor and texture, you can substitute with other firm, white fish like cod or haddock. Just adjust cooking time accordingly, as some fish cook faster than salmon.

Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?

Yes, you can swap out the double cream for coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative to keep the soup creamy without dairy. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious and comforting.

Do I have to use fish stock for this recipe?

Fish stock really amplifies the authentic seafood flavor, but if you don’t have it on hand, vegetable stock can work in a pinch. Just try to choose one that’s light and not overpowering so it doesn’t mask the salmon’s taste.

Can I prepare any parts of this recipe in advance?

You can chop the vegetables and salmon ahead of time and keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to cook. Just don’t add the cream or dill until the final steps to keep the flavors and texture fresh.

How spicy is Finnish Salmon Soup?

This soup isn’t spicy at all and is all about gentle, fresh flavors. If you want to add a bit of heat, a pinch of white pepper or a few red pepper flakes can be stirred in, but traditionally it’s mild and comforting.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to wrap yourself in a bowl of cozy, creamy goodness, I wholeheartedly recommend trying this Finnish Salmon Soup (Lohikeitto) Recipe. It’s straightforward to make, packed with flavors that feel both fresh and soothing, and perfect any time you want a dish that tastes like a warm Nordic embrace. Once you make it, you’ll understand why it’s a Finnish classic worth returning to again and again.

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