If you are longing to bring a true taste of the North to your table, this Finnish Salmon Soup Recipe will warm your soul and delight your palate. Known traditionally as Lohikeitto, this creamy, comforting soup combines tender salmon, hearty potatoes, and fragrant fresh dill in a gentle broth that feels like a cozy hug in a bowl. The simple yet flavorful ingredients come together in a way that feels both nourishing and luxurious, offering a perfect dish for chilly evenings or anytime you crave something truly special from Finnish cuisine.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Finnish Salmon Soup Recipe is thoughtfully chosen to create a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. These simple essentials bring richness, freshness, and depth to every spoonful.
- 1 lb skinless salmon fillet: Fresh, bite-sized pieces provide the tender, flaky centerpiece of the soup.
- 1 tbsp butter: Adds a silky, indulgent base for sautéing the onions.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Brings a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth when softened.
- 4 cups fish stock: The heart of the broth, enhancing the seafood essence (can substitute with fish bouillon in water).
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced: Hearty and comforting, they soak up all the delicious flavors.
- 2 carrots, sliced: Add sweet crunch and a splash of color to brighten the bowl.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the soup’s signature creamy texture and richness.
- 1 bay leaf: Infuses a subtle herbal note that elevates the overall flavor.
- 1/2 tsp whole allspice (optional): Adds a mild warmth; perfect if you want a slightly spiced nuance.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that balance and highlight the ingredients.
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill: The fresh herb that delivers an unmistakable, bright Finnish touch.
How to Make Finnish Salmon Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Onions
Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat until it’s melted and shimmering. Toss in the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes until the onions turn soft, translucent, and take on a gentle sweetness that forms the soup’s aromatic base.
Step 2: Build the Broth with Vegetables
Add the fish stock to the pot and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Then, add the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, the bay leaf, and if you like, the allspice. Lower the heat to let everything simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, allowing the vegetables to tenderize and the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 3: Add the Salmon
Gently stir in the bite-sized salmon pieces, careful not to break them up. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until the salmon flakes easily and is cooked through, infusing the broth with its rich, delicate flavor.
Step 4: Creamy Finish
Pour in the heavy cream and season with salt and black pepper. Keep the soup warm for 2 to 3 minutes without bringing it to a boil, which will preserve the cream’s silky texture. Finally, turn off the heat, discard the bay leaf, and stir in the freshly chopped dill for that iconic Finnish freshness.
How to Serve Finnish Salmon Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh dill is the classic finishing touch, but feel free to add a few sprigs of fresh parsley or a dash of lemon zest to brighten up the flavors. A scattering of freshly ground black pepper also adds a little kick at the end if you enjoy some spice.
Side Dishes
This soup feels perfectly complete with a slice of crusty rye bread or dark whole grain bread to soak up every bit of the creamy broth. A simple cucumber salad or crisp green salad pairs beautifully for a fresh contrast alongside the warm soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant presentation, serve the soup in rustic ceramic bowls and garnish with a small dill sprig on top. If you want to impress guests, place a lemon wedge on the side to brighten each serving just before eating. You can even offer smoked salmon on the side to add an extra flavor twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Finnish Salmon Soup Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors continue to deepen overnight, though be mindful that cream-based soups should be gently reheated to preserve texture.
Freezing
Because of the cream, freezing this soup is generally not recommended as it may separate. However, you can freeze the broth and vegetables (without cream) and add fresh cream and salmon when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup feels too thick, add a splash of water or fish stock. Add extra fresh dill after reheating to revive the bright flavors.
FAQs
Can I use smoked salmon in the Finnish Salmon Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! Smoked salmon adds a wonderful depth and smoky richness. Just stir it in at the very end to avoid overcooking delicate smoked fish.
Is it possible to make a lighter version of this soup?
Yes, swapping heavy cream for whole milk or half-and-half will lighten the soup while keeping it creamy, though the texture will be slightly less rich.
What can I substitute if I don’t have fish stock?
You can use water combined with fish bouillon cubes or powder. Vegetable stock is an option in a pinch, but the classic fish stock gives the soup its authentic taste.
How should I cut the salmon for this soup?
Cut the salmon into bite-sized chunks so it cooks evenly and becomes tender without falling apart completely in the soup.
Can this Finnish Salmon Soup Recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Just ensure your fish stock or bouillon is gluten-free. The recipe itself naturally contains no gluten.
Final Thoughts
Making this Finnish Salmon Soup Recipe is like inviting a little piece of Finland into your kitchen. Its creamy texture, delicate salmon, and vibrant dill create a bowl full of heartwarming goodness that feels both simple and special. I genuinely hope you’ll enjoy preparing and sharing this comforting classic just as much as I do!
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Finnish Salmon Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Finnish
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Finnish Salmon Soup, known as Lohikeitto, is a creamy and comforting traditional Nordic recipe featuring tender salmon, diced potatoes, and fresh dill simmered in fish stock and cream. This flavorful soup is perfect for a cozy meal and captures the essence of Finnish cuisine with its delicate blend of ingredients and rich texture.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb skinless salmon fillet, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 4 cups fish stock (or water with fish bouillon)
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 tsp whole allspice (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
Instructions
- Sauté Onion: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes, releasing its sweetness and aroma.
- Simmer Vegetables: Pour in the fish stock and bring to a boil. Add the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, bay leaf, and whole allspice if using. Reduce the heat and simmer gently for 10–12 minutes until the vegetables are tender but not mushy.
- Add Salmon: Carefully add the salmon pieces to the pot and continue to simmer for 5–7 minutes until the salmon is fully cooked and flakes easily with a fork.
- Add Cream and Season: Stir in the heavy cream and season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Heat through for 2–3 minutes without boiling to maintain the cream’s smooth texture.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat and discard the bay leaf. Stir in the fresh chopped dill to infuse a fresh herbal note. Serve the soup hot with crusty rye bread or dark whole grain bread for an authentic Finnish experience.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with whole milk.
- Smoked salmon can be added at the end for a deeper smoky flavor.
- This soup is traditionally called Lohikeitto in Finland.
