On one of those crisp autumn evenings when the leaves crunched underfoot, I found myself craving warmth that only a bowl of soup could provide. That’s when I discovered the delightful Finnish Salmon Soup, or Lohikeitto. This creamy concoction effortlessly combines tender salmon, sweet leeks, and fresh dill into a blissful embrace of flavors that perfectly warms the soul.
What I love most about Lohikeitto is its simplicity; ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the ultimate quick-fix meal for busy weeknights or leisurely Sundays. Imagine cozying up with a steaming bowl of this hearty soup, the fragrance of dill and buttery goodness wafting through your kitchen, as you savor every delicious bite. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a cooking novice, this dish is sure to become a beloved staple in your home—one that transforms an ordinary dinner into something truly special.
Why is Finnish Salmon Soup a Must-Try?
Simplicity at its best: This recipe requires just a handful of ingredients, making it a breeze to whip up on busy nights.
Creamy goodness: The combination of heavy cream and fresh dill delivers a delightful depth of flavor that lingers on your palate.
Hearty and satisfying: Bursting with tender salmon, potatoes, and sweet leeks, this soup is the perfect comfort food for chilly evenings.
Quick-fix delight: Ready in 30 minutes, it’s ideal for those who want a warm bowl of goodness without the fuss.
Versatile options: Easily customize it with various stocks or cream alternatives for a personal twist, ensuring it suits your taste.
Try pairing it with crusty bread for a complete meal that leaves everyone feeling cozy and full!
Finnish Salmon Soup Ingredients
For the Soup Base
• Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and depth to the soup base. Keep it unsalted for better control over seasoning.
• Leek – Provides a mild, sweet onion flavor. Use the white and light green parts for best results.
• Fish Stock – Creates a flavorful broth; can be substituted with water if desired. Using homemade stock enhances flavor but store-bought is convenient.
For the Veggies
• Potatoes – Adds heartiness and texture to the soup. Russet or Yukon Gold are best for this recipe.
• Carrot – Offers sweetness and color. Cut into thin slices for even cooking.
For the Main Ingredient
• Salmon Fillet – The star of the soup, providing protein and richness. Make sure it’s de-boned and skinless for ease of eating.
For Creaminess
• Heavy Cream – Contributes to the soup’s creaminess. Can be swapped with a lighter cream for a lower-calorie option.
For Flavoring
• Fresh Dill – Enhances flavor with herbal notes and brightens the dish. Use finely chopped fresh dill to garnish before serving.
• Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning to taste.
Now that you have the essential ingredients for this delightful Finnish Salmon Soup, let’s bring warmth and comfort into your home!
How to Make Finnish Salmon Soup
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Sauté Leeks: In a large pot, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the sliced leeks and sauté them until they’re soft and translucent, about 7 minutes. This creates a flavorful foundation for your soup.
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Add Vegetables: Stir in the fish stock, sliced carrots, and cubed potatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes. The potatoes should be nearly tender—a perfect texture to absorb all the delicious flavors.
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Incorporate Salmon and Cream: Gently add in the salmon chunks and pour in the heavy cream. Simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes until the soup reaches a gentle boil, allowing the salmon to cook through and become flaky.
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Finish and Serve: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the freshly chopped dill, salt, and pepper to taste. Let the soup sit covered for 10 minutes; this allows the flavors to meld beautifully before serving.
Optional: Garnish with additional dill for a pop of color and freshness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Finnish Salmon Soup?
Picture a cozy gathering where laughter fills the air as bowls of warmth comfort your loved ones alongside this rich soup.
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Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping, a slice of warm, crusty bread beautifully complements the creamy broth and adds a satisfying crunch.
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Rye Crackers: Their nutty flavor and crisp texture pair wonderfully with Lohikeitto, making for a delightful contrast that enhances the meal.
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Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup, offering a refreshing contrast to each hearty spoonful.
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Steamed Asparagus: Tender, lightly seasoned asparagus adds elegance and a subtle flavor that complements the salmon while maintaining a wholesome vibe.
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Diluted Lemonade: A refreshing glass of lemonade cuts through the creaminess, adding a zesty twist that enhances the overall experience.
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Cheesecake Bites: For dessert, mini cheesecake bites provide a sweet ending that perfectly complements the savory delight of your Finnish Salmon Soup.
With these pairings, you can turn a simple bowl of soup into a memorable meal that warms both the heart and the soul.
Finnish Salmon Soup Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine as you customize this delightful recipe! Each twist offers a new experience that your taste buds will adore.
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Lightened-Up: Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or crème fraîche for a tangy twist while keeping it creamy.
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Vegetarian Upgrade: Swap fish stock for vegetable stock to create a vegetarian version, though it will alter the traditional flavor profile.
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Zesty Kick: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving for a refreshing brightness that brightens the entire dish.
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Herb Explosion: Toss in additional herbs like thyme or parsley to elevate the flavor with fragrant, earthy notes for a unique take on the classic.
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Heat Lovers: For a spicy kick, sprinkle in red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to give your soup that warming heat.
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Creamy Dream: For an even creamier texture, incorporate a dollop of mascarpone cheese while stirring in the cream, creating an indulgent soup.
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Seafood Medley: Experiment by adding shrimp or scallops to the mix, providing a seafood variety that complements the salmon beautifully.
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Cheesy Delight: Stir in a handful of grated cheese, like cheddar or Gruyère, right before serving for an irresistible, cheesy finish that adds richness to each bite.
Storage Tips for Finnish Salmon Soup
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Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Though you can refrigerate the soup, it’s best enjoyed fresh to prevent the salmon from becoming overcooked.
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Freezer: If you want to savor it longer, freeze the soup for up to 2 months. To do this, let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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Reheating: To reheat your Finnish Salmon Soup, warm it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling to keep the salmon tender.
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Avoiding Curdling: When reheating with cream, consider adding a splash of broth to help maintain the creamy texture and prevent curdling.
Helpful Tricks for Finnish Salmon Soup
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Sautéing Leeks: Start by sautéing leeks in butter until soft. This step builds the flavor base for your Finnish Salmon Soup and prevents bitterness.
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Potato Perfection: Cut your potatoes evenly to ensure they cook uniformly. This helps maintain a consistent texture throughout the soup, enhancing the overall experience.
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Salmon Sensibility: Avoid overcooking your salmon; it should be tender and flaky, not rubbery. Gently simmering it with the cream helps keep it moist and flavorful.
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Flavor Boost: For a richer taste, consider simmering salmon skin or bones in your stock before adding other ingredients. This adds depth without excessive effort.
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Dill Decision: Add fresh dill at the end of cooking and garnish just before serving. This will keep its flavor vibrant and freshness intact.
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Storage Savvy: If you have leftovers, refrigerate them in an airtight container but note that it’s best enjoyed fresh to prevent overcooked salmon from changing texture.
Make Ahead Options
These Finnish Salmon Soup preparations are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can chop the leeks, cube the potatoes, and slice the carrots up to 24 hours in advance, storing them in an airtight container in the fridge to keep them fresh. Additionally, you can create the soup base (butter, leeks, stock, and veggies) and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy the soup, simply reheat the base, stir in the salmon and cream, and bring to a gentle simmer for about 10 minutes until cooked through. This method ensures you achieve restaurant-quality results while saving time on hectic nights!
Finnish Salmon Soup Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best salmon for this recipe?
Absolutely! Look for fresh salmon fillets that are firm, bright in color, and have a clean smell. Avoid fillets with dark spots or an off-putting odor. Choosing skinless, boneless fillets will make for easier eating and a smoother soup texture—ideal for the comforting embrace of Finnish Salmon Soup!
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Absolutely! Store your Finnish Salmon Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. While you can refrigerate it, I recommend eating it fresh to enjoy the best flavor and texture. Just be sure to gently reheat it on the stove to avoid overcooking the salmon.
Can I freeze Finnish Salmon Soup?
Very good question! Yes, you can freeze this soup! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed.
What happens if my salmon cooks too much?
Don’t worry, it happens to the best of us! If you accidentally overcook your salmon, it can become rubbery and lose its tender texture. To prevent this, keep an eye on the salmon as it simmers in the soup, and remove it from the heat as soon as it flakes easily with a fork. In the future, aim to simmer it just until done.
Is this soup suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Absolutely! This Finnish Salmon Soup is gluten-free, as it doesn’t include any traditional thickeners or grains. Just be sure to use a gluten-free fish stock or homemade broth for added reassurance, keeping everything cozy and delicious for any dietary needs!
Can I add other vegetables to enhance the soup?
The more the merrier! Feel free to add your favorite veggies like peas, corn, or even spinach for added nutrition and flavor. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times as needed to make sure everything is tender and delightful in your Finnish Salmon Soup!
Cozy Up with Creamy Finnish Salmon Soup for Chill Days
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large pot, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the sliced leeks and sauté until soft, about 7 minutes.
- Stir in the fish stock, sliced carrots, and cubed potatoes. Bring to a boil, then simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Gently add in the salmon chunks and pour in the heavy cream. Simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the freshly chopped dill, salt, and pepper to taste. Let sit covered for 10 minutes before serving.