If you’re craving a heart-warming dish that’s both sophisticated and comforting, look no further than this classic Finnish recipe for Finnish Salmon Soup, also known as Lohikeitto. Featuring tender chunks of salmon, creamy broth, potatoes, leeks and fragrant fresh dill, this soup brings a taste of the Nordic kitchen to your home.
📋 Table of Contents
- Ingredients For Finnish Salmon Soup
- Time & Yield
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Why You’ll Love This Lohikeitto
- Serving Suggestions
- Nutrition & Health-Boosting Salmon Benefits
- Explore the Origins and Nutritional Profile of This Dish
- Final Thoughts
🥣 Ingredients For Finnish Salmon Soup
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 1 leek (white part only, thinly sliced)
- 3-4 medium potatoes (peeled & diced)
- 4 cups fish stock or vegetable broth
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ tsp allspice (optional, for that traditional Finnish touch)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- ¾ lb (about 350 g) salmon fillet (skin removed, cut into chunks)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp fresh dill (chopped)
- Lemon wedges (for serving – optional)
⏱ Time & Yield
| Preparation | Cooking | Total Time | Yield | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ~10 minutes | ~20 minutes | ~30 minutes | 4 servings | Easy |
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and white part of the leek; sauté until soft and fragrant.
- Add the diced potatoes, bay leaf, allspice (if using), salt & pepper, then pour in the fish stock or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are just tender (around 10-15 minutes).
- Add the salmon chunks and heavy cream. Stir gently and simmer on low just long enough for the salmon to cook through (about 3-5 minutes) — avoid boiling after adding cream. 0
- Remove from heat, stir in the chopped fresh dill, adjust seasoning if needed, and remove the bay leaf.
- Serve hot in bowls, optionally with a squeeze of lemon and extra dill on top for freshness.
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Lohikeitto
This Finnish Salmon Soup is the perfect blend of comfort and elegance:
- The rich, yet delicately creamy broth contrasts beautifully with the tender salmon chunks.
- Simple Nordic ingredients let the flavors shine: salmon, potatoes, leeks and fresh dill. 1
- It’s a one-pot recipe, making it ideal for a cozy weeknight meal without fuss.
- Salmon brings a nutritional powerhouse — rich in omega-3-fatty acids, protein and vitamin D — making this soup as wholesome as it is delicious.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
For an even more satisfying meal experience, serve this cream-filled soup with warm crusty bread. Try pairing it with freshly baked Toast or a crisp French Baguette from our site.
And if you’re a fan of soups, explore our full Soups🍲 for even more hearty, delicious recipes!
🥗 Nutrition & Health-Boosting Salmon Benefits
Salmon is widely celebrated for its health benefits:
- High in omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart and brain health.
- Rich in high-quality protein, helping with muscle repair and satiety.
- Contains vitamin D and selenium, important for immune and bone health. 2
By combining salmon with vegetables and a creamy broth, this soup balances indulgence with nourishment
Explore the Origins and Nutritional Profile of This Dish
Finnish Salmon Soup (Lohikeitto) is a classic Nordic dish made with tender salmon fillets, potatoes, carrots, and leeks. It is traditionally seasoned with fresh dill, allspice, salt, and black pepper, and cooked with cream or whole milk to achieve its signature creamy texture. This soup is not only a comforting and hearty meal but also a nutritious choice, rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids. It has been a staple in Finnish cuisine for generations, often served with rye bread. For more historical context and detailed information, check out the Wikipedia page on Lohikeitto – Finnish Salmon Soup.
💬 Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking for a comforting dinner on a chill evening or a satisfying dish to impress guests, this Finnish Salmon Soup (Lohikeitto) hits the mark. Rich, creamy, flavorful — and surprisingly simple. Pair it with warm bread, add a fresh garnish of dill, and you’ll have a Nordic classic on your table that’s sure to delight.
Happy cooking — enjoy your bowl of warmth and flavor!