Cozy Finnish Lohikeitto Recipe: Heartwarming Salmon Soup

Creamy and comforting, this authentic Finnish salmon soup dances with rich flavors from the Nordic coastline.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this traditional recipe passed down through families in Finland.

Silky potatoes and tender salmon create a harmonious blend that warms you from the inside out.

Fresh dill and smooth cream elevate every spoonful with delicate, aromatic notes.

The soup captures the essence of Finnish coastal cuisine with its simple yet profound ingredients.

Hearty and nourishing, this (lohikeitto) promises a delightful culinary journey straight to the heart of Scandinavian comfort food.

Prepare to savor a bowl that tells a story of tradition and pure, wholesome goodness.

Why Finnish Salmon Soup Feels Like Home

• This Finnish salmon soup requires minimal cooking skills, making it perfect for beginners and experienced home chefs alike.
• Loaded with salmon, vegetables, and cream, the recipe offers a wholesome meal that's both satisfying and nutritionally balanced.
• Experience the authentic flavors of Finland with this traditional recipe that brings a taste of Scandinavian cuisine right to your dining table.

What Goes Into Authentic Lohikeitto

• Salmon: A rich, flavorful fish that serves as the star of this classic Finnish soup.
• Potatoes: Hearty root vegetables that add substance and creamy texture to the soup.
• Leeks: Mild onion-like vegetables that provide a sweet, delicate base flavor.
• Carrots: Colorful vegetables that bring a touch of sweetness to the dish.

• Fish Stock: Creates a deep, oceanic foundation for the soup.
• Double Cream: Adds luxurious richness and smooth consistency to the soup.

• Dill, Salt, Pepper: Fresh herbs and basic seasonings that enhance and balance the overall flavor profile of the soup.

• Butter: Provides a rich, smooth base for sautéing vegetables and adding depth to the soup.

• Fresh Dill, Lemon Wedge: Bright, fresh accompaniments that add a final zesty and aromatic touch to the finished dish.

Making Finnish Salmon Soup Step by Step

Step 1: Sauté Leeks in Butter

Warm up a pot over medium heat and melt butter until it starts to bubble.

Add chopped leeks and cook them gently for 7-8 minutes.

Stir occasionally, letting the leeks soften and turn translucent without browning.

You want sweet, mellow leeks that create a delicious base for the soup.

Step 2: Build the Vegetable Foundation

• Cubed potatoes
• Chopped carrots

Pour in fish stock, ensuring vegetables are fully covered.

Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.

Cook for 10 minutes until potatoes are almost tender.

Step 3: Add Salmon and Cream

Carefully place salmon chunks into the simmering pot.

Pour in double cream and stir gently to prevent breaking the salmon pieces.

Continue simmering for 3-4 minutes until salmon turns opaque and is fully cooked.

Step 4: Final Flavor Boost

Sprinkle chopped dill into the soup and give a final gentle stir.

Let it simmer for one more minute to blend flavors.

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Serve hot, garnished with fresh dill and a lemon wedge for extra brightness.

Helpful Hints for a Creamy Lohikeitto

• Avoid overcooking leeks and potatoes by watching the heat carefully to maintain their perfect soft yet firm consistency.
• Choose high-quality, fresh salmon with firm, bright pink flesh for the most delicious and tender soup results.
• Use a balanced ratio of fish stock and cream to create a rich, smooth soup without becoming too heavy or overwhelming.
• Add a splash of white wine or a pinch of fennel seeds during cooking to elevate the soup's complexity and traditional Finnish taste profile.
• Serve the soup immediately after cooking to enjoy the optimal temperature and prevent salmon from becoming tough or overcooked.

Best Way to Store and Reheat Lohikeitto

• Transfer cooled soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep salmon chunks intact by gently placing soup in container.
• Pour soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space at top for expansion. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Avoid freezing cream-based soups if possible, as texture might separate.
• Warm soup over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add splash of fish stock or water to restore original consistency. Heat slowly to prevent cream from breaking or salmon from becoming tough.
• Use 50% power to prevent overcooking salmon. Stir halfway through heating. Check temperature in multiple spots to ensure even warming. Add small amount of liquid if soup seems dry.

What to Eat With Finnish Salmon Soup

• Elevate Salmon Soup's Flavor Profile
• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the rich, creamy salmon soup. These light wines cut through the soup's richness while enhancing its delicate seafood notes.
• Serve with Rye Bread Accompaniment: Toast hearty Finnish rye bread slices and spread with soft butter. The bread's robust, slightly tangy flavor perfectly balances the soup's creamy texture and provides a satisfying crunch.
• Match with Scandinavian Pickles: Add a side of quick-pickled cucumbers or traditional dill pickles. Their bright, acidic profile will refresh the palate and provide a zesty contrast to the soup's smooth, fatty salmon base.
• Complement with Fresh Herb Salad: Create a light herb salad with mixed greens, fresh dill, and a light vinaigrette. This refreshing side dish will cut through the soup's richness and add a vibrant, crisp element to the meal.

Personalize Your Finnish Soup Experience

• Low-Carb Version: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets for a keto-friendly adaptation that maintains the soup's creamy texture and rich salmon flavor.
• Dairy-Free Option: Swap double cream with coconut milk or almond cream to create a lactose-free version that preserves the soup's velvety consistency.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute salmon with firm tofu or white fish substitute, using vegetable stock instead of fish stock to craft a plant-based rendition of the traditional Finnish soup.
• Herb Variation: Experiment with fresh parsley or chervil instead of dill for a different aromatic profile while keeping the soup's authentic Nordic essence.

FAQs

• Is lohikeitto a traditional Finnish dish?

Lohikeitto is a beloved traditional Finnish soup that showcases the country’s love for fresh salmon and simple, hearty cooking. It reflects Finland’s rich coastal cuisine and Nordic culinary traditions.

• What makes salmon soup different from other fish soups?

Finnish salmon soup is unique because it uses a creamy base with fresh dill, focuses on the pure flavor of salmon, and uses local ingredients like leeks and potatoes. Unlike many fish soups, it’s smooth and delicate rather than heavy or complicated.

• Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but fresh salmon will provide the best flavor and texture. If using frozen, ensure it’s completely thawed and pat dry before adding to the soup to prevent excess water.

• Do I need special equipment to make lohikeitto?

No special equipment is needed. A standard pot, cutting board, and basic kitchen tools are sufficient to create this traditional Finnish soup. A sharp knife for chopping and a wooden spoon for stirring are all you’ll need.

Finnish Salmon Soup (lohikeitto) Recipe

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4.5 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Finnish salmon soup, lohikeitto, brings Nordic comfort straight to your kitchen with creamy, rich flavors of fresh salmon, potatoes, and dill. Warm spoons of this traditional delicacy will transport you to Finland’s coastal regions, inviting deep culinary connection.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 450 grams (15.8 ounces) salmon fillets, skinned and cubed into 1-inch pieces

Vegetables:

• 5 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 large leek, white part only, finely chopped
• 1 medium carrot, chopped

Liquid and Seasoning:

• 1.25 liters (5 cups) fish stock
• 150 milliliters (1.7 fluid ounces) double cream (heavy cream)
• 30 grams (1 ounce) unsalted butter
• 75 grams (2.6 ounces) dill, roughly chopped
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. In a pot over medium heat, melt butter until it starts to bubble. Add leeks and sauté for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and translucent without browning.
2. Introduce cubed potatoes and chopped carrots to the pot. Pour in fish stock, ensuring vegetables are fully submerged. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes until potatoes are nearly tender.
3. Carefully add salmon chunks into the simmering liquid. Pour in double cream and gently stir to prevent salmon from breaking apart. Continue cooking for 3-4 minutes until salmon turns opaque and is fully cooked.
4. Sprinkle chopped dill into the soup and stir briefly. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional minute to blend flavors. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to taste.
5. Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls. Garnish with additional fresh dill and serve with a lemon wedge for an optional citrusy enhancement.

Notes

• Master the leek sauté by keeping the heat gentle to develop a sweet, mellow flavor without browning.
• Choose fresh, high-quality salmon for the most delicate texture and rich taste in your soup.
• Avoid overcooking the salmon by adding it late and simmering briefly to maintain its tender, flaky consistency.
• Customize the soup for dietary needs by substituting dairy cream with coconut milk or plant-based alternatives for a lighter, lactose-free version.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 17 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Finnish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg