Finnish Creamy Salmon Soup
Lohikeitto
Lohikeitto is a classic Finnish salmon soup that embodies the country's love for fresh fish and creamy dairy. This comforting soup features tender salmon, potatoes, carrots, and leeks in a flavorful fish broth, finished with a swirl of cream and a generous amount of fresh dill. It's a simple yet elegant dish, perfect for a chilly day.
🧂 Ingredients
- 3 tbsp Unsalted butter
- 1 large Leeks, white and light green parts only, thinly sliced
- 3 medium Carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 lb Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into ¾-inch cubes
- 4 cups Seafood stock or fish broth
- 1.5 lbs Skinless salmon fillet, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3/4 cup Heavy cream or crème fraîche
- 1 cup, plus more for garnish Fresh dill, chopped
- to taste Salt
- to taste Freshly ground black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Sauté the aromatics: Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced leeks and carrots. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 8-10 minutes.
💡 Tip: Ensure the leeks are well-rinsed to remove any grit. - 2
Cook the potatoes: Add the cubed potatoes and seafood stock to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
💡 Tip: Cut potatoes into uniform sizes for even cooking. - 3
Add the salmon and cream: Gently add the salmon cubes to the simmering soup. Stir in the heavy cream or crème fraîche. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until the salmon is just cooked through and flakes easily. Do not overcook the salmon.
💡 Tip: Adding the salmon towards the end prevents it from becoming dry or tough. - 4
Finish and season: Stir in the chopped fresh dill. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
💡 Tip: Fresh dill is essential for the authentic flavor of Lohikeitto. - 5
Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with extra fresh dill and a crack of black pepper.
💡 Tip: Serve immediately with crusty bread for dipping.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can use a combination of fish stock and water.
- ✓If you can't find seafood stock, a good quality vegetable broth can be used as a substitute.
- ✓Some recipes include a bay leaf or a pinch of allspice for added depth of flavor.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add other root vegetables like parsnips or celery root.
- For a thicker soup, you can mash some of the cooked potatoes against the side of the pot.
- A squeeze of lemon juice just before serving can brighten the flavors.