Known locally as ‘Lohikeitto’, Finnish Salmon Soup is deliciously creamy and easy to prepare. Great as an appetizer or as a light meal, this hearty fish soup recipe will surely warm you up!
(*This post contains some affiliate links)
You have two of the most-loved ingredients in Northern Europe for this dish — dill and salmon. Add some cream and vegetables in there and you’ll have a delightful bowl of warmth and comfort, for sure.
Lohikeitto is arguably a winter soup. However, since we only have around three weeks of warm days in Stockholm (in a year), you can say that I make this soup the whole year-round at home.
HOW TO MAKE SALMON SOUP
CAN I REPLACE FISH STOCK WITH OTHER TYPES FOR THIS FISH SOUP RECIPE?
I tried using vegetable stock once, and I was not so happy with the result.
Fish stock gives you a solid base of fish flavor for the soup and adding the salmon fillet elevates that flavor even more.
DO I HAVE TO USE A SPECIFIC PART OF THE SALMON FOR THIS SALMON SOUP?
Nope. As long as you have taken the bones out. I have used various parts of salmon for this easy fish soup recipe – no complaints with the outcome. 🙂
HOW BIG SHOULD I CUT THE VEGETABLES FOR THIS CREAMY SOUP?
It shouldn’t be too big that you cannot fit at least a couple of vegetables in every spoonful of this soup.
Ideally though, the salmon is cut slightly bigger than the vegetables.
CAN I USE LIGHT CREAM FOR THIS EASY FISH SOUP RECIPE?
Absolutely. If you realize that you want it creamier after adding the light cream, add a bit more butter – that’s what I normally do. 😉
CAN I USE ONION INSTEAD OF LEEK FOR THIS FISH SOUP?
Maybe it’s just me, but I felt that the flavor of the onion is a bit too strong for this salmon soup.
If you cannot find leeks, look for shallots instead. I find that it works better than onions for this fish recipe.
WHAT TO SERVE WITH LOHIKEITTO?
I always serve it with some bread and a glass of white wine (even on winter 😀 )
Also, if you love dill (as much as I do), garnish each bowl with more chopped dill. YUM!
WANT MORE IDEAS FOR SOUP? THEN CHECK OUT MY SOUPS COLLECTION!
FOR OTHER FINNISH RECIPES, CHECK OUT THESE POSTS –
OR IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR MORE NORDIC RECIPES, CHECK OUT MY OTHER POSTS –
- Swedish Salmon Burger with Lemon Yogurt Sauce
- Danish Breakfast Buns
- Swedish Potatoes with Dill Cream Sauce
Finnish Salmon Soup (Lohikeitto)
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 pc leek, thinly sliced (only white/lighter part)
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 3 medium potatoes, diced
- 5 cups fish stock
- 1/2 kg salmon fillet, cut into cubes
- 3/4 cup heavy cream (double cream)
- 3/4 to 1 cup dill, roughly chopped
- salt and pepper, to season
Instructions
- Place a medium (or large pot) over medium heat. Add butter.
- Once butter has completely melted, add thinly sliced leek. Cook until slightly soft.
- Add carrot and potatoes. Mix.
- Add fish stock. Cover pot with a lid and bring to a boil.
- Simmer until vegetables are almost cooked.
- Add salmon fillet and heavy cream. Mix to combine.
- Keep on medium heat. Cover with a lid and cook for 4 to 5 minutes.
- Season by adding salt and pepper. Mix.
- Add dill. Turn heat off.
- Cover with a lid and keep covered for 2 minutes.
- Serve.
Ri says
Thank you very much for such delicious recipe! Great tasting comfort food that can be prepared under 30 minutes
Greatfon.com says
Had Lohikeitto when we visited Helsinki, and now that we live here I insisted that this be one of the first Finnish food we made! I have been craving it since I first tried it. And this recipe definitely hit the spot! Definitely will be making it more often! Loved the recipe! Easy to make. Used fish spice instead of allspice. Thank you for the easy and authentic recipe!
Neriz says
Thank you! Glad you like the recipe! 🙂