Finnish Salmon Soup (Lohikeitto)

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!

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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!

FOR OTHER FINNISH RECIPES, CHECK OUT THESE POSTS –

• Finnish Carrot Bread Rolls
• Finnish Summer Soup

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

VIDEO ON HOW TO MAKE FINNISH SALMON SOUP (LOHIKEITTO)

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Finnish Salmon Soup (Lohikeitto)

Prep Time

15 mins

Cook Time

25 mins

Total Time

40 mins

 

You have two of the most-loved ingredients in Northern Europe for this fish soup -- dill and salmon. Add some cream and vegetables in there and you’ll have a delightful bowl of warmth and comfort, for sure. (VIDEO ABOVE)

Course: Soup

Cuisine: Finnish

Keyword: dill recipes, fish recipes, salmon recipe

Servings: 5

Calories: 475 kcal

Author: Neriz

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

1. Place a medium (or large pot) over medium heat. Add butter.
2. Once butter has completely melted, add thinly sliced leek. Cook until slightly soft.

3. Add carrot and potatoes. Mix.

4. Add fish stock. Cover pot with a lid and bring to a boil.

5. Simmer until vegetables are almost cooked.

6. Add salmon fillet and heavy cream. Mix to combine.
7. Keep on medium heat. Cover with a lid and cook for 4 to 5 minutes.
8. Season by adding salt and pepper. Mix.
9. Add dill. Turn heat off.
10. Cover with a lid and keep covered for 2 minutes.

11. Serve.