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    Finnish Salmon Soup (Lohikeitto)

    Finnish Salmon Soup is just the recipe you need with fall upon us. It’s cozy, comforting, and oh so delicious.

    This creamy salmon soup, known in its homeland as Lohikeitto, is a soup you need to make if looking for new flavors in your bowl.

    Finnish salmon soup, also known as lohikeitto, in a blue bowl garnished with lemon slices.

    Soup season is in full swing. From complex pots like Caldo de Pollo to simple and easy Greek Bean Soup to the ultimate fusion experience, Birria Ramen, I always seem to have a pot simmering on the stove.

    What is Lohikeitto?

    Lohikeitto is a classic soup that is a staple in Nordic cuisine, especially beloved in Finland for its comforting warmth and rich, layered flavors.

    It is also know as Laxsoppa in Sweden, and Fiskesuppe in Norway.

    At its core, Lohikeitto is a creamy, hearty soup with chunks of salmon, root vegetables like potatoes and carrots, and aromatic leeks. The dish is subtly spiced and is typically enriched with heavy cream.

    One of the signature elements is the generous use of fresh dill, which contrasts beautifully with the richness of the salmon and cream.

    Side view of the bowl of lokiheitto.

    Ingredients Needed

    • Salmon – I always go for fresh. I look for a vibrant color and firm texture.
    • Butter – I add butter for a rich, creamy base to the soup.
    • Veggies – Carrots and leek add both color and a subtle sweetness.
    • Stock – While fish stock is traditionally used, I find the flavor a bit overpowering, so I prefer chicken stock. Your choice.
    • Potatoes – I go for a starchy variety like Russet or Yukon Gold. They break down a bit during cooking, naturally thickening the soup.
    • Seasonings – Black peppercorns, bay leaf and fresh dill. If you absolutely cannot find fresh dill, use about 2 tablespoons of dried dill in the soup and omit the garnish. However, I strongly recommend fresh.
    • Heavy Cream – If you’re watching calories or fat, you can substitute with half & half.
    • Salt – Always to taste.
    • Lemon – For serving.

    Finnish Salmon Soup Recipe

    1. Sauté: First, I melt butter in a medium Dutch oven or pot over medium heat. Then, I add carrot, leek, and peppercorns and sauté them for 5 minutes.

     Carrot and leek cooking in a dutch oven.

    2. Simmer: Next, I add stock, bay leaves, and potatoes. I increase the heat, bring it to a simmer, and cook until the potatoes are almost done, about 10 minutes.

    Simmered broth.

    3. Cook salmon: Then, I add in the cream and salmon chunks. I simmer until the salmon is cooked through and can be flaked with a fork, about 3-4 minutes.

    4. Finalize: Finally, I remove the pot from heat and stir in ½ cup of dill, then taste and adjust for salt.

    Salmon soup after adding the dill.

    5. Serve: I ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with the remaining dill, and add lemon slices or wedges for squeezing.

    Lohikeitto served in a bowl.

    Jason’s Tips

    • Salmon Choice: I prefer wild-caught salmon for its richer, more nuanced flavor and leaner texture. Whatever I choose, I make sure it’s fresh, with a firm texture and a clean, oceanic aroma.
    • Temper the Cream: I warm the heavy cream slightly before adding it to prevent curdling.
    • Don’t Overcook Salmon: I keep an eye on the salmon to ensure it remains tender and flaky.
    • Garnish Generously: Be liberal with dill and lemon wedges when serving.
    Angled view of the bowl of soup.

    The next time you crave a cozy bowl of soup, try this traditional Nordic Lohikeitto. It’s so easy, and so good!

    Pin or bookmark this delicious recipe so you always know where to find it. And be sure to subscribe to GypsyPlate, we’re always cooking up new recipes for you.

    Finnish Salmon Soup, on our Gypsy Plate… enjoy!

    Bowl of finnish salmon soup atop the Gypsy Plate.

    Try these other great soups!
    Portuguese Bean Soup
    Italian Sausage Soup
    Caldo de Res
    Hungarian Goulash
    Sopa de Fideo
    Tuscan Bean Soup
    Sancocho
    Yakamein

    Featured image for Finnish salmon soup recipe.

    Finnish Salmon Soup (Lohikeitto)

    Yield: 4 servings
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes

    Finnish Salmon Soup, or Lohikeitto, is a delicious and comforting dish that will keep you warm on fall or winter nights.

    Ingredients

    • 2 Tbsp butter
    • 1 carrot, chopped
    • 1 leek, chopped (white part only)
    • 8 black peppercorns
    • 5 cups chicken stock (see note 1)
    • 2 large potatoes (about 1 pound), peeled and cubed
    • 1 bay leaf
    • 1 pound salmon, skin removed, cut into bite sized chunks
    • ½ cup heavy cream
    • 1 cup fresh dill, stems removed
    • salt, to taste
    • lemon, for serving

    Instructions

    1. Melt butter in a medium dutch oven or pot over medium heat. Add carrot, leek and peppercorns. Sauté 5 minutes.
    2. Add stock, bay leaves and potatoes. Increase heat, bring to a simmer, and cook until potatoes are almost done, about 10 minutes.
    3. Add in cream and salmon chunks. Simmer until salmon is cooked through and can be flaked with a fork, about 3-4 minutes.
    4. Remove from heat. Stir in ½ cup of dill. Taste and adjust for salt.
    5. Serve in bowls, garnished with remaining dill, along with lemon slices or wedges for squeezing.

    Notes

      1. Fish stock is traditionally used. We find the flavor a bit overpowering, so prefer chicken stock. Your choice.
      2. This recipe scales very well. Keep the same ratios if making a larger batch.
      3. Leftovers: If you have leftovers, allow to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan on stovetop over medium heat until warmed through.
      4. It's best not to freeze this soup because of the dairy and fish components. They can alter in texture and flavor when frozen and reheated.

    Nutrition Information
    Yield 4 Serving Size 1
    Amount Per Serving Calories 663Total Fat 35gSaturated Fat 14gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 17gCholesterol 129mgSodium 724mgCarbohydrates 51gFiber 6gSugar 9gProtein 38g

    Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

    Did you make this recipe?

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    Welcome to GypsyPlate! I'm Alpana, former wordwide tour manager and professional caterer, now full time blogger. I love exploring cuisines from around the world, and my recipes have been featured on sites such as MSN, Parade, Brit + Co, CNET and AOL. You can explore my entire collection of sortable recipes in my Recipe Index or learn more about me here.

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      1 thought on “Finnish Salmon Soup (Lohikeitto)”

      • This Finnish Salmon Soup, or Lohikeitto, is a culinary masterpiece that perfectly complements the fall season. It’s a creamy and comforting soup with the richness of salmon, the heartiness of potatoes and carrots, and the vibrant touch of dill. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a delightful weekend treat, this soup is the answer. Its flavors are a celebration of Nordic culinary artistry, and it’s a bowl of pure comfort. Enjoy the warmth and deliciousness of this traditional Finnish delight! 🍲🇫🇮 #SalmonSoup #FinnishCuisine #ComfortFood

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