Finnish Salmon Soup (Lohikeitto) – Creamy Comforting and Fresh
If you’re craving something cozy, hearty, yet fresh, this Finnish Salmon Soup (Lohikeitto) is the perfect dish.
Loaded with tender salmon, creamy potatoes, sweet carrots, and fragrant dill, it’s a comforting bowl of Scandinavian goodness — simple, wholesome, and bursting with flavor.
Ready in about 40 minutes, this one-pot meal is perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you want something warm, nourishing, and satisfying.
Ingredients:
(Scale: 1x, 2x, 3x)
- 1 lb salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into chunks
- 4 cups fish broth or vegetable broth
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 small leek, thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon allspice (optional, for a hint of warmth)
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ cup fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions:
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and sliced leek, and sauté until they turn soft and translucent — about 5–7 minutes.
This step builds a rich, savory flavor base for the soup.
Step 2: Add the Broth and Potatoes
Pour in the fish broth (or vegetable broth).
Add:
- Diced potatoes
- Sliced carrots
- Bay leaf
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Allspice (optional but recommended for extra depth)
Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are tender when pierced with a fork.
Step 3: Cook the Salmon
Gently add the chunks of salmon to the pot.
Tip: Avoid stirring vigorously — salmon is delicate and will naturally flake apart as it cooks.
Let the salmon poach gently in the broth for about 5 minutes, until just opaque and cooked through.
Step 4: Stir in the Cream
Lower the heat to very low.
Slowly stir in the heavy cream, mixing gently to create a luscious, creamy base.
Let the soup warm through for another 2–3 minutes, but do not boil after adding the cream — this keeps the broth smooth and prevents separation.
Step 5: Finish with Dill and Lemon
Remove the bay leaf.
Stir in the fresh chopped dill and lemon juice.
The dill adds a bright, herby note, while the lemon juice lifts and balances the richness of the cream.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the Lohikeitto into warm bowls.
Garnish with extra fresh dill if desired.
For a truly authentic Finnish experience, serve with buttered rye bread or a simple dark, hearty loaf.
Enjoy every creamy, savory, slightly citrusy spoonful!
Tips for the Best Finnish Salmon Soup:
- Use the freshest salmon you can find:
High-quality salmon makes a huge difference in flavor and texture. - Adjust creaminess:
If you prefer a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. - Optional add-ins:
Toss in a handful of peas or swap in sweet potatoes for a twist. - Don’t overcook the salmon:
Salmon cooks quickly and should be just tender and flaky.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, assuming 6 servings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 400 kcal |
| Total Fat | 24 g |
| Saturated Fat | 12 g |
| Cholesterol | 105 mg |
| Sodium | 850 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 20 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugars | 4 g |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Vitamin A | 80% DV |
| Vitamin C | 20% DV |
| Calcium | 12% DV |
| Iron | 10% DV |
(Nutrition estimates vary based on specific ingredients.)
Why You’ll Love This Finnish Salmon Soup (Lohikeitto):
- Cozy, creamy, and comforting without being too heavy.
- Naturally gluten-free and packed with omega-3s and vitamins.
- Easy one-pot meal — minimal prep, maximum reward.
- Perfect balance of richness, brightness, and fresh herbal notes.
Whether you’re new to Nordic cuisine or already a fan, this Lohikeitto will warm your soul and quickly become one of your favorite soups.