Finnish Salmon Soup, known as Lohikeitto in Finland, is a quintessential Nordic dish celebrated for its simplicity and comforting qualities. This 30-minute meal is crafted with a light cream broth, tender chunks of salmon, and an abundance of fresh dill, embodying the essence of spring. Sue Moran from The View from Great Island shares this authentic recipe, highlighting its health benefits and the comforting experience it offers, making it a perfect choice for both spring and winter meals.
The soup’s foundation is fresh salmon, preferably wild for its superior flavor and nutritional content, combined with leeks, potatoes, carrots, and a generous amount of fresh dill. The broth is lightly creamed and seasoned with allspice, offering a unique flavor profile that distinguishes it from other fish soups. A notable tip for achieving the soup’s rich flavor is creating a homemade fish stock from the salmon’s skin, enhancing the soup’s authenticity and depth of taste.
Ingredients:
Butter for sautéing
Carrots, sliced
1 leek, sliced
Potatoes, quartered (no need to peel new potatoes)
Fish broth or water
Salt, pepper, and dill for seasoning
Fresh salmon fillet, cut into small pieces
Cream
Directions:
Start the Soup: In a large pot, melt some butter over medium heat. Add the sliced carrots and leek, sautéing for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add Potatoes: Cut the potatoes into quarters and add them to the pot with the vegetables. Pour in the fish broth or water. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and dill. Bring the soup to a boil, then cover with a lid and let it simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the potatoes are cooked and soft.
Cook the Salmon: Cut the salmon fillet into small pieces. Add the salmon and cream to the soup, stirring to combine. Cook for another minute uncovered, then remove from heat. Cover the pot with a lid and set aside for 4-5 minutes, allowing the salmon to cook through.
Serve: Divide the salmon soup between four plates and sprinkle with fresh dill for garnish.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4