Cozy Finnish Lohikeitto: A Soul-Warming Salmon Soup Recipe

Creamy and comforting, this finnish salmon soup lohikeitto brings warmth to any chilly evening.

Nordic kitchens have perfected hearty seafood recipes that nourish both body and soul.

Delicate salmon chunks swim in a velvety broth infused with rich cream and subtle herbs.

Local cooks in finland understand the magic of simple, fresh ingredients blended with care.

Potatoes add delightful texture while dill provides an aromatic freshness that dances across your paldle.

Each spoonful connects you to generations of traditional finnish cooking techniques passed down through loving hands.

You’ll want to savor this soul-warming soup slowly, letting its flavors transport you to a cozy finnish dining room.

Why Finnish Salmon Soup Lohikeitto Feels Like A Warm Hug

• Savor Authentic Nordic Comfort: Experience a traditional Finnish soup that brings the cozy warmth of Scandinavian home cooking right to your table.
• Master Stress-Free Cooking: Prepare this soup with minimal ingredients and simple steps, making it perfect for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Nutrient-Packed One-Pot Wonder: Enjoy a balanced meal loaded with protein-rich salmon, hearty vegetables, and creamy texture in a single pot that minimizes cleanup.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by swapping ingredients or serving with different sides like crusty bread or fresh salad to suit your taste preferences.

What Goes In Finnish Salmon Soup Lohikeitto

• Salmon: Fresh fish that provides the main flavor and protein for the traditional Finnish soup.
• Potatoes: Hearty vegetable that adds texture and helps thicken the soup.
• Fish Stock: Rich liquid base that enhances the seafood flavor of the soup.
• Heavy Cream: Creamy ingredient that gives the soup its luxurious and smooth consistency.

• Leek, Carrot: Vegetables that add depth and sweetness to the soup's overall flavor profile.

• Fresh Dill, Salt, Pepper: Herbs and spices that provide bright, fresh, and balanced seasoning to the soup.

• Butter: Ingredient used to sauté vegetables and add rich flavor to the soup base.

How To Make Creamy Lohikeitto At Home

Step 1: Prep the Cooking Vessel

Heat a large pot over medium flame and melt butter until it becomes golden and fragrant.

Step 2: Sauté the Leeks

Add sliced leeks to the melted butter and cook them until they become soft and translucent, releasing their delicate sweet aroma.

Step 3: Build the Soup Base

• Fish stock
• Carrots
• Potatoes

Pour the fish stock into the pot and add chopped carrots and diced potatoes. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil and let it simmer until the potatoes are almost tender, about 10 minutes.

Step 4: Introduce the Salmon

Gently lower salmon chunks into the simmering liquid and pour in heavy cream. Continue cooking for 5-7 minutes until the salmon is perfectly cooked through and flakes easily.

Step 5: Season and Rest

Remove the pot from heat and stir in freshly chopped dill, salt, and black pepper. Cover the pot and allow the soup to rest for 10 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls and pair with crusty rye bread or your favorite accompaniment. Savor the rich, comforting flavors of traditional Finnish cuisine.

Top Tips For Classic Finnish Salmon Soup

• Choose fresh, high-quality salmon for the most authentic flavor and tender texture.
• Dice vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent taste in every spoonful.
• Keep the soup's heat low when adding salmon to prevent overcooking and maintain its delicate texture.
• Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative that maintains the soup's rich, creamy consistency.
• Add a splash of white wine during sautéing leeks for an extra layer of depth and complexity in the soup's flavor profile.

Different Takes On Lohikeitto To Try

• Nordic Spicy Version: Replace dill with fresh chili peppers and add smoked paprika for a bold, warming kick that transforms the traditional soup's flavor profile.
• Creamy Coconut Fusion: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk and add lemongrass for a Southeast Asian-inspired interpretation of the classic Finnish recipe.
• Hearty Winter Salmon Chowder: Include additional root vegetables like parsnips and celery root, and thicken the soup with a roux to create a more substantial winter meal.
• Light Mediterranean Style: Incorporate white wine, add cherry tomatoes, and garnish with fresh basil and a squeeze of lemon to give the soup a bright, Mediterranean character.

What To Pair With Finnish Salmon Soup

• Perfectly Pair Finnish Salmon Soup (Lohikeitto)
• Crisp White Wine Complement: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or dry Riesling that cuts through the soup's creamy richness, enhancing the delicate salmon flavor with its bright, acidic notes.
• Nordic Bread Sidekick: Serve alongside traditional Finnish rye bread (ruisleipä) or crusty sourdough, which provides a hearty, tangy contrast to the smooth, rich soup texture.
• Herbal Vodka Accent: Pour a small shot of chilled Finnish vodka as a traditional accompaniment, allowing its clean, neutral profile to cleanse the palate between creamy spoonfuls and highlight the soup's subtle seafood essence.

How To Store Lohikeitto The Right Way

• Refrigerate: Store leftover salmon soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Avoid freezing soup with cream as it might separate.
• Reheat Stovetop: Gently warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of fish stock or cream to restore original consistency. Heat until steaming but do not boil to prevent salmon from becoming tough.
• Microwave Method: Transfer portion to microwave-safe bowl. Cover with microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed. Check temperature before serving.

FAQs About Finnish Salmon Soup Lohikeitto

• Is this soup traditional in Finland?

Yes, Lohikeitto is a classic Finnish comfort food, deeply rooted in Nordic culinary traditions, especially popular in coastal regions with abundant salmon.

• What type of salmon works best for this recipe?

Fresh Atlantic salmon is ideal, but you can also use wild-caught salmon varieties like sockeye or king salmon for the best flavor and texture.

• Can I make this soup dairy-free?

While challenging, you could substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based alternative, though it will slightly alter the traditional taste.

• How nutritious is Finnish salmon soup?

This soup is highly nutritious, packed with omega-3 fatty acids from salmon, vitamins from vegetables, and provides a good balance of protein and healthy fats.

Finnish Salmon Soup Lohikeitto Recipe

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4.9 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 52 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting Finnish salmon soup lohikeitto brings Nordic warmth to your kitchen with creamy potatoes and delicate fish. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, offering you a taste of traditional Scandinavian culinary heritage in one satisfying bowl.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (450 grams) salmon fillet, de-boned, de-skinned, and cut into chunks

Vegetables:

• 1 pound (450 grams) potatoes, cubed
• 1 leek, sliced (white and light green parts only)
• 1 carrot, sliced

Liquid and Seasoning:

• 5 cups (1.25 liters) fish stock (or substitute with water)
• 1 cup (250 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1/2 stick (1/4 cup or 50 grams) unsalted butter
• 1 cup (10 grams) fresh dill, finely chopped (for garnish)
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat butter in a spacious pot over medium temperature, carefully sweating the leek until it becomes translucent and softens, releasing a subtle aromatic essence.
2. Stream fish stock into the pot, introducing diced carrots and cubed potatoes. Elevate heat to achieve a rolling boil, allowing vegetables to tenderize for approximately 10 minutes.
3. Delicately incorporate salmon pieces into the bubbling liquid, followed by rich cream. Reduce heat and gently simmer for 5-7 minutes, ensuring salmon cooks through without becoming tough or dry.
4. Remove pot from heat source, folding in freshly chopped dill, seasoning with precise salt and pepper measurements to enhance the soup’s delicate flavor profile.
5. Allow soup to rest, covered, for 10 minutes to harmonize the ingredients and develop depth of taste.
6. Ladle the creamy, golden soup into warm bowls, accompanied by traditional rye bread for a classic Finnish dining experience.

Notes

• Choose fresh, high-quality salmon for the most authentic and delicious flavor profile.
• Dice vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
• Avoid overcooking salmon by removing the soup from heat as soon as fish turns opaque to maintain its delicate, tender texture.
• Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or plant-based alternatives for a dairy-free version that keeps the soup creamy and rich.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 32 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Finnish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 80mg