If you have a hankering for something comforting yet refreshingly light, then this Finnish Salmon Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. This traditional Nordic dish brings together tender chunks of fresh salmon, creamy broth, and a medley of hearty vegetables, all enhanced by the aromatic touch of dill. It’s a stunningly delicious way to enjoy salmon that’s both satisfying and nourishing, perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you crave a bowl of warmth with a Scandinavian twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Finnish Salmon Soup Recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients. Each component plays a key role, whether it’s delivering richness, freshness, or texture, ensuring every spoonful is full of flavor and comfort.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Adds a silky base and richness to sauté the onions.
- 1 medium onion (chopped): Provides a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 4 cups fish or vegetable broth: Serves as a light but flavorful foundation for the soup.
- 3 medium potatoes (peeled and diced): Contribute heartiness and a soft texture.
- 2 carrots (sliced): Bring sweetness and a vibrant pop of color.
- 1 lb skinless salmon fillet (cut into chunks): The star ingredient offering tender, flaky goodness.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Infuses the soup with a luscious creaminess.
- 1 bay leaf: Adds an aromatic nuance that subtly layers the flavor.
- ½ teaspoon allspice (optional): Offers a warming spice note that’s traditional to the recipe.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors.
- ¼ cup chopped fresh dill: Brings a bright, herbal finish that is classic to Finnish cuisine.
How to Make Finnish Salmon Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Onions
Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Gently add the chopped onions and sauté until they become soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. This step unlocks the onion’s natural sweetness, which is the foundation for the soup’s rich flavor.
Step 2: Add Broth and Vegetables
Pour in the fish or vegetable broth and add your diced potatoes, sliced carrots, bay leaf, and if you like, the allspice. Bring everything to a boil before lowering the heat to a gentle simmer. Let the vegetables cook until tender, about 10 to 12 minutes, so they soak up the flavors and become perfectly tender.
Step 3: Cook the Salmon
Gently add the salmon chunks to the pot, simmering for 5 to 7 minutes until the fish is just cooked through and flakes easily. This careful simmering keeps the salmon tender and juicy without overcooking it, blending beautifully into the soup.
Step 4: Add Cream and Season
Pour in the heavy cream and season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Allow it to simmer for another 2 minutes without boiling, ensuring the cream melds smoothly with the broth without curdling.
Step 5: Finish with Fresh Dill
Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the chopped fresh dill. Let the soup sit for a few minutes to allow the dill to infuse the broth with its fragrant, herbal brightness before serving.
How to Serve Finnish Salmon Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra fresh dill on top brightens the look and flavor, and a few cracked black peppercorns can add a pleasing bite. For an indulgent touch, a small dollop of crème fraîche or sour cream adds extra creaminess and a tangy contrast.
Side Dishes
Finnish Salmon Soup pairs beautifully with traditional rye bread, whose deep, earthy flavor and chewy texture are perfect for dipping into the creamy broth. You can also serve it alongside a simple green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette for a fresh, crisp balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the soup in rustic wooden bowls or elegant white soup plates to elevate the presentation. Adding thin slices of lemon zest or a few edible flowers on top can also bring a lovely visual brightness and a hint of freshness to every serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Finnish Salmon Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Since salmon is delicate, enjoying it fresh or within a short time frame is best to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
Freezing
Freezing is possible but not ideal for this soup because the cream and potatoes may change texture. If you do freeze it, use a freezer-safe container and consume within one month for best results. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to avoid curdling the cream. If the soup seems too thick after reheating, add a splash of broth or water to return it to a creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this Finnish Salmon Soup Recipe?
Yes! Skinless frozen salmon fillets work well if fresh salmon is unavailable. Just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess water in the soup.
Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?
Absolutely. Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative to keep it creamy without dairy.
How can I make this soup lighter?
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or reduce the amount of cream altogether and replace part of it with more broth for a lighter texture without sacrificing taste.
What herbs other than dill can I use?
Dill is traditional and offers a signature flavor, but fresh parsley or chives can also complement the soup nicely if you want to experiment.
Can I prepare this Finnish Salmon Soup Recipe in advance?
You can prepare the soup base a day ahead and add the salmon and fresh dill just before serving to keep the fish tender and flavorful.
Final Thoughts
This Finnish Salmon Soup Recipe is a heartfelt hug in a bowl, offering comfort and freshness all at once. It’s the kind of dish that feels familiar yet exciting, perfect for sharing with friends or cozying up on your own. Trust me, once you try this creamy, dill-kissed soup, it will quickly become a beloved classic in your kitchen too.
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Finnish Salmon Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Finnish
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This traditional Finnish Salmon Soup, known as Lohikeitto, is a creamy and comforting dish made with tender salmon, potatoes, carrots, and fresh dill in a rich broth. Perfect for chilly days, it combines simple ingredients to create a flavorful Nordic classic that is both nourishing and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cups fish or vegetable broth
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 lb skinless salmon fillet, cut into chunks
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ teaspoon allspice (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup chopped fresh dill
Instructions
- Sauté Onion: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add Broth and Vegetables: Pour in the fish or vegetable broth. Add the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, bay leaf, and allspice if using. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer Vegetables: Reduce heat and simmer for 10–12 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Cook Salmon: Add the salmon chunks to the pot and simmer gently for another 5–7 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Add Cream and Season: Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for an additional 2 minutes without boiling to blend the flavors.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pot from heat, stir in the chopped fresh dill, and let the soup sit for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
- For a lighter version of the soup, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
- Fresh salmon fillets yield the best flavor, but skinless frozen fillets are a convenient alternative.
- Serve with rye bread for an authentic Finnish culinary experience.
