Finnish Salmon Soup, or Lohikeitto, offers warmth and comfort in every spoonful. This creamy, herb-scented dish is a favorite in Finnish homes. Dill-scented steam rising from a bowl of the traditional Lohikeitto is one of the most comforting things you can experience at the Finnish table. While it’s often enjoyed in winter, many Finnish families serve it all year round. Its mild flavors, soft vegetables, and tender fish make it a timeless meal that’s both nourishing and easy to prepare.
A Year-Round Classic Recipe from Finnish Kitchens
Lohikeitto is more than a recipe. It’s a part of Finnish food culture. It is often served with Archipelago bread, rye bread, crisp bread, or rustic sourdough slices. My family’s recipe starts with a base of potatoes, carrots, leeks, and onions, all sautéed briefly in butter. Then, adding fish stock and whole peppercorns, letting the vegetables simmer until nearly tender. After that, stir in cream and bring it back to a boil before adding cubed salmon. A touch of lemon juice brightens the flavor, and fresh dill and chives finish it off.
Many home cooks vary the recipe depending on the season. Some add more cream for richness. Others use milk for a lighter broth. If you need a dairy-free version, use only fish stock. It still turns out delicious and satisfying.
How to Make Finnish Salmon Soup at Home
You don’t need hard-to-find ingredients to make authentic Finnish Salmon Soup. The base is simple: fresh salmon, root vegetables, fish stock, and cream. Use firm, waxy potatoes so they keep their shape during cooking—new potatoes work especially well when in season. Leeks and onions add sweetness and depth, while a dash of lemon juice brightens the entire dish.
Don’t forget the herbs. Fresh dill is essential, and chives bring extra flavor. They give Lohikeitto its signature aroma and truly Finnish character.
Whether you’re exploring Finnish flavors for the first time or carrying on a beloved tradition, try this recipe for Finnish Salmon soup, Lohikeitto. It is a wholesome, comforting meal that’s easy to make and satisfying all year round.
For a truly traditional pairing, serve your Lohikeitto with a slice of Finnish Archipelago Bread. Its sweet, dense texture perfectly complements the creamy soup. If you prefer a bread made of wheat flour, try my No-knead Dutch oven bread!
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Finnish Salmon Soup – How to Make Authentic Lohikeitto
Ingredients
- 500 g salmon fillet cut into chunks
- 20 g butter
- 2 carrots diced
- 5 firm potatoes waxy type, cut into wedges
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 10 cm piece of leek sliced into rings or thin strips
- 8 dl (800 ml) fish stock
- 6 whole allspice berries
- 6 whole black peppercorns
- 2 dl 200 ml cream
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 2 dl about 1 small bunch fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1 dl chives (optional) finely chopped
- 1 tsp salt or to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the carrots, potatoes, leek, and onion. Sauté for about 3 minutes to soften slightly.
- Pour in the fish stock and add the whole allspice and black peppercorns.
- Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes or until the vegetables are nearly tender.
- Add the cream and bring the soup back to a gentle boil.
- Add the salmon chunks and the lemon juice. When the soup just begins to bubble again, remove it from the heat.
- Cover with a lid and let the soup rest for a few minutes to allow the salmon to finish cooking gently.
- Season with salt. Stir in the chopped dill (and chives, if using) just before serving.
