Finnish salmon soup, also known as Lohikeitto, is a traditional Finnish dish made with fresh salmon, potatoes, leeks, and dill in a creamy broth. It is a comforting, mild-flavored soup commonly served in Finnish homes, especially during the colder months, though it is enjoyed year-round. The combination of tender fish, soft vegetables, and dill-scented cream creates a simple yet nourishing meal that is both easy to prepare and deeply satisfying.
A Timeless Finnish Salmon Soup (Lohikeitto)
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, add 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 hold their shape during cooking—new potatoes work especially well when in season. Leeks and onions add natural sweetness and depth, while a dash of lemon juice brightens the entire dish.
Don’t forget the herbs. Fresh dill is essential, and chives add extra freshness and flavor. Together, they give Lohikeitto its signature aroma and truly Finnish character.
Whether you’re discovering Finnish flavours for the first time or continuing a beloved tradition, this Finnish salmon soup (Lohikeitto) is a wholesome, comforting meal that is easy to prepare and satisfying all year round.
Serving suggestion
For a truly traditional pairing, serve Lohikeitto with a slice of Finnish Archipelago Bread:
https://cookingwithella.com/finnish-archipelago-bread-a-celebration-staple/. It’s slightly sweet, dense texture perfectly balances the creamy soup. If you prefer a softer, wheat-based option, try my No-knead Dutch oven bread:
https://cookingwithella.com/no-knead-dutch-oven-bread/
More Finnish recipes
For more Finnish recipes from my family kitchen to yours, visit my Finnish recipe collection:
https://cookingwithella.com/category/finnish-recipes/
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Finnish Salmon Soup – How to Make Authentic Lohikeitto
Equipment
- Large pot
- Cutting board Measuring cups and spoons
- Chef’s knife
- Peeler
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle
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.
