Go Back Email Link
A bowl of Finnish salmon soup with chunks of salmon, potatoes, and carrots in a creamy broth, garnished with fresh dill and chives.

Finnish Salmon Soup – How to Make Authentic Lohikeitto

Finnish Salmon Soup, or Lohikeitto, is a beloved Nordic classic made with tender salmon, root vegetables, and a creamy broth infused with dill. This comforting dish is simple to prepare yet full of fresh flavor. Traditionally enjoyed throughout the year in Finland, it’s especially perfect on chilly days or as part of a cozy weekend meal. This recipe uses fresh ingredients like carrots, potatoes, and leeks, simmered in a light fish stock and finished with cream and a touch of lemon. Serve with hearty rye bread for an authentic Finnish experience.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course, Soup
Cuisine Finnish
Servings 4

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.

Notes

💡 Tips:
Use New Potatoes (uusia perunoita) when in season for extra flavor and a truly Finnish touch.
If you prefer a lighter soup, replace part of the cream with milk or use a lower-fat cream.
You can also leave the dairy out, but replace it with 2 more deciliters of fish stock.
Serve with Finnish Archipelago bread, rye bread, or crusty sourdough for a complete Nordic meal.
Keyword Authentic Lohikeitto, Creamy salmon soup, Easy Lohikeitto, Finnish comfort food, Finnish Fish Soup, Finnish salmon soup, Homemade lohikeitto, Homemade salmon soup, How to make lohikeitto, How to make salmon soup, Salmon and potato soup, Salmon soup recipe, Salmon soup with dill, Traditional Finnish soup