This Finnish Salmon Soup, known as Lohikeitto in the homeland, is to die for. Creamy and hearty, it is guaranteed to warm your soul on cold fall and winter days. Plus, it's really easy and quick to make - ready in a half an hour!
As an avid traveler, I have a list of my dream destinations. It's sort of a bucket list. One of these places is Lapland, Finland’s northernmost region. Yeah yeah, the place where Santa Claus and his elves live! However our Christmas symbol is not the reason why I want to get there. Or at least it wasn't the reason till my son was born three months ago. Now, it goes without saying that we would visit Santa's village together! I can't even imagine how happy my son would be there and it warms my heart to even think about it.
Let's get back to the main reason why Lapland is in my dream list. The Northern Lights. It's the unforgettable light show, created by Mother Nature, which you can observe in the sky. In Lapland the Northern Lights are visible on about 200 nights a year! How awesome is that? I even have a fantastic place in mind where I would love to be while gazing at the night sky - these AMAZING glass igloos. I've just shed a manly tear while looking at this picture.
There is one more thing you should know about Lapland. Winters are freezing cold and long there - the region lies north of the Arctic Circle. Temperatures can reach as low as -40°C or -40°
Why salmon? Well, Finland has an abundance of it. The Tana river, which flows through Lapland, is said to be the best salmon river in the whole world. Even the world's record for the biggest Atlantic salmon is held by a fish caught in this river - it was 36 kilograms (79 lb). It's something, isn't it?
I am actually a huge salmon fan. Life without salmon is barely worth living to me. I love it seared, baked, smoked, grilled, poached, cured in salt, you name it. I enjoy it in salads, spreads, patties, chowders and of course soups! Needless to say, Lohikeitto was right up my alley. This Finnish salmon soup uses cream as a base and is made of salmon chunks, potatoes, leeks and generously garnished with dill. It doesn't sound too fancy, but believe me, it has everything you need.
I used heavy cream but you can substitute it with lighter one. There are some versions of this salmon soup floating around the internet with cornstarch as a thickening agent, but the authentic recipe doesn't use any thickeners at all. The traditional recipe uses fish stock, so did I. I've made it from the salmon heads and bones by myself but you can easily use liquid store-bought one. It won't be a huge issue if you'll use water instead of the fish stock too.
To sum up - this salmon soup is definitely a winner. I can understand why it is so popular in Finland. It warms you up instantly and can keep you going all day long. Lohikeitto is full of flavor and has a wonderful texture. I've already eaten two plates of this goodness today. Thinking about grabbing the third one, but I probably won't have enough space in my stomach. Bummer! It's really filling! I don't know about you - but this is my new soup favorite. Cold winter days are approaching but with Lohikeitto I am not afraid of them. At all.
Finnish Salmon Soup - Lohikeitto
Ingredients
- ½ stick (¼ cup or about 50 grams) unsalted butter
- 1 leek, sliced (white and light green parts only)
- 5 cups (1,25l) fish stock (can be substituted with water)
- 1 lb (450g) potatoes, cubed
- 1 carrot, sliced
- 1 lb (450g) salmon fillet, de-boned, de-skinned and cut into small chunks
- 1 cup (250ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (10g) fresh dill for garnish, finely chopped
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a pot. Add the sliced leek and saute until translucent, about 7 minutes.
- Add the stock, carrot and potatoes. Bring to a boil and cook for about 10 minutes over medium heat. At this point the potatoes should be almost ready.
- Add the salmon chunks and the cream, and cook for about 5-7 minutes more, until it starts to boil.
- Turn off the heat and add the dill, salt and pepper. Close the lid and wait for another 10 minutes. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Rayna
I usually only have this soup once a year when we visit my in laws in Helsinki. I made your recipe and it is delicious! Thank you for sharing!
Igor
You are welcome, Rayna! It's totally worth having it more than once a year 😛
Maria from Atlanta, GA
WOW this soup is FANTASTIC!!! I think I must have come across it on Pinterest. I honestly don't remember, but it was so good I have added it to my most favorite dishes to have on rotation. Thanks so much for the delicious recipe with such beautiful photos!
Igor
You just made my day, Maria! Lohikeitto is one of my most if not the most favorite soup for a reason 😉
Jacqueline
We were in Helsinki earlier this year and I fell in love with the soup. So glad this recipe replicates it nicely. Delicious, lots of flavor and texture. Only thing I added was 2 bay leaves in the stock and 3 whole allspice beans (kernels?), both of which I removed before I added the salmon and cream (actually used half and half). Will definitely make again.
Igor
It's really hard to not fall in love with Lohikeitto 🙂
Outi
Jacqueline, they are allspice berries.
I haven't made this soup yet but the pictures certainly look right and the recipe looks authentic. I will meke this soup tomorrow and come back to update!
Ruth
Hi there. This is one of my favorite Finnish dishes that I crave whenever I visit Finland-- have been about a dozen times because of my ex + dear Finnish friends I still have-- and I can't wait to try it tomorrow 🙂
Quick question: do you think it would be OK to use bone broth (chicken stock) in lieu of the fish stock? I couldn't find fish stock in my area. Or do you think it would be better to just substitute water for the fish stock vs. the chicken/bone broth?
Meg
After working in a number of resorts in Lapland last winter, this was my favourite dish by far! After reminiscing and wishing I was back there, I decided to see if there was a recipe for these traditional homemade soups and bring a bit of Finland back here. I am SO glad you’ve posted this. It tastes AMAZING! So super easy to follow, and tastes so similar! I used vegetable stock as I couldn’t get my hands on fish stock, and used dried dill. Still fabulous! ?
Igor
Thanks for the comment, Meg! Working in Lapland, huh? Lucky you! I am sure it's a gorgeous place 🙂 This soup never disappoints 🙂
Maria
I love it is soothing in cold weather and smooth meal thank you for sharing recipe
Rob L
I had some for the first time in Helsinki last night.Outrageously good.Thanks for the recipe it 's certainly one to try when I get home.I've sent this link to a friend of mine in France and she's going to make some today.What a find.Thank you
Igor
I never get tired reading comments about this gorgeous soup. Everyone loves it! Thanks Rob! I am pretty sure your French friend adored it too 🙂