Finnish Soup Recipe

Finnish cuisine is often a hidden gem in the culinary world, rich with comfort, hearty flavors, and fresh ingredients that highlight the simplicity and beauty of Nordic cooking. One of the most iconic dishes in Finnish cuisine is a variety of soups, with each region having its own take. Finnish soups are often warm, nourishing, and perfect for the cold winters that grip the region. They can range from creamy potato-based stews to lighter broths made with fish, vegetables, or meats.

Today, let’s dive into a classic Finnish soup recipe that’s as traditional as it gets-Lohikeitto, a creamy salmon soup. It’s both an essential part of Finnish home cooking and a comforting dish that provides the perfect balance between rich flavors and light textures. It’s easy to prepare, full of nutritious ingredients, and, above all, delicious. Whether you’re craving something warming on a chilly day or want to explore a new part of the world through food, this recipe will not disappoint.

So grab your apron, your spoon, and let’s get started with this delightful Finnish creation!

Finnish Soup Recipe: Lohikeitto (Finnish Salmon Soup)

Lohikeitto is a silky, creamy salmon soup that’s as satisfying as it is nutritious. The salmon, combined with potatoes, leeks, and carrots, creates a hearty and flavorful base. The magic of the soup is in the simplicity of its ingredients and the way they come together in a rich, flavorful broth that feels like a warm embrace.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s a list of everything you need to prepare this delicious Finnish soup:

• Salmon (fresh or frozen): 1 lb (450g) of skinless, boneless salmon fillets, cut into cubes. The star of the dish, providing richness and a mild, delicate flavor.
• Potatoes: 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced. They add creaminess and texture to the soup, giving it that hearty feel.
• Carrots: 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced. Carrots bring a touch of sweetness and a pop of color to the soup.
• Leeks: 2 leeks, cleaned and sliced thinly. They have a milder flavor than onions and provide a subtle earthiness.
• Onion: 1 small onion, finely chopped. Adds a mild, aromatic layer of flavor.
• Vegetable or Chicken Stock: 4 cups (1 liter). This forms the base of your soup and provides a savory foundation.
• Heavy Cream: 1 cup (240 ml). The cream adds the signature richness and smooth texture to the soup.
• Butter: 2 tablespoons. For sautéing the veggies and adding depth to the flavor.
• Dill: Fresh dill, roughly chopped, 2 tablespoons. This herb brings freshness and a fragrant touch, perfectly complementing the salmon.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste. Essential seasonings for balancing the flavors.
• Lemon: 1 lemon, cut into wedges. This is an optional touch to brighten the flavors of the soup when serving.

Cooking Instructions

Let’s break this down step by step so you can create this beautiful Finnish soup with ease:

1. Prep The Ingredients

   • Clean the leeks thoroughly, cutting off the root end and slicing the rest into thin rings.
   • Peel and chop the potatoes into small cubes.
   • Slice the carrots and chop the onion.
   • Cut the salmon into bite-sized pieces and season lightly with salt and pepper.

2. Sauté The Vegetables

   • In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots, and leeks. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and the onions become translucent.

3. Simmer The Broth

   • Pour in the vegetable or chicken stock and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the diced potatoes and cook for about 10-12 minutes, until they begin to soften.

4. Add The Salmon

   • Once the potatoes are just tender, gently add the salmon pieces to the soup. Simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and easily flakes apart.

5. Finish The Soup

   • Stir in the heavy cream and let the soup come to a gentle simmer. Add salt and pepper to taste. If you like, you can add a splash of lemon juice for a bit of brightness.

6. Garnish And Serve

   • Remove the soup from the heat and stir in the chopped fresh dill. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with a few lemon wedges on the side for an extra pop of flavor.

Ingredient Insights

Understanding the unique qualities of the ingredients in Lohikeitto can elevate your appreciation of this dish:

• Salmon: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D, salmon is the heart of this soup. It’s not only nutritious but also adds a natural sweetness and delicate flavor to the broth. Fresh, wild-caught salmon is ideal, but frozen works just fine.
• Potatoes: Potatoes serve as a filling agent in the soup, soaking up the flavors of the broth while providing a creamy texture once cooked. They’re a staple in Finnish cuisine due to their availability and ability to fill you up without being overly heavy.
• Leeks: Leeks are often overlooked but are essential in Finnish cooking. Their mild onion-like flavor is perfect in soups, as they don’t overwhelm but enhance the overall taste.
• Dill: Fresh dill is almost a signature in Nordic cooking, particularly when paired with fish. It brings a fresh, aromatic lift that cuts through the richness of the cream and complements the salmon.

Expert Tips

To make sure your Finnish salmon soup turns out perfect every time, here are some expert tips to keep in mind:

• Don’t overcook the salmon: Salmon can dry out quickly if overcooked, so make sure you add it to the soup when the potatoes are just tender. Let it cook gently in the simmering broth to ensure it’s moist and tender.
• Choose the right cream: While heavy cream is traditionally used for richness, you can use half-and-half or even whole milk if you prefer a lighter version. The soup will still be delicious, just not as indulgently creamy.
• Fresh ingredients are key: The fresh dill and high-quality salmon truly make a difference. Fresh dill adds a light, grassy flavor that dried dill can’t replicate, so try to get your hands on the fresh stuff if possible.
• Make it ahead: Like many soups, Lohikeitto tastes even better the next day. Feel free to make a big batch, let it cool, and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently when you’re ready to enjoy it.

Recipe Variations

While Lohikeitto is already a pretty perfect dish, you can tweak it to suit your personal tastes or dietary preferences:

• Vegetarian Version: Replace the salmon with smoked tofu or a variety of mushrooms. You can also swap the stock for vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly.
• Spicy Twist: If you like a little heat, add some chili flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the soup. The spice will give the creamy broth an exciting kick.
• Lemon Zest: For a more citrus-forward flavor, add a bit of lemon zest to the soup, or mix some into the cream before adding it to the pot.
• Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a non-dairy cream alternative. Just keep in mind that this will slightly alter the flavor profile.

Final Words

Lohikeitto isn’t just a soup; it’s a representation of Finnish culture: simple, honest, and incredibly satisfying. The dish is beloved across Finland and is often served in homes, cottages, and even restaurants. It’s a perfect example of the Nordic approach to food-focusing on seasonal, fresh ingredients and flavors that work together in harmony.

This recipe may seem straightforward, but the balance of flavors and textures is what makes it truly special. The creaminess of the soup, combined with the delicate richness of the salmon, creates a truly comforting meal that’ll warm you from the inside out.