Finnish Salmon Soup

This traditional Finnish Salmon Soup, known as Lohikeitto, is a bowl of comfort that brings the essence of Nordic cooking to your table. With tender salmon, creamy broth, and a touch of fresh dill, this dish is both soothing and satisfying. It’s the kind of soup that warms you from the inside out—perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re craving something wholesome yet indulgent.

The simplicity of Lohikeitto is what makes it so special. No complicated steps or fancy ingredients—just good, honest food made with care. Paired with rustic rye bread, it’s a full meal that highlights the delicate flavors of salmon and the earthiness of root vegetables. Whether you’re familiar with Finnish cuisine or discovering it for the first time, this soup is a delicious place to start.

Full Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 1 medium leek, thinly sliced

• 2 medium carrots, sliced

• 1.5 pounds (700 g) potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 4 cups fish stock or vegetable broth

• 1 bay leaf

• 1 pound (450 g) skinless salmon fillet, cut into chunks

• 1 cup heavy cream

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped

Directions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

2. Add the chopped onion and leek and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

3. Stir in the carrots and potatoes, then pour in the fish stock.

4. Add the bay leaf and bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the potatoes are tender.

5. Gently add the salmon chunks and cook for 5-7 minutes, until the salmon is just cooked through.

6. Lower the heat and stir in the cream. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes without boiling.

7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

8. Remove from heat, stir in chopped dill, and serve hot with crusty rye bread if desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes

Kcal: 365 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

The Tradition Behind Lohikeitto

Lohikeitto, or Finnish Salmon Soup, is a beloved staple of Nordic cuisine, particularly in Finland, where the cold winters call for hearty, warming meals. Rooted deeply in Finnish culinary heritage, this soup reflects the nation’s intimate relationship with the sea and its natural resources. Salmon, one of Finland’s most cherished ingredients, is the star of this dish, accompanied by simple vegetables and a creamy broth that brings everything together in perfect harmony.

This soup isn’t just a recipe; it’s a reflection of Finnish culture—unpretentious, nourishing, and practical. Lohikeitto has been passed down through generations, often adapted slightly depending on what ingredients are on hand, but always maintaining its essential character. It’s commonly found in homes, cafeterias, and traditional restaurants across Finland, and it’s frequently served at communal gatherings, outdoor feasts, and holiday meals.

A Comforting Bowl of Simplicity

One of the most remarkable things about Lohikeitto is its simplicity. With a short list of basic ingredients—fresh salmon, potatoes, carrots, leeks or onions, dill, and cream—it transforms into a dish that’s far greater than the sum of its parts. It embodies what many Nordic recipes do so well: clean flavors, minimalism, and deep respect for ingredients.

The creamy broth is what gives this soup its comforting feel. Unlike heavier chowders, Lohikeitto maintains a delicate balance between richness and freshness. The salmon infuses the broth with a savory depth, while the dill adds a light, herbal brightness. It’s a soup that soothes without overwhelming.

A Reflection of Seasonal and Local Eating

Traditional Finnish cuisine is largely built around the availability of seasonal ingredients, and Lohikeitto fits right into this ethos. The potatoes and root vegetables used in the soup are staples of Nordic agriculture, thriving even in the short, cool growing seasons of the north. Dill, a classic Scandinavian herb, is also widely available and used in numerous dishes, especially those involving fish.

Salmon, whether wild-caught or farm-raised, is plentiful in the Baltic Sea and the many rivers and lakes of Finland. This access to fresh fish means that Lohikeitto has long been an affordable and sustainable choice for Finnish families. Even today, it’s a common weeknight meal due to how quickly it comes together and how nourishing it is.

Nutritional Value and Health Benefits

Beyond its comforting taste, Lohikeitto is also nutritionally beneficial. Salmon is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, high-quality protein, and B vitamins—all of which are essential for maintaining heart and brain health. The soup also includes fiber-rich vegetables like carrots and potatoes, which contribute to digestive health and long-lasting satiety.

The addition of heavy cream might add richness, but it can be adjusted according to dietary preferences. Many modern variations include light cream or even plant-based alternatives to make the soup more suitable for those with dietary restrictions, including lactose intolerance or a preference for dairy-free eating.

Variations Across Regions and Households

Just as with many traditional dishes, Lohikeitto comes with countless variations. In some Finnish homes, cooks might add celery or parsnip for additional depth. Others may enhance the creaminess with a pat of butter or a splash of milk alongside the cream. In Lapland, it’s not uncommon to find this soup made with Arctic char or other freshwater fish when salmon isn’t available.

There are also modern takes on Lohikeitto that cater to dietary trends—keto versions with lower-carb vegetables, pescatarian-friendly tweaks, or even vegan adaptations that use smoked tofu and plant-based cream. The dish’s core principles—gentle flavors, creamy texture, and wholesome ingredients—remain intact regardless of the version.

Cultural Importance and Global Appeal

In Finland, Lohikeitto is more than just a meal—it’s a comforting ritual. It often appears at school lunches, where it’s enjoyed by children learning to appreciate traditional foods. It’s served in ski lodges after long days in the snow, at midsummer celebrations by the lakeside, and during long winter nights when warmth and nourishment are needed most.

In recent years, Lohikeitto has gained international attention thanks to the global rise in interest around Nordic cuisine. As food lovers look for meals that are both healthy and soulful, this Finnish salmon soup has found its way onto restaurant menus and into cookbooks around the world.

For tourists visiting Finland, trying Lohikeitto is often a must. It provides a taste of home-style Finnish cooking that’s both accessible and memorable. And because the ingredients are widely available globally, it’s an easy dish to recreate in your own kitchen—no matter where you are.

Pairing Suggestions and Serving Ideas

Lohikeitto is typically served hot and fresh, ideally with a slice of rye bread or a dark, dense loaf common in Nordic bakeries. The bread helps soak up the creamy broth and adds a rustic touch to the meal. Some like to top their soup with extra chopped dill or a few grinds of black pepper for added zing.

For a heartier meal, serve Lohikeitto with a side salad of cucumber and radishes tossed in vinegar and a dash of sugar—a classic Finnish accompaniment. For drinks, crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling pair beautifully with the delicate fish and cream flavors. Alternatively, a light Finnish beer or even water infused with lemon and cucumber works well to cleanse the palate.

Cooking Tips for Best Results

While Lohikeitto is a relatively straightforward soup, a few tips can help you make it exceptional:

• Use the freshest salmon you can find. The quality of the fish truly makes or breaks the soup.

• Don’t overcook the salmon. Add it at the end, and let it poach gently to keep it moist and tender.

• Keep the seasoning simple. Salt, pepper, and dill are usually all you need. The beauty of this dish lies in its restraint.

• Allow the soup to sit for a few minutes after cooking. This lets the flavors meld and deepens the overall taste.

A Dish for All Seasons

Though Lohikeitto is most associated with winter and colder months, it’s also a year-round favorite. Its light creaminess makes it ideal for spring, especially with young potatoes and early dill. During summer, it pairs well with garden-fresh greens and cold drinks. Even in autumn, it offers warmth and comfort as the weather begins to cool.

Its adaptability means it can be prepared in bulk for meal prep or made quickly for a weeknight dinner. It stores well in the fridge for a few days and tastes even better after the flavors have had time to develop.

Conclusion

Lohikeitto is a dish that tells the story of Finland—its land, its waters, its seasons, and its people. It’s a recipe born from simplicity and necessity, elevated by generations of home cooks who understand the value of quality ingredients and gentle, nourishing flavors.

Whether you’re new to Finnish cooking or looking for a comforting classic to add to your repertoire, Lohikeitto delivers. It’s easy to make, deeply satisfying, and endlessly adaptable to your tastes and lifestyle. More than just soup, it’s a warm invitation to experience the heart of Nordic hospitality—one spoonful at a time.