I remember the first time I made Finnish Salmon Soup like it was yesterday. It was a cold Sunday afternoon when I stumbled upon a recipe for lohikeitto – the traditional Nordic salmon dish – tucked away in a cookbook my friend had recently gifted me. My family and I had been craving something cozy but not too heavy, and this creamy salmon soup seemed promising. As the soup simmered, the house filled with the gentle aroma of fresh dill and tender salmon, instantly wrapping us in a warm, comforting embrace. When I finally served it, my husband’s eyes lit up, and my kids dug in heartily, surprising me with how much they loved this Finnish fish soup. That moment made me realize comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming – it just needs the right ingredients and heart. Since then, Finnish Salmon Soup has become a staple in our home, whether for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting meal on a rainy day. So, fellow comfort seekers, if you’re juggling school runs and snack requests while hoping to feed your family with warming simplicity, stick with me for this Finnish Salmon Soup journey.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound (450g) fresh salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into chunks
- 4 cups (1 liter) fish stock or water (you can use vegetable broth too, for a lighter twist)
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream or use half-and-half for a lighter creamy salmon soup
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2-3 tablespoons butter
- 1-2 carrots, sliced
- A small bunch of fresh dill, chopped (this adds that classic Finnish Salmon Soup brightness)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: leek slices or celery for added flavor and comfort
Don’t worry if your fridge is bare – I’ve swapped potatoes for sweet potatoes or used frozen salmon chunks when fresh wasn’t available. You can easily grab all these at your regular grocery store. This Finnish Salmon Soup is the perfect budget-friendly dish because it calls for simple, wholesome ingredients without fuss. If time’s tight, peel and dice your potatoes earlier or even the day before to save precious minutes. My family loves it when I add an extra handful of dill at the end – it makes every spoonful feel fresh and comforting.
Let’s Make it Happen!
- Start by melting butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion (and leek if using) and sauté until soft and translucent. This step is where your Finnish Salmon Soup starts building those cozy flavors.
- Add diced potatoes and carrots, then pour in the fish stock or water. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. This is the perfect moment to prep tomorrow’s school lunch – multitasking never tasted so good!
- Lower the heat so your Finnish Salmon Soup simmers gently, allowing the veggies to soften — about 15 minutes. Your kitchen will start filling with that familiar warmth, promising dinner comfort ahead.
- Add the salmon chunks carefully, making sure the soup stays at a gentle simmer, not a boil. This keeps the salmon tender and flaky. By now, your Finnish Salmon Soup smells amazing, and your family might already be circling the kitchen!
- Pour in the cream slowly, stirring gently to bring in that signature creamy salmon soup texture. Don’t worry if it looks a little rich – that richness is the cozy hug your family needs.
- Season with salt, pepper, and stir in chopped dill near the end. Dill is a game-changer here, adding fresh notes to this Finnish fish soup.
- Let the whole pot sit for five minutes off heat so the flavors mingle beautifully. If you need a shortcut, I’ve found using pre-chopped veggies and frozen salmon chunks can shave 10 minutes off prep time without losing any magic!
This Finnish Salmon Soup recipe usually takes about 40 minutes in my busy kitchen – manageable for busy moms needing a sanity-saving comfort food win. If your Finnish Salmon Soup looks a little too creamy, lighten it up with a splash more broth or water.
How We Love to Eat This!
In our home, Finnish Salmon Soup is a hero on busy weeknights when comfort food needs to be easy and satisfying. The kids love it paired with fresh rye bread or crisp cucumber slices – the crunch contrasts nicely with the creamy salmon chowder texture. We also love to sprinkle a bit of extra dill on top before serving; it makes even the fussiest eaters happy.
This Finnish Salmon Soup works perfectly on chilly days, but we’ve found variations like using leftover salmon or adding a squeeze of lemon for a zesty twist during spring. It’s also such a crowd-pleaser when friends pop over – everyone raves about this creamy salmon soup, especially alongside a light green salad or warm potato rolls.
Leftovers? Yes, please! Finnish Salmon Soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to two days and tastes even better reheated. Sometimes I jazz it up with a little fresh dill and a swirl of cream before serving again.
If your family enjoys this, they might also go crazy for another favorite comfort food from our kitchen – try my chicken parmesan soup or the easy-to-love potsticker soup. And for a little fun side snack, check out my Mexican street corn soup – perfect to add a dash of spice to your family meals!
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
- Is this Finnish Salmon Soup really filling enough for growing kids?
Absolutely! With the potatoes and cream, Finnish Salmon Soup offers hearty comfort and nutrients that keep growing tummies happy. My kids always ask for seconds. - What if my picky eater won’t try this Finnish Salmon Soup?
Try serving it with crusty bread or their favorite mild side dish. Sometimes letting them help season or add a bit of dill can get them interested too. It worked wonders in my house! - Can I meal prep this Finnish Salmon Soup for busy weeks ahead?
Yes! This creamy salmon soup keeps well in the fridge for 2 days and freezes nicely in portions. Just thaw slowly and reheat gently to keep the salmon tender. - Can I substitute cream for a lighter option in Finnish Salmon Soup?
Definitely. I often use half-and-half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free twist. The soup still feels creamy and comforting without the heavy richness. - Is it traditional to add dill to Finnish Salmon Soup?
Yes, dill is classic for this Finnish fish soup. It brightens up the creamy salmon chowder and keeps it tasting fresh. - Can I make Finnish Salmon Soup with frozen salmon?
You can! Frozen salmon works fine – just add it a little earlier so it cooks through properly. It’s a great shortcut for busy nights. - My family loves a bit of extra veggie in meals. Can I add more?
Totally! Leeks, celery, or even peas make great additions to Finnish Salmon Soup. Just adjust your broth a little if needed.
For more authentic inspiration, check out this Finnish Salmon Soup (Lohikeitto) • authentic recipe!. I also love reading about cozy family meals like this Finnish Salmon Soup day in Austria. Another great recipe to compare is found over at Lohikeitto (Finnish Salmon Soup).
Final Thoughts:
Finnish Salmon Soup has become one of my go-to comfort food wins because it hits all the marks: simple ingredients, quick prep, and that cozy, creamy warmth everyone craves. My personal Finnish Salmon Soup comfort hacks have helped streamline this meal: pre-dicing veggies ahead to save time, using frozen salmon chunks for easy protein, and always adding a generous handful of fresh dill at the end for brightness.
My family has favorite spins too – my husband prefers the classic creamy salmon soup with lots of potatoes, my kids love it with extra carrots and dill, and I enjoy experimenting with adding leeks or celery for an herbaceous twist.
I encourage you to make this Finnish Salmon Soup your own. Adapt it based on what your family loves and the time you have. Whether it’s a busy Monday or a quiet weekend, this Finnish Salmon Soup supports your goal of feeding your family simple comfort food without stress.
I hope this Finnish Salmon Soup brings your family the same cozy delight it brings mine. Here’s to turning everyday chaos into dinnertime wins with dishes that feel like a warm hug. You’ve got this, fellow kitchen warriors!
Finnish Salmon Soup
Finnish Salmon Soup is a creamy, comforting dish featuring tender salmon and fresh vegetables simmered in a delicate broth, perfect for a warming Nordic meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Simmered
- Cuisine: Finnish
Ingredients
- 500g fresh salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into chunks
- 4 cups fish or vegetable broth
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 1 small leek, cleaned and sliced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh dill, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and leek, sauté until softened and translucent.
- Add the diced potatoes and carrots to the pot, stir well.
- Pour in the fish or vegetable broth and add the bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook until vegetables are tender, about 15 minutes.
- Add the salmon chunks to the pot and simmer gently until the salmon is cooked through, about 5–7 minutes.
- Remove the bay leaf and stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Heat the soup through but do not boil after adding cream.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped dill before serving.
Notes
For an added depth of flavor, try adding a splash of dry white wine before adding the broth, or serve with fresh rye bread on the side.