Tired of baked salmon dishes? Try my Lohikeitto recipe - delicious and the easiest ever salmon soup that is so popular in Finland. Made in just under 40 minutes, this cozy and hearty fish soup is sure to warm you on chilly winter nights.
If you catch yourself thinking that baked salmon has been in your rotation the way too often, it's time to try Lohikeitto. It's truly the easiest salmon soup and it's very quick to fix on busy weeknights.
I would say it's somehow similar to Salmon Chowder that we all love, but the list of ingredients for Lohikeitto is much simpler.
You only need seven ingredients to make this soup, most of which you probably have at home.
What is Lohikeitto anyway?
Lohikeitto is a popular Scandinavian soup, the main ingredients of which are salmon, potatoes, and cream.
Most often, soup is cooked in fish broth that can be easily prepared using salmon skin and bones, but I also had great success making it with vegetable broth.
While we mostly think of this soup as Finnish, other Scandinavian countries have their own recipe for this easy salmon dish. They're all prepared very similarly. In Sweden, the soup is called Laxsoppa, and in Norway Fiskesuppe.
Traditionally Lohikeitto is prepared in Dutch Ovens and is believed to taste better on the next day.
In my family, though, it's impossible to wait the whole day to try this deliciousness, so we usually dig right in.
I've also heard success stories from people using hot smoked salmon. It'll add an additional pungent aroma and taste to the dish.
Can you eat Lohikeitto on the next day?
Can you eat Lohikeitto on the next day?Properly stored, cooked Lohikeitto will last for 3 to 4 days in a fridge. To reheat, simmer soup for 4-5 minutes over low heat, stirring frequently.
The reasons why you'll love this Finnish Salmon Soup recipe:
- it's made in one pot and in just under 40 minutes
- the recipe calls for simple ingredients
- it's flavorful, comforting and delicious - suitable for family dinners
Quick note: Although traditionally you would use leeks instead of onion, I find that most often I don't have them on hands.
And since leeks are not the main ingredient in this soup, I think regular onion is a decent replacement here.
How can I make this Lohikeitto recipe Low Carb or Keto-friendly?
If you're following Low Carb or Ketogenic diet, making this soup compliant is very easy.
Just replace the potatoes with cauliflower florets and carrots with pumpkin diced into small cubes you're good to go.How to serve Finnish Fish Soup?
A classic garnish of this soup would be a generous sprinkle of chopped dill. However, if you're feeling fancy, you can prepare croutons and scatter them in each bowl.
Wine pairings with Lohikeitto
This hearty and rich soup pairs well with full-bodied wines such as:
- Chardonnay
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Bordeaux
You may also like these hearty and rich soups
Recipe
Lohikeitto
Ingredients
- 7 c vegetable or fish broth
- 4 medium potatoes cubed
- 1 small onion finely minced* (See the notes)
- 1 carrot chopped
- 1 lb salmon
- 1 c heavy cream or coconut milk (for dairy-free option)
- ¼ teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ⅓ c dill chopped
Instructions
- Add fish or vegetable broth in a large Dutch Oven or stock pot. Bring to a boil.
- Add potatoes and cook for 15 minutes. Stir in chopped carrot, minced onion and coriander and cook for another 5 minute.
- Next add in salmon, salt and pepper and continue cooking for another 5 minutes.
- To finish off, pour in heavy cream and simmer the soup for a final 5 minutes.
- Adjust the seasonings and ladle Lohikeitto into the bowls. Serve with rye croutons or crackers.
Notes
Nutrition
Iryna Bychkiv is the founder and writer of the culinary website Lavender & Macarons, where she shares clean, European-inspired recipes that are delicious, easy to prepare, and made with wholesome ingredients. Iryna loves creating meals that are simple yet healthy and unique, including vegan and vegetarian recipes.
Iryna is also a freelance writer for MSN and Associated Press Wire.
Miroslava says
I have a nice trout fillet in the freezer, do you think trout will be a decent substitute for salmon in this soup?
Iryna Bychkiv says
Yes, I think it will work just as good as salmon.
Naomi says
This soup has become our new Christmas Eve tradition after visiting Helsinki! Merry Christmas!
Iryna Bychkiv says
Naomi, thank you so much for your comment! I'm very happy you enjoyed this recipe! Merry Christmas!
Sandra Smith says
Do you cut the salmon into pieces? The picture looks like there are pieces of salmon. Thank you for responding. I want to make it for a Finnish family that just became neighbors.
Iryna says
Sandra, sorry for the late response! Yes, the salmon is cut in pieces.
Linda B Trawick says
As for as freezing any remaining soup, you could eat or remove the fish and potatoes and freeze the rest of the soup. When you bring it out later put some newly cooked and cubed salmon and potatoes.
Also, if you are watching your cholesterol or if you are lactose intolerant, you could use no fat milk or lactose free milk.
I can't wait to get a nice salmon filet and try this recipe.
Thanks for sharing.
Donna says
What kind of potatoes ?
Iryna says
Yellow potatoes or red potatoes, doesn't matter.
Ingrid says
I love this recipe. I went to Finland this summer and ordered Salmon Soup at a restaurant. This soup taste just like theirs!
Iryna says
Ingrid, thank you so much for your comment and a 5-star rating! I'm happy you liked this recipe!
Evangeline says
What would you recommend for a side to this dish?
Iryna says
Hi Evangeline! Lohikeitto is a very hearty soup and doesn't usually require a side dish except for a piece of rye bread or croutons.
Evangeline says
Thank you!!
Tyra says
Is the coriander added with the salt and pepper? It’s on the ingredient list, but not mentioned in the recipe.
Iryna says
Hi Tyra! Oops, looks like I missed to add this to the instructions... Just added. Coriander is added together with the onion and carrot.
Itz says
Hi !!!! How can I store properly the soul in the refrigerator ????
Iryna says
Hello! I recommend storing it in either the same pot it was cooked or in other airtight container like glass storage container.
Ashley says
Hi there!
I loved this recipe. Just wondering, have you tried freezing it?
Iryna says
Ashley, I'm so glad you liked this recipe. Regarding freezing I'm not sure it would work. The concern is that fish and potatoes might change their texture once defrosted. This shouldn't affect the taste of a soup though. If you try freezing it, please let me know how did it work.
Whitley says
When is the dill added?
Iryna says
Dill is used for serving in each bowl.
Easyfoodsmith says
That's definitely a hearty soup that has comfort written all over it.
Laurencia says
Hi,
You don't have cream on the list of ingredients. How much cream do we add at the end?
Iryna says
Oops, sorry, I forgot to add it. It's 1 cup of cream.