Irresistible Lohikeitto Recipe – A Creamy Finnish Delight

If you’re looking for a warm, creamy, and comforting soup, Lohikeitto is the perfect recipe to try. This traditional Finnish salmon soup is packed with tender salmon, soft potatoes, and fresh dill, all simmered in a creamy broth. It’s simple to make and perfect for cold days or when you need a hearty meal.

In this article, you’ll learn everything about Lohikeitto, from its ingredients to step-by-step cooking instructions. Let’s dive into this delicious Finnish dish!

What is Lohikeitto?

Lohikeitto is a traditional Finnish salmon soup loved by many across Finland and the Nordic region. In Finnish, “lohi” means salmon, and “keitto” means soup. So, it literally translates to “salmon soup.”

This soup is famous for its creamy broth, rich salmon flavor, and fresh herbs. It’s usually served with rye bread or buttered bread on the side.

Why You Should Try Lohikeitto

• Nutritious and Healthy: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids from salmon
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and minimal steps
• Comforting and Creamy: Perfect for cold weather
• Authentic Finnish Taste: Experience a piece of Nordic cuisine

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make a traditional Lohikeitto:

Main Ingredients

• 500g fresh salmon fillet (skinless and boneless)
• 5 medium potatoes (peeled and chopped)
• 2 medium carrots (peeled and sliced)
• 1 large onion (chopped)
• 1 liter fish stock or water with fish bouillon
• 200 ml heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 bay leaf
• A handful of fresh dill (chopped)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional Add-ons

• 1 leek (thinly sliced)
• A splash of lemon juice for extra freshness
• A pinch of allspice for a Nordic touch

How to Make Lohikeitto – Step by Step

Follow these simple steps to make your own creamy Lohikeitto at home:

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

• Peel and chop the potatoes into small cubes.
• Slice the carrots and chop the onion.
• Cut the salmon into bite-sized pieces.
• Chop the dill.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

• In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
• Add the chopped onion (and leek if using) and sauté until soft and translucent.
• Add the carrots and potatoes. Stir for a couple of minutes.

Step 3: Add the Broth and Simmer

• Pour in the fish stock or water with fish bouillon.
• Add the bay leaf and a pinch of salt and pepper.
• Let it simmer until the potatoes and carrots are soft, about 15-20 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Salmon

• Gently add the salmon pieces into the pot.
• Simmer for another 5-7 minutes until the salmon is cooked through but still tender.

Step 5: Add Cream and Dill

• Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream.
• Add the chopped dill and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.
• Taste and adjust the salt and pepper.

Step 6: Serve

• Remove the bay leaf before serving.
• Serve hot with rye bread or crusty buttered bread.

Tips for Making the Best Lohikeitto

• Use Fresh Salmon: Fresh salmon gives the best flavor and texture.
• Don’t Overcook the Salmon: It cooks fast; overcooking makes it dry.
• Add Dill at the End: This keeps its fresh flavor.
• Use Full-Fat Cream: It gives the soup its rich and creamy texture.

What to Serve with Lohikeitto

Lohikeitto pairs perfectly with:

• Rye bread
• Buttered toast
• Crispbread (Finnish “näkkileipä”)
• Fresh salad

Health Benefits

Lohikeitto is not only delicious but also nutritious:

• Rich in Omega-3: Good for heart health
• High in Protein: From salmon
• Contains Vitamins and Minerals: From vegetables and herbs
• Good Source of Healthy Fats: From cream and fish

How to Store and Reheat Lohikeitto

Storing:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

• Reheat slowly on the stove over low heat.
• Avoid boiling again to keep the cream smooth and prevent the salmon from overcooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Lohikeitto is a simple yet flavorful Finnish salmon soup that you can easily prepare at home. With its creamy broth, tender salmon, and aromatic dill, it’s a perfect meal for cozy evenings. Plus, it’s healthy, filling, and a great way to enjoy the traditional taste of Finland.

Whether you’re new to Nordic cuisine or already a fan, this Lohikeitto recipe is worth adding to your cooking list. Try it out and enjoy a warm bowl of this delicious salmon soup!

Recipe Card

Irresistible Lohikeitto Recipe – A Creamy Finnish Delight

Course: SoupsCuisine: Finnish

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

30

minutes

Calories

350

kcal

Total time

45

minutes

A creamy and hearty Finnish salmon soup featuring tender salmon, potatoes, carrots, and fresh dill in a rich broth. Perfect for cold days!

Ingredients

• Main Ingredients:

• 500g fresh salmon fillet, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 5 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced

• 1 large onion, chopped

• 1 liter fish stock or water with fish bouillon

• 200 ml heavy cream

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 1 bay leaf

• A handful of fresh dill, chopped

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• Optional Add-ons:

• 1 leek, thinly sliced

• A splash of lemon juice

• A pinch of allspice

Directions

• Prepare the Ingredients: Peel and chop the potatoes, slice the carrots, chop the onion, and cut the salmon into bite-sized pieces. Finely chop the fresh dill.
• Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion (and leek if using) and sauté until soft and translucent. Stir in the carrots and potatoes for about 2 minutes.
• Add the Broth and Simmer: Pour in the fish stock (or water with bouillon) and add the bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes and carrots are tender.
• Cook the Salmon: Gently add the salmon pieces to the pot. Allow the soup to simmer for another 5-7 minutes until the salmon is just cooked and tender.
• Finish the Soup: Reduce the heat, then stir in the heavy cream and chopped dill. Optionally, add a squeeze of lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
• Serve: Remove the bay leaf and serve the hot Lohikeitto with a side of rye bread or buttered toast.

Notes

• Fresh Ingredients: Fresh salmon and herbs make a huge difference in flavor.
• Avoid Overcooking: Be careful not to overcook the salmon; it should remain tender.
• Serving Suggestion: Enjoy with rye bread or crispbread for an authentic Finnish experience.

Don’t Forget!

If you enjoyed this recipe, share it with your family and friends. Lohikeitto is a comforting dish everyone should try at least once!