I remember the first time I made Finnish Salmon Soup. I found the recipe tucked away on a cozy Nordic cooking blog while hunting for nourishing family meals that wouldn’t have me standing over the stove all evening. My kids were in that picky phase, and my husband was juggling work stress, so finding something warm, simple, and healthy felt like a small win. When I served the Finnish Salmon Soup, or lohikeitto as it’s called in Finland, the smiles around the table surprised me. My little one said, “Mom, this is like a creamy fish hug!” And honestly, that creamy salmon soup was exactly what our tired bodies needed—light yet packed with omega-3s and vitamins.
What really hooked me was how Finnish Salmon Soup slipped into our routine without fuss. It supports family nutrition with wholesome ingredients like fresh salmon, potatoes, and dill. Plus, it’s a comforting way to add more fish to our meals, which I’m always trying to do for those brain-boosting fats. This Nordic salmon recipe felt like a gentle nudge toward better nourishment without losing those familiar flavors that my kids loved.
If you’re juggling your own nourishing chaos, I want to share this Finnish Salmon Soup with you. It’s a simple, budget-friendly way to feed your family well without overwhelm. Whether you’re new to Nordic fish soup or need a fresh idea for the dinner table, join me as I walk you through how this traditional salmon chowder became a go-to in our kitchen.
This Finnish Salmon Soup is proof that simple nutrition can taste amazing and fit right into your busy days.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For this Finnish Salmon Soup, you’ll want to gather:
- 1 lb (450 g) fresh salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into bite-size chunks
- 4 cups (1 liter) low-sodium vegetable or fish stock
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk or cream (for a creamy salmon soup version)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp black peppercorns
- A small bunch of fresh dill, chopped
- Salt to taste
- Butter or olive oil for sautéing
If you don’t have fresh salmon on hand, frozen wild-caught salmon works well too. It’s a Finnish Salmon Soup nutrition hack to swap in fish stock cubes if fresh broth isn’t an option—you still get savory flavor without extra salt.
This Finnish Salmon Soup ingredient list is simple because busy moms need nutrition without complexity. Potatoes provide potassium and fiber, while fresh dill adds antioxidants and that signature fresh flavor. My family also gets extra nutrition when I sneak in finely chopped leeks or celery for subtle veggie goodness.
You should be able to find these wholesome ingredients at your local grocery store—no specialty Nordic markets needed. Skip the heavy cream for milk if you’re watching calories; the soup stays creamy and delicious. Budget-wise, this Finnish Salmon Soup proves nutritious doesn’t mean expensive.
I usually chop and prep my veggies while the stock heats—busy-family time-saving moves! Having all ingredients ready before cooking makes this Finnish Salmon Soup feel much less chaotic.
Let’s Make it Happen!
Ready to create this Finnish Salmon Soup masterpiece? Here’s the simple step-by-step:
- Heat 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until soft and translucent. This gentle start fills your kitchen with a cozy aroma and builds the base flavor for your Finnish Salmon Soup.
- Add the diced potatoes, bay leaf, and peppercorns. Pour in the stock and bring everything to a boil. Then reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes until potatoes are tender. This is where the comforting Finnish fish soup starts coming together.
- Stir in the salmon chunks gently. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the salmon is opaque and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook—salmon becomes rubbery fast. I learned the hard way early on that timing here is key for silky, creamy salmon soup texture.
- Pour in the milk or cream. Warm it through on low heat, but do not boil, or your Finnish Salmon Soup might split. At this point, your kitchen should smell like pure nourishment, signaling a dinnertime nutrition win for your crew.
- Remove the bay leaf and peppercorns. Season with salt and chopped dill to taste. Dill is a game-changer—adding fresh brightness and little antioxidants.
- Serve immediately or keep warm on very low heat. If you want to prep ahead, your Finnish Salmon Soup will still taste great gently reheated the next day. I usually make this recipe in the afternoon while prepping school snacks—multitasking that nourishes.
Don’t worry if your Finnish Salmon Soup looks a bit light or creamy in different batches; that can depend on your milk or cream choice. We love the cozy traditional salmon chowder feel, but you can experiment with lighter versions too.
This Nordic salmon recipe is forgiving and family-tested. It took me a few tries, but now it’s a dependable, nourishing dish on our dinner rotation.
For more nourishing soup inspiration, if your family loves this, check out my Turmeric Chicken Soup, Roasted Vegetable Soup, or White Bean Soup recipes—all great for busy nights!
How We Love to Eat This!
Finnish Salmon Soup is a family favorite here. The kids devour this nutritious meal when I pair it with whole-grain rye bread or crunchy vegetable sticks. These sides add fiber and extra vitamins, helping fill tiny tummies with balance.
On busy weeknights, this creamy salmon soup offers great dinnertime nutrition wins without excess prep—something I always appreciate when juggling homework and bedtime. We’ve served it cozy-style at winter family dinners and at spring gatherings with a crisp salad on the side.
For leftovers, I find the Finnish Salmon Soup tastes just as good the next day, which is a relief during hectic weeks. Sometimes I add a squeeze of lemon or fresh herbs to brighten things back up—it keeps meals exciting without stress.
I’ve even served this Finnish fish soup to friends who usually shy away from seafood. They were surprised by how approachable and satisfying the flavors are. Presentation is key—try pouring the soup into pretty bowls and topping with fresh dill sprigs to make it appealing and inviting.
If you want more seasonal twists, adding diced carrots or parsnips in fall feels comforting and nutrient-packed. A splash of creamier milk keeps it just right.
Sharing meals like this Finnish Salmon Soup keeps us connected and well-fed during the beautiful chaos of family life.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Is Finnish Salmon Soup really nutritious enough for growing kids?
Absolutely! It’s packed with protein from salmon and vitamins from potatoes and dill. Plus, the healthy omega-3 fats support brain development. My kids’ favorite creamy salmon soup version gives them energy for after-school activities.
What if my picky eater won’t try this healthy Finnish Salmon Soup?
Try starting with milder flavors—less dill or add a small amount of cream to smooth it out. Sometimes serving Finnish Salmon Soup with favorite side snacks helps, too. Patient, small tries usually win out over time!
Can I meal prep this Finnish Salmon Soup for busy weeks ahead?
Yes! It keeps well refrigerated for 2-3 days. Reheat gently on low heat to avoid curdling. It’s one of my go-to comfort meals when I’m short on time during the week.
Can I use frozen salmon for this Finnish Salmon Soup?
Definitely. Just thaw fully before cooking. Frozen salmon is a budget-friendly alternative that doesn’t sacrifice nutrition.
Is this Finnish Salmon Soup suitable if I want a creamy salmon soup or a lighter fish soup?
Yes, for a creamy salmon soup, add more cream or whole milk. For a lighter Finnish fish soup, reduce the dairy and use more stock. Both versions are family-test favorites here.
Where can I find an authentic Finnish Salmon Soup (lohikeitto) recipe?
I found great inspiration at The View From Great Island’s Finnish Salmon Soup (Lohikeitto) authentic recipe! Their version helped me understand the traditional approach.
Any ideas for making this a budget-friendly Finnish Salmon Soup?
Yes! Use fish stock cubes instead of fresh stock, frozen salmon, and swap cream for milk if needed. This Finnish Salmon Soup proves nutritious doesn’t mean expensive.
If you want to see others’ family-tested recipes, the Lohikeitto Finnish Salmon Chowder Recipe Facebook group is a great community. Another fun version is on Food52: Lohikeitto (Finnish Salmon Soup).
Final Thoughts:
This Finnish Salmon Soup has become a quiet hero in our family’s nutrition journey. It’s a smart way to add wholesome fish nutrition into busy weeks without fuss. The creamy salmon soup texture comforts while fueling our kids’ growing bodies with healthy fats and protein.
My Finnish Salmon Soup Nutrition Hacks:
- Adding extra dill for antioxidants and flavor punch.
- Swapping milk for cream only when we want a richer meal, keeping calories balanced.
- Prepping veggies in advance to save precious minutes on hectic days.
We’ve tried several family-tested Finnish Salmon Soup variations. My husband loves it the classic way with potatoes and dill, while my kids prefer a creamier salmon chowder style with a bit more milk. Sometimes, I sneak in extra veggies like leeks or carrots to boost antioxidants even more.
Remember, your Finnish Salmon Soup can be your own—adjust spices, creaminess, and sides to fit your family’s tastes and nutrition needs. That’s all part of the nourishing chaos we manage every day.
If you feel inspired to try this nourishing Finnish Salmon Soup, know that you’re feeding your family well without the overwhelm. I hope you find this recipe a comforting tool for your simple nutrition wins.
And while you’re exploring hearty, wholesome meals, don’t miss my other easy recipes like Turmeric Chicken Soup, Roasted Vegetable Soup, and White Bean Soup for more family-friendly, sanity-saving nutrition.
Here’s to simple, nourishing meals that keep your family happy and healthy through every lively day!
Finnish Salmon Soup
Finnish Salmon Soup is a creamy, comforting dish featuring tender salmon, fresh vegetables, and aromatic dill, perfect for a hearty Nordic meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Finnish
Ingredients
- 400g fresh salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into chunks
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 carrot, peeled and sliced
- 1 small leek, cleaned and sliced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 4 cups fish stock or water
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp butter
- Fresh dill, chopped (about 2 tbsp)
- Salt and white pepper to taste
- Juice of half a lemon
Instructions
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and leek, sauté until softened but not browned.
- Add diced potatoes and carrots to the pot, pour in fish stock or water, and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer until the vegetables are tender, about 15 minutes.
- Add the salmon chunks to the pot and simmer gently for another 5-7 minutes until the salmon is cooked through.
- Stir in the heavy cream and heat the soup without boiling.
- Add lemon juice, chopped dill, salt, and white pepper to taste.
- Serve the soup hot, garnished with extra dill if desired.
Notes
For added richness, serve with a side of dark rye bread and a dollop of sour cream. You can also substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.