Creamy Nordic Salmon Soup (Authentic Lohikeitto)

Ready in just 30 minutes, this creamy Nordic salmon soup (Lohikeitto) is a comforting, rich, and elegant dish that relies on simple pantry ingredients.

Published: 7/20/2026

Creamy Nordic Salmon Soup (Lohikeitto)

Known as Lohikeitto in Finland, this soup is the definition of Nordic comfort food. It uses basic root vegetables, fresh salmon, and a touch of heavy cream to create a luxurious meal in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients (4 servings)

• 1 lb (450 g) fresh salmon fillet, skinless and boneless
• 4 medium gold or yellow potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 large carrots, sliced into coins
• 1 medium leek (white and light green parts only), thoroughly washed and sliced
• 4 cups (32 oz / 1 liter) fish broth or seafood stock
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp whole allspice berries (or 1/2 tsp ground black pepper)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 large bunch of fresh dill, finely chopped

Instructions

1. In a large heavy-bottomed pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced leek and sauté until softened (about 3–4 minutes).
2. Add the cubed potatoes, sliced carrots, and allspice berries to the pot.
3. Pour in the fish broth, bring to a gentle boil, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
4. While the vegetables cook, cut the salmon fillet into bite-sized cubes.
5. Once the potatoes are tender, stir in the heavy cream and let the soup return to a gentle simmer.
6. Gently fold in the salmon cubes. Turn the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it poach for 3–5 minutes. Do not boil, or the salmon will break apart and dry out.
7. Remove from heat. Season with salt to taste and stir in the fresh dill right before serving.

Serving

Ladle into warm bowls and serve with crusty rye bread or sourdough.

Pro Tips

• The Dill: Don’t skip the fresh dill, and never add it too early! Dill loses its bright flavor when boiled, so it must be added off the heat.
• The Fish: This soup also works wonderfully with trout or white fish like cod.

FAQs

• Can I make this dairy-free?
  • Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free version with a slightly different but delicious flavor profile.
• How long do leftovers keep?
  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently over low heat — do not boil.

Categories: soups, everyday-meals