Easy Finnish Salmon Soup Recipe

Easy Finnish Salmon Soup (Lohikeitto) Recipe: The Nordic Secret to Cold Nights

There's something truly magical about Nordic food—simple ingredients, thoughtful preparation, and a heartwarming depth that soothes the soul, especially on cold nights. One of my all-time favorites is Lohikeitto, or Finnish salmon soup. Creamy, cozy, and packed with fresh dill, this easy Finnish salmon soup recipe is more than just a meal—it’s a comforting ritual that I find myself returning to every winter (and even some chilly fall evenings).

As a food writer and home chef who has spent years exploring international comfort foods, discovering Lohikeitto felt like finding a hidden gem. The first time I tried it was during a blustery trip to Finland, where I stumbled into a small seaside café in Helsinki. The steaming bowl they served me was so simple yet so perfect. I had to learn how to recreate it—and over time, I’ve perfected my own version that stays true to its roots while fitting perfectly into our busy modern kitchens, crockpots and all.

Today, I’m excited to share my take on this traditional dish. Whether you're new to Nordic cuisine or just looking for a creamy, healthy seafood dish to keep you warm, this one’s for you.

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What is Lohikeitto?

Lohikeitto (pronounced "loh-hee-kay-toh") is a traditional Finnish salmon soup that’s loved across the Nordic region, including Iceland. Its ingredients are humble—salmon, potatoes, carrots, onions, a bit of cream, and lots of fresh dill—but together, they create something that tastes like pure comfort.

This soup is known for its creamy, almost buttery broth and delicate balance of sweet root vegetables with tender chunks of fish. It’s a dish that feels both rustic and elegant, and it looks just as aesthetic as it tastes delicious. You can find it in Finnish homes, restaurants, and even gas stations—it’s that much of a staple.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Finnish Salmon Soup Recipe

• It's naturally healthy, packed with omega-3-rich fish and veggies.
• It takes less than an hour from start to finish.
• It’s the perfect one-pot meal—cozy, filling, and soul-soothing.
• You can easily make it in a crockpot or slow cooker.
• It’s as beautiful as it is delicious—hello, Nordic aesthetic!

Let’s get into it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s the full list of ingredients with exact measurements. This recipe makes about 4–6 servings.

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450 g) skinless salmon fillet, cut into bite-sized cubes
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 1 small leek or yellow onion, finely chopped
• 4 cups (1 liter) fish stock or vegetable broth
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream (or oat cream for dairy-free)
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (or olive oil)
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 bay leaf (optional)
• ½ teaspoon allspice berries (optional but very traditional)
• ¼ cup fresh dill, chopped (plus more for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the aromatics

In a large soup pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped leek or onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. This base builds flavor into the broth.

2. Add the vegetables

Add the potatoes and carrots to the pot. Stir for a minute, then pour in the fish stock (or vegetable broth). Add the bay leaf and allspice if using. Bring to a gentle boil.

3. Simmer

Reduce the heat and simmer the soup for about 15–20 minutes, until the potatoes and carrots are just tender.

4. Add the salmon

Gently add the salmon cubes to the pot. Simmer for another 5–7 minutes, just until the fish turns opaque and flakes easily. Avoid overcooking!

5. Make it creamy

Stir in the heavy cream. Heat through for 2–3 minutes, but don’t let it boil after adding the cream to avoid curdling.

6. Season and finish

Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the chopped dill just before serving for the freshest flavor.

Product Recommendations to Elevate Your Cooking

I believe every great recipe is made even better with the right tools and ingredients. Here are three Amazon finds that have helped me create flawless Lohikeitto every time:

1. Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven

This Dutch oven is the perfect vessel for making soups like Lohikeitto. It retains heat beautifully, cooks evenly, and looks stunning on your stove.

Why I love it:

The wide base helps me sauté onions evenly and simmer ingredients gently without scorching. Plus, it transitions from stovetop to table with effortless style.

Ready to upgrade your kitchen? Shop this Dutch oven on Amazon

2. OXO Good Grips Swivel Peeler

Peeling potatoes and carrots has never been easier. This peeler glides through skin like butter and reduces prep time.

Why I love it:

It’s ergonomic and safe—even my kids can help in the kitchen when this is in hand.

Add this tool to your drawer today! Buy it on Amazon

3. Litehouse Freeze Dried Dill

Can’t always find fresh dill? This organic dried dill from Litehouse keeps the soup’s flavor authentic and vibrant.

Why I love it:

It tastes surprisingly close to fresh, lasts forever in the pantry, and is perfect when fresh herbs are out of season.

Stock your spice rack now. Grab yours on Amazon

Crockpot Version: Lohikeitto Made Even Easier

You can absolutely make this easy Finnish salmon soup recipe in your crockpot. Here’s how:

Steps:

1. Add the chopped onions, potatoes, carrots, stock, salt, pepper, bay leaf, and allspice to the crockpot.

2. Cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours.

3. Add the salmon and cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

4. Stir in fresh dill right before serving.

It’s the ideal set-it-and-forget-it method for busy weekdays or lazy weekends.

Serving Suggestions

Lohikeitto is a complete meal on its own, but I love serving it with:

• A slice of hearty rye bread or sourdough
• Pickled cucumbers or beets (for a tangy Nordic side)
• A sprinkle of extra dill and cracked black pepper on top

Why Lohikeitto Is the Ultimate Winter & Fall Comfort Food

When the temperature dips, we all crave something comforting. Lohikeitto hits all the right notes—creamy, nourishing, and cozy without being heavy. It's packed with good-for-you seafood, hearty root veggies, and warming broth.

It’s also incredibly adaptable. Want it dairy-free? Use oat cream. Want to go full-on Nordic? Add a slice of boiled egg or some pickled onions. Feeling indulgent? Serve it in a bread bowl!

In many homes across Finland and even Iceland, Lohikeitto is the kind of dish you bring out when guests arrive or when a family member is under the weather. It’s a hug in a bowl—no translation needed.

Tips & Variations

• No salmon? Try cod, trout, or even shrimp for other seafood twists.
• Add a handful of baby spinach for a green touch without changing the flavor.
• Want more depth? Add a splash of white wine before the cream.
• Make it aesthetic: Top with microgreens or edible flowers for a beautiful presentation.

Final Thoughts

Writing this post was such a joy. Revisiting my memories of sipping Lohikeitto in a snow-dusted café in Helsinki reminded me why I love food writing—it’s about so much more than ingredients. It’s about stories, experiences, and those quiet moments when a bite of soup can thaw even the coldest day.

I hope this easy Finnish salmon soup recipe brings you as much comfort and joy as it has brought to me and my family. Whether you make it in a big Dutch oven or let your crockpot do the work, don't forget to finish it with a generous handful of dill—because no Nordic dish is complete without it.

Next time the wind howls outside, let Lohikeitto simmer on your stove and fill your home with warmth. You’ll be amazed at how cozy life can feel with just one bowl of soup.

P.S. If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out—share your photos, tag me, or leave a comment below. Hyvää ruokahalua! (That’s Finnish for “Bon appétit!”)