Lohikeitto

Lohikeitto (Finnish Salmon Soup) is a comforting and flavorful dish that highlights the simple and fresh ingredients of Finnish cuisine. It’s creamy, hearty, and perfect for chilly days. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients

Serves 4-6:

• 400-500 g (14-17 oz) fresh salmon fillet, skin removed, cut into chunks
• 4-5 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 large carrot, sliced into thin rounds
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1-2 tbsp butter
• 1 liter (4 cups) fish stock or water
• 200 ml (3/4 cup) heavy cream
• 1-2 tsp salt (to taste)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper (to taste)
• A small bunch of fresh dill, chopped

Equipment

• Large pot or saucepan
• Cutting board and knife

Instructions

1. Prepare the Vegetables

   • Peel and dice the potatoes and carrot. Finely chop the onion.

2. Start the Soup Base

   • Heat the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

3. Cook the Vegetables

   • Add the fish stock or water to the pot and bring it to a boil. Add the diced potatoes and carrot. Reduce the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

4. Add the Salmon

   • Gently add the salmon chunks to the pot. Let the soup simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily.

5. Finish with Cream

   • Stir in the heavy cream and season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Heat gently but do not let it boil.

6. Add Dill and Serve

   • Stir in the fresh dill just before serving. Serve the soup hot with crusty rye bread or crisp flatbread on the side.

Tips

• For extra richness, replace some of the fish stock with milk.
• If you prefer a lighter soup, reduce the amount of cream or use a lower-fat alternative.
• Add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors before serving.

Lohikeitto is a perfect example of Finnish cuisine’s focus on pure, fresh ingredients. It’s easy to make and loved for its creamy, comforting taste and delicate salmon flavor. Enjoy! 😊