Lohikeitto (Finnish Salmon Soup)

Lohikeitto is a simple salmon and potatoes soup popular in Finland and other Nordic countries. This Finnish Salmon Soup is rich, creamy, and incredibly satisfying. A bowl of Lohikeitto will hit the spot on a cold winter evening when you return home after spending the day outdoors. Fishing is an important part of Finland’s history and heritage and fish-based dishes play a key role in Finnish cuisine. An everyday fish soup, called Kalakeitto, is prepared with lean fish varieties and milk. A fish soup often prepared for special occasions is called Lohikeitto and is made with salmon and heavy cream. Lohikeitto is made with very simple ingredients. It’s based on fish stock, salmon filet, and potatoes. The fish stock is usually prepared with the head, bones, and skin of the salmon. The filet is added to the soup near the end of cooking. (Just long enough for the salmon to cook through, but not too long so the salmon is over-cooked.) Optionally, you can also add vegetables such as leeks, carrots, and celery. The spices that add depth and dimension to the flavor of Lohikeitto are bay leaves, black peppercorns, and allspice. Usually, fresh dill is also added for serving. One of the main ingredients of this rich fish chowder and something that distinguishes it from other Finnish fish soups is the addition of heavy cream. (Like a New England chowder.) To make the soup even more satisfying and add a smooth mouthfeel it’s often thickened with flour.