Finnish Salmon Soup (Printable)

Creamy Nordic soup with salmon, potatoes, and dill

# Ingredient list:

→ Fish & Seafood

01 - 14 oz skinless salmon fillet, boneless, cut into bite-sized cubes

→ Vegetables

02 - 1.3 lbs potatoes, peeled and cut into 3/4 inch cubes
03 - 1 medium carrot, sliced
04 - 1 small leek, white and light green part, thinly sliced
05 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
06 - 1 bunch fresh dill, finely chopped, divided for garnish

→ Broth & Dairy

07 - 4 cups fish stock or water
08 - 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons heavy cream
09 - 1 bay leaf

→ Seasonings

10 - 2 teaspoons salt, to taste
11 - 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
12 - 1 tablespoon butter

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, leek, and carrot, sautéing for 4 to 5 minutes until vegetables are slightly softened.
02 - Add potatoes, bay leaf, and fish stock to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes until potatoes are almost tender.
03 - Gently add salmon cubes to the pot. Simmer for 5 to 6 minutes until salmon is just cooked through.
04 - Stir in heavy cream and chopped dill. Season with salt and white pepper. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes without boiling.
05 - Remove from heat and discard bay leaf. Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with reserved fresh dill.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in under an hour but tastes like you've been simmering it all day.
  • Salmon stays buttery and delicate instead of turning into flakes, which is the real magic here.
  • The cream and dill create this gentle flavor that feels both luxurious and deeply comforting.
02 -
  • Never let the soup boil after the cream goes in, or it can separate and look curdled even though it tastes fine; gentle heat is your friend here.
  • The salmon will continue cooking slightly after you remove the pot from heat, so pulling it off the flame when it looks almost done keeps it from getting rubbery.
03 -
  • Make the soup a day ahead and reheat it gently; the flavors deepen and mellow overnight in a way that feels almost intentional.
  • If your fish stock is salty, taste before adding the full amount of salt so you don't oversalt by accident.
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