Kalakeitto (Finnish Salmon Soup with Dill and Potatoes)

In Finland, kalakeitto is the kind of salmon soup valued for its restraint: tender potatoes, sweet leek and carrot, and pieces of salmon suspended in a pale, creamy broth. Rather than being thick or heavy, it is gently simmered so the vegetables stay distinct and the fish poaches softly without breaking apart. Dill gives the soup its fresh, recognisable Nordic character, while bay, peppercorns and allspice add quiet warmth in the background. Served hot in bowls, it makes a practical dinner that feels nourishing, clean-flavoured and comforting without being overly rich.
Cuisine style Finnish home cooking
Flavor profile Creamy • Herby • Delicate
Techniques Simmering • Gentle poaching
Key equipment Large pot
Cooking style One-pot cooking • Minimal cleanup
Time commitment Under 1 hour

Why this recipe works

  • Gentle poaching: Adding the salmon at the end keeps the fish tender and lets it cook softly in the hot broth.
  • Smooth, light richness: Milk and double cream give the soup a rounded finish without overpowering the clean flavour of the fish and vegetables.
  • Subtle Nordic seasoning: Bay, peppercorns, allspice and fresh dill add fragrance and depth while keeping the broth delicate.

Get the most out of this recipe

Authenticity notes

  • Finnish home-style soup: Kalakeitto is a practical everyday soup, usually built from potatoes, fish, dill and a simple broth rather than heavy spicing.
  • Dill is central: Fresh dill is one of the defining flavours, added at the end so it stays bright and aromatic.
  • Serve simply: A slice of rye bread or crispbread makes a natural side for the creamy broth.

Ingredient notes

  • Choose firm salmon: Use a skinless salmon fillet that holds together well, then cut it into large pieces so it flakes gently rather than breaking up.
  • Use allspice sparingly: Allspice should sit in the background, giving the soup a warm savoury note rather than dominating the dill and fish.
  • Fresh herbs matter: Fresh dill gives the cleanest finish; parsley can be used for a milder herbal flavour, but the soup will taste less distinctly Finnish.

Common mistakes

  • Boiling after adding dairy: Keep the soup at a bare simmer once the milk and cream go in; boiling can make the broth split.
  • Cooking the salmon too long: Remove the soup from strong heat as soon as the salmon is opaque and flakes easily, otherwise it can turn dry.
  • Over-softening the potatoes: Simmer the potatoes only until just tender before adding the dairy and fish, so they keep their shape in the finished soup.

Make-ahead tips

  • Prepare the vegetables first: The leek, carrot and potatoes can be trimmed and cut in advance to make the cooking stage faster.
  • Reheat gently: Warm leftovers over low heat, stirring often, until piping hot. Avoid boiling to protect the creamy texture and keep the salmon moist.
  • Best freshly made: The soup keeps briefly in the fridge, but the salmon is most tender and the dill brightest when served soon after cooking.

Equipment you'll need

Ingredients
Instructions
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  1. Trim and rinse the leek well, then slice it. Peel the carrots and slice them into coins. Scrub the potatoes and cut them into bite-size pieces.
  2. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the leek with a pinch of the salt and cook for 5 minutes until softened but not coloured, stirring often.
  3. Add the carrots and potatoes, then stir in the bay leaves, peppercorns, allspice and remaining salt. Pour in the fish stock and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, until the potatoes are just tender.
  4. Lower the heat so the soup is barely simmering, then stir in the milk and double cream. Add the salmon in large chunks and poach gently for 4 to 6 minutes, until just opaque and flaking. Avoid boiling once the dairy is in the pot.
  5. Finely chop the dill and stir most of it into the soup. Taste and adjust with a little more fine sea salt if needed. Ladle into bowls and scatter over the remaining dill to serve.

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Recipe notes

Tips

  • Keep the heat low once the milk and double cream are added; a gentle simmer prevents the soup from splitting and keeps the salmon tender.
  • For the cleanest flavour, crush the black peppercorns lightly before adding so they perfume the broth without turning it harsh.
  • Food safety: if serving to pregnant people, young children, older adults, or anyone immunocompromised, make sure the salmon is cooked until fully opaque and piping hot throughout.

Substitutions

  • Replace double cream with crème fraîche for a slightly tangier finish; add it off the heat to prevent splitting.
  • Replace fresh dill with fresh parsley for a milder herbal note.

Storage

  • Refrigerate up to 2 days
  • Cool quickly, cover and refrigerate. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat until piping hot, stirring often; avoid boiling to keep the dairy smooth and the salmon from drying out.

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Kalakeitto (Finnish Salmon Soup with Dill and Potatoes)
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Recipe overview

  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Total time: 50min (20min active)
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Cuisine: Nordic
  • Allergens:
    Fish Milk
Beginner friendly One pot Kid friendly

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