Light Nordic Fish Soup with Cod, Leeks and Dill
Why this recipe works
- Gentle savoury base: Softening the leek in butter before adding the stock gives the broth a sweet, rounded foundation without browning.
- Light creaminess: A small finish of double cream smooths the broth while keeping the soup fresh rather than rich or heavy.
- Clean finish: Lemon juice added at the end lifts the fish, potatoes and cream, preventing the soup from tasting flat.
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Timing notes
- Serve soon after cooking: The cod is at its best when just cooked through and still in large flakes, so serve the soup shortly after the fish is added.
- Prep the vegetables first: Have the leek, carrots and potatoes cut before starting; once the soup is simmering, the final stages move quickly.
Texture tips
- Keep the cod tender: Use a bare simmer once the fish goes in. Strong boiling can break the cod apart and make it dry.
- Add cream gently: Lower the heat before stirring in the cream and avoid boiling after it is added to keep the broth smooth.
Ingredient notes
- Choose firm white fish: Cod works well because it flakes cleanly but still holds its shape when gently poached in the broth.
- Use fresh dill if possible: Fresh dill gives the soup its clean, grassy finish; dried dill will taste flatter and should be used with restraint if substituted.
- Add lemon to taste: Stir in the lemon gradually at the end, tasting as you go, until the broth feels bright but not sharp.
Make-ahead tips
- Prepare the vegetables ahead: The leek, carrots and potatoes can be trimmed and cut in advance to make the final cooking quicker.
- Reheat gently: Warm leftovers slowly over a low heat until piping hot, stirring carefully and avoiding a boil so the fish and cream stay in good condition.
Equipment you'll need
Ingredients
Instructions
- Trim the leek, then slice it and rinse well to remove any grit. Peel the carrots and cut into small bite-size pieces. Scrub the new potatoes and cut into bite-size chunks so they cook evenly.
- Melt the butter in a large pot over a medium heat. Add the leek with a pinch of the salt and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring, until softened but not browned.
- Stir in the carrots and potatoes, then pour in the fish stock. Bring to a gentle simmer, then cook for 12 to 15 minutes until the potatoes are just tender.
- Cut the cod into large chunks and slide them into the soup. Simmer very gently for 4 to 6 minutes, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily.
- Lower the heat and stir in the double cream; do not let it boil. Add the white pepper and the remaining salt to taste, then take the pot off the heat.
- Finely chop the dill and stir most of it through the soup. Squeeze in lemon juice a little at a time until the broth tastes clean and bright. Ladle into bowls and finish with the remaining dill.
Recipe notes
Tips
- Keep the soup at a bare simmer once the cod goes in; a rolling boil will break the fish up and can make it dry.
- If you are serving anyone who is pregnant, elderly, or immunocompromised, make sure the fish is cooked until fully opaque and piping hot throughout.
Substitutions
- Replace double cream with crème fraîche for a slightly tangier finish; stir it in off the heat to prevent splitting.
- Replace fresh dill with fresh parsley for a milder, greener flavour.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 2 days
- Cool, cover and refrigerate within 2 hours. Reheat gently in a saucepan over a low heat until piping hot, stirring often and avoiding boiling to keep the fish in large flakes and the cream smooth.
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Recipe overview
- Servings: 4 servings
- Total time: 50min (20min active)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: Nordic
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Allergens:
Fish Milk
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