Step into the heart of Finnish cuisine with this delightful recipe for Lohikeitto, a comforting and creamy salmon soup that captures the essence of Nordic flavors. A beloved dish in Finland, Lohikeitto showcases the country's rich maritime heritage by featuring fresh salmon as the star ingredient. This soul-warming soup is a perfect blend of simplicity and sophistication, making it an ideal choice for both cozy family dinners and festive gatherings. Join us on a culinary journey to Finland as we unravel the secrets behind creating a bowl of velvety-smooth Lohikeitto that will surely leave you craving more.

Here's a simple recipe for Aland Lohikeitto, a delicious Finnish salmon soup:

Ingredients:

• 500g fresh salmon fillets, skinless, cut into bite-sized chunks
• 4 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 1 leek, washed and sliced
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 liter fish or vegetable broth
• 300ml heavy cream
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh dill, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

Prepare the Vegetables:

1-In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.

2-Add the chopped onion and leek, sauté until softened.

Add the Vegetables:

1-Add the diced potatoes and sliced carrots to the pot.

2-Pour in the fish or vegetable broth, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Simmer:Reduce the heat to low, add the bay leaf, and let the vegetables simmer until they are almost tender.

Add the Salmon:

1-Carefully add the salmon chunks to the pot. Be gentle to avoid breaking the fish.

2-Simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through.

Stir in the Cream:

1-Pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently to combine.

2-Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Finish and Serve:

1-Once the soup is heated through, remove the bay leaf.

2-Ladle the Lohikeitto into bowls, and garnish with fresh chopped dill.

Enjoy:Serve the Aland Lohikeitto hot, accompanied by crusty bread or Finnish rye bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

This creamy and flavorful Aland Lohikeitto captures the essence of Finnish comfort food, providing a perfect balance of rich salmon, hearty vegetables, and the velvety smoothness of cream. It's a true celebration of Nordic flavors!

Nutritional Values:

Here is a general approximation of the nutritional values for the listed ingredients. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on specific brands and preparation methods:

Fresh Salmon Fillets (500g):

• Calories: 1,100 kcal
• Protein: 120g
• Fat: 70g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Varies

benefits:

• Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health.
• Excellent source of high-quality protein.
• Provides essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D and selenium.

Medium-sized Potatoes (4, peeled and diced):

• Calories: 840 kcal
• Protein: 20g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 200g
• Fiber: 20g

benefits:

• Good source of complex carbohydrates for sustained energy.
• High in fiber, supporting digestive health.
• Contains essential nutrients like vitamin C, potassium, and B vitamins.

Carrots (2, peeled and sliced):

• Calories: 100 kcal
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 6g

benefits:

• Packed with beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant that converts to vitamin A.
• Supports eye health and immune function.
• Provides dietary fiber for digestive health.

Leek (1, washed and sliced):

• Calories: 50 kcal
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 2g

benefits:

• Contains vitamins A, C, and K, contributing to overall immune and bone health.
• Rich in antioxidants, helping to combat oxidative stress.
• Provides a mild, onion-like flavor to dishes.

Onion (1, finely chopped):

• Calories: 50 kcal
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 2g

benefits:

• Contains quercetin, an antioxidant with potential anti-inflammatory properties.
• Supports cardiovascular health.
• Adds flavor to dishes without extra calories.

Butter (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 200 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 0g

benefits:

• Provides a source of healthy fats for energy and nutrient absorption.
• Contains fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K.

Fish or Vegetable Broth (1 liter):

• Calories: 20 kcal
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 4g

benefits:

• Hydrating and low in calories.
• Can contribute to overall fluid intake.
• Enhances the flavor profile of the soup.

Heavy Cream (300ml):

• Calories: 1,000 kcal
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 100g
• Carbohydrates: 20g

benefits:

• Adds richness and creaminess to the soup.
• Provides calories for energy.
• Contains saturated fats, so moderation is key.

Bay Leaf (1):

• Negligible caloric value

benefits:

• Adds a subtle, earthy flavor to the soup.
• May have antimicrobial properties.

Salt and Pepper to Taste:

• Negligible caloric value

benefits:

• Enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• Sodium in moderation is essential for maintaining electrolyte balance.

Fresh Dill (for garnish):

• Negligible caloric value

benefits:

• Adds a burst of fresh flavor to the soup.
• Contains vitamins A and C, as well as minerals like iron and manganese.

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands used. Additionally, cooking methods can impact the nutritional content, and the provided values do not account for any additional seasonings or adjustments made during the cooking process.