Creamy Finnish Salmon Soup with Crème Fraîche and Dill Recipe

If you have ever wondered how to bring the taste of the Finnish coast right into your kitchen, this Creamy Finnish Salmon Soup with Crème Fraîche and Dill Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish embodies comfort and freshness, combining tender salmon, velvety crème fraîche, and the bright, aromatic touch of fresh dill. It’s a soul-warming soup that feels both luxurious and wholesome, a perfect way to enjoy simple ingredients elevated to something truly special. Whether you’re craving a satisfying weeknight dinner or a dish to impress friends, this recipe will become your new favorite go-to for cozy, elegant eating.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this Creamy Finnish Salmon Soup with Crème Fraîche and Dill Recipe, you’ll use a handful of wonderfully straightforward ingredients that come together in harmony. Each component is essential, adding to the soup’s rich texture, fresh flavors, and inviting color palette.

• Fresh salmon filet (1½ lbs, skin-off, cut into 1-inch cubes): Choose the freshest salmon you can find for tender, flaky bits that melt in your mouth.
• Unsalted butter (3 Tbsp): Adds a silky richness that helps soften the vegetables and round out the flavor.
• Carrots (3 large, peeled and cut into ¼-inch thick rounds): Provide subtle sweetness and a lovely orange hue.
• Leeks (2 medium, rinsed and thinly sliced): Their gentle onion flavor is fragrant without overpowering the delicate fish.
• Yukon gold potatoes (1 lb, cut into ¾-inch pieces): These creamy, waxy potatoes hold their shape well and contribute a velvety mouthfeel.
• Seafood stock (4 cups): Infuses the soup with seaside essence that elevates the salmon’s natural flavor.
• Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
• Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a mild heat that balances the creaminess.
• Crème fraîche (¾ to 1 cup): This tangy cream enriches the soup’s texture and adds depth to the flavor.
• Fresh dill (1 bunch, about 1 cup chopped, plus more for serving): Brings a bright, herbal note that’s classic to Finnish cuisine and the perfect finishing touch.

How to Make Creamy Finnish Salmon Soup with Crème Fraîche and Dill Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Start by melting 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and slightly bubbling, add the sliced carrots and leeks. Season lightly with ½ teaspoon of kosher salt to help draw out the sweetness from the veggies. Stir frequently as they soften gently for about 8 to 10 minutes. This process is essential because it builds a flavorful base and softens the vegetables without browning them, preserving a fresh, clean taste.

Step 2: Add Potatoes and Seafood Stock

Once your vegetables are tender, add the cubed Yukon gold potatoes and pour in the 4 cups of seafood stock. The stock serves as the backbone of flavor here, adding an oceanic depth that complements the salmon beautifully. Bring the pot to a boil carefully, then reduce the heat to medium to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes until the potatoes become tender but still hold their shape perfectly—you want a bite that’s creamy without falling apart into mush.

Step 3: Cook the Salmon and Stir in Crème Fraîche

When the potatoes have softened nicely, add the fresh salmon cubes and pour in ¾ cup of crème fraîche. Stir everything together to distribute the creamy richness evenly. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer gently for another 3 to 5 minutes, just until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a spoon. The crème fraîche will thicken the broth and add a subtle tang that brightens the whole dish. Finish this step by stirring in a cup of chopped fresh dill for that signature herbal brightness.

Step 4: Season and Serve

Give the soup a final taste and adjust with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. The finishing touches make all the difference, so don’t be shy here. Once seasoned perfectly, ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra dill and cracked black pepper for a pretty, fragrant presentation.

How to Serve Creamy Finnish Salmon Soup with Crème Fraîche and Dill Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh dill sprigs and a small dollop of crème fraîche on top are all you need to make this dish feel special. A squeeze of lemon juice can also be lovely for guests who want a touch of brightness, and a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper adds a subtle kick to every bite.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with a rustic rye bread or a crusty baguette, perfect for soaking up every creamy drop. For a lighter side, a crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or special dinner, serve the soup in individual mini cocottes or charming white bowls to bring out the colors. Add edible flowers or a few capers for an extra visual and flavor boost that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Finnish Salmon Soup with Crème Fraîche and Dill Recipe can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The flavors deepen with time, but because of the fish and cream, it’s best to enjoy it fresh within a couple of days to keep that delicate texture and taste at its peak.

Freezing

This soup does not freeze very well because crème fraîche and salmon textures can suffer from freezing and thawing. It’s better to prepare smaller batches or keep ingredients separate if you want to preserve leftovers—freeze the stock and veggies without the cream and salmon, then add fresh components when reheating.

Reheating

When reheating, do so gently over low heat on the stovetop to prevent the cream from breaking and the salmon from overcooking. Stir frequently and add a splash of seafood stock or water if it has thickened too much.

FAQs

Can I use another type of fish instead of salmon?

Absolutely! While salmon is traditional and offers rich flavor, you can swap in trout or even a firm white fish like cod. Just be mindful that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the fish’s delicacy.

Is there a dairy-free alternative to crème fraîche?

You can try using coconut cream or a plant-based sour cream substitute, but the flavor and texture will differ somewhat. Adding some lemon juice can help mimic the tanginess of crème fraîche.

How can I make this soup spicier?

For a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper when sautéing the vegetables or top the finished soup with some freshly grated horseradish. Both options play nicely with the creamy, herbal profile.

Can this soup be made vegetarian?

To keep it vegetarian, substitute the seafood stock with a rich vegetable broth and omit the salmon. Adding some smoked tofu or hearty mushrooms can provide texture and umami to keep it satisfying.

Why is Yukon gold potato preferred in this recipe?

Yukon gold potatoes have a creamy texture and hold their shape well during cooking, which helps keep the soup smooth and prevents it from becoming starchy or mushy. Their buttery flavor also complements the salmon beautifully.

Final Thoughts

Making the Creamy Finnish Salmon Soup with Crème Fraîche and Dill Recipe at home is like inviting a piece of Nordic warmth and tradition to your table. It’s elegant yet approachable, a dish that comforts and delights in equal measure. I hope you give this recipe a try soon—the harmony of creamy, fresh, and herby flavors will make it a treasured addition to your recipe box for years to come.

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