Traditional Finnish Salmon Chowder
This Traditional Finnish Salmon Chowder is comfort food at its best. Think tender chunks of salmon, sweet carrots, and soft potatoes, all nestled in a creamy, velvety broth. The fresh dill adds a bright, herby touch that cuts through the richness, so every spoonful feels light yet satisfying. And the best part? You can whip it up in just over 30 minutes, but it tastes like you’ve been cooking it all day. Whether you’re curling up on a chilly night or just want a cozy, filling meal, this chowder’s got you covered.
5 Servings
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 carrots peeled and chopped
- 1/2 leek finely chopped
- 1 lb potatoes diced into bite-sized pieces
- 5 c fish or chicken stock
- 2 tbsp fresh dill roughly chopped (save some for garnish)
- 1 lb salmon fillet skin off and cut into small chunks
- 1/3 c heavy cream
- Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Instructions
Start with the Veggies:
- Warm up some butter in a large pot over medium heat until it’s all melted and ready to go. Once it’s all melted, toss in the chopped carrots and leeks. Let them sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and smell wonderful.
Add the Potatoes & Stock:
- Next, throw in the diced potatoes, pour in the stock, and add half of the fresh dill. Add a pinch of salt and a couple of twists of freshly cracked black pepper. Give it all a good stir.
Boil & Simmer:
- Crank up the heat to bring everything to a boil, then turn it down to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 15-18 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and easy to pierce with a fork.
Add the Salmon & Cream:
- Carefully stir in the chunks of salmon and pour in the cream. Leave the pot uncovered and let it cook for just about a minute. You don’t need long—the salmon will finish cooking as the soup rests.
Let It Rest & Finish Up:
- Take the pot off the heat and let the soup sit for 4-5 minutes. This allows the salmon to gently finish cooking, so it stays tender and flaky.
Taste & Serve:
- Give it a quick taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. Ladle it into bowls, sprinkle with the rest of the dill, and enjoy it while it’s warm. It’s even better when you’ve got a slice of crusty bread to dunk in!
Notes
Good news! It’s super easy to make this chowder gluten-free. Just swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend, or skip it entirely if you don’t mind a slightly thinner broth. You’ll still get all the creamy, delicious goodness without worrying about gluten. Also, double-check your stock and seasoning to make sure they’re gluten-free, as some brands can sneak in additives. With just a couple of simple tweaks, you can enjoy this cozy bowl of chowder without any worries.