FINLAND: Salmon Soup (Lohikeitto) and Egg Butter (Munavoi)

Simple, refined, cozy and light at the same time. This one checks all the boxes.

Salmon Soup (Lohikeitto)

1 pound salmon filet

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 small or 1 large leek, white and light green parts only

2 carrots

2 medium Yukon gold or other waxy potatoes

1/4 teaspoon allspice

4 cups fish broth or stock

1 cup heavy cream

1 lemon

1 small bunch of dill fresh, finely chopped

salt and pepper, to taste

1. Remove the skin from the salmon, and cut into bite-size cubes, ~1-inch square. Place in refrigerator until ready to use.

2. Cut the leeks in half lengthwise, then into thin strips and wash them well. Peel the carrots, slice them lengthwise, and slice them into semi-circle rounds.

3. In a large saucepan, sauté the leeks and carrots in butter or olive oil, stirring, for 5-7 minutes.

4. While they are sautéing, peel the potatoes and dice them into small cubes, ~1/2-inch square.

5. Once the leeks have softened, add the potatoes and fish stock. Season with allspice, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes at medium heat until the potatoes are cooked through.

6. Add the salmon chunks and cream. Cook over medium heat for 3 minutes. The cream should not boil. Close the lid and wait another 5 minutes. Test the fish. it should be just cooked through.

7. To finish, squeeze juice from half the lemon into the pot, and stir in the dill. Serve in a bowl and decorate with more dill, black pepper and a wedges from the other half of the lemon.

   
   

Munavoi (Egg Butter)

4 eggs, hard boiled

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

Hearty bread slices or rye flatbread crackers

salt

1. Peel eggs and chop finely.

2. Gently mix the eggs and butter together until spreading consistency.

3. Add salt to taste.

4. Serve on slices of toast or rye flatbread or crackers.

#happylife #happiness #seafoodsoup #salmon #soup #eggs #finland #finnishfood 

FUN FACTS:

• According to the 2024 World Happiness Report, Finland is the happiest country in the world, due to its strong community bonds, kind behavior, and life purpose.

• Almost half of Finland's foreign population lives in Helsinki.

• Founded by students in 2003, the game Angry Birds began in Finland.