This creamy dill salmon soup is a warm hug in a bowl! It’s packed with tender salmon, fresh dill, and a rich, smooth broth that warms you right up.
I think the best part is the dill—it makes everything taste super fresh! I love enjoying it with some crusty bread on the side. A perfect cozy meal for any day! 🥣
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon gives a fantastic flavor and texture. If fresh isn’t available, frozen salmon works too; just make sure to thaw it properly. For a different protein, try using shrimp or even canned salmon for a quicker option.
Heavy Cream: This adds richness to the soup. If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half or a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream can be used, though flavor will vary slightly. I find that coconut adds a unique twist!
Dill: Fresh dill is a must for this dish to capture its bright, herbaceous quality. If you can’t find fresh dill, dried dill can be used—just reduce the amount to about 1 tsp. I enjoy adding some chopped parsley for variety.
Fish Stock/Broth: This forms the soup’s base flavor. If fish stock isn’t available, vegetable broth works perfectly. For a heartier flavor, making your own broth with leftover fish bones is a great idea!
Potatoes and Carrots: These veggies add substance and natural sweetness. Feel free to swap them out with other root vegetables, like parsnips or sweet potatoes, for a little twist!
How Do I Sauté the Perfect Onion and Garlic?
Sautéing the onion and garlic properly sets the base for your creamy soup. The key is low and slow cooking to release their flavors without burning them. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat olive oil or butter in your pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions first, cooking until they become translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Then add garlic and sauté for another minute, or until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
- This gentle cooking releases their sweetness, giving a wonderful depth to your soup.
How to Make Creamy Dill Salmon Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 4 cups fish stock or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 tsp dried thyme or fresh herbs of choice
- Bread slices, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to cook, making it around 40 minutes total from start to finish. A cozy soup ready to warm you up in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Start by heating the olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook them together, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and fragrant—this should take about 3-4 minutes. You’ll love the smell!
2. Add the Veggies:
Next, toss the sliced carrots and potato chunks into the pot. Stir everything around and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the vegetables to start softening.
3. Make the Broth:
Now it’s time to add some liquid! Pour in the fish stock or vegetable broth and increase the heat to bring it to a boil. Once boiling, turn the heat down to a simmer and let it cook until the vegetables are tender—this should take about 15 minutes. Keep an eye on it as it simmers and enjoy the bubbling sounds!
4. Create the Creamy Base:
After the veggies are tender, stir in the heavy cream and milk. Gently heat the mixture for 3-4 minutes, making sure it doesn’t boil. You’re creating that rich, creamy texture that makes this soup so comforting.
5. Add the Salmon:
Now, gently add the cubed salmon to the pot. Cook it all together for about 5-6 minutes, or until the salmon is fully cooked through. The salmon should be flaky and tender at this point.
6. Finish the Soup:
Stir in the fresh dill, fresh lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper. If you’re using optional herbs like thyme, add those too! Give everything a good mix and let all those beautiful flavors come together.
7. Serve It Up:
Finally, remove the pot from the heat. Ladle the warm soup into bowls and garnish with extra dill and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper. This adds a lovely touch!
8. Enjoy with Bread:
Serve your creamy dill salmon soup hot with slices of crusty bread on the side. It’s the perfect way to soak up all the delicious flavors!
Can I Use Frozen Salmon in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the frozen salmon completely before using it in the soup. You can do this by leaving it in the fridge overnight or placing it in a sealed bag and submerging it in cold water for quicker thawing.
How Can I Make This Soup Dairy-Free?
If you want to make this soup dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream and milk with a non-dairy milk alternative like almond milk or coconut milk. Coconut milk will add a delicious hint of sweetness and richness!
Can I Prepare This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the soup ahead of time. Just follow the recipe up to the point before adding the salmon. Store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, heat the soup gently and then add the salmon to cook just before serving.
What Should I Serve with Creamy Dill Salmon Soup?
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, such as sourdough or a hearty baguette. You can also serve it with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal!