Creamy Dairy-Free Salmon Soup with Winter Vegetables (Nordic–Quebec Fusion)
Inspired by the classic Finnish salmon soup Lohikeitto, this creamy soy milk salmon soup reinterprets Nordic comfort food through the lens of Quebec’s winter harvest, using leek, cabbage, and rutabaga. The natural sweetness of local root vegetables pairs beautifully with tender salmon, while soy milk replaces cream to create a lighter, dairy-free texture. Nourishing and gently warming, this soup is ideal for cold Montreal winters and for anyone seeking a healthy fish recipe rooted in seasonal ingredients.
The Taste of Winter Energy @ Montreal
1/6/2026
Servings: 6 Portions
INGREDIENTS
500g Fresh Salmon, cut into 3cm cubes
1 Leek (approx.300g), white and light green parts, sliced
300g Cabbage, shredded
300g Rutabaga, thinly sliced
5 cups Water (or vegetable/fish stock for deeper flavor)
1 cup Unsweetened Soy Milk
2 tsp Salt (adjust to taste)
1/8 tsp Black Pepper
2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
INSTRUCTIONS
Sauté the Aromatics
1. Heat the Olive Oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sliced leeks and sauté for about 2 minutes until they become soft and fragrant.
Simmer the Vegetables
1. Add the shredded cabbage and sliced rutabaga to the pot. Stir-fry for 1 minute to coat them in the oil.
2. Pour in the 5 cups of water and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 8–10 minutes, or until the rutabaga is tender.
Poach the Salmon
Gently add the salmon cubes to the simmering broth. Cook for 1 minute.
Add the Creamy Finish
Pour in the soy milk. Simmer gently for another 5–7 minutes.
Note: Do not let the soup reach a rolling boil once the soy milk and fish are added; a gentle simmer prevents the milk from curdling and keeps the salmon tender. Stir very carefully to avoid breaking the fish cubes.
Serve
Ladle the soup into warm bowls, ensuring everyone gets a generous portion of salmon and winter vegetables.
Serving Suggestion: This soup is fantastic on its own or paired with a side of crusty sourdough bread to soak up the creamy broth.
Enjoy this healthy, dairy-free salmon soup, inspired by Nordic tradition and rooted in Quebec’s winter harvest.