When it comes to comforting meals that are both nutritious and easy to make, few things beat a bowl of hearty soup. And, if you’re looking for something that’s rich in flavor, packed with protein, and doesn’t require hours of prep, a canned salmon soup could be exactly what you need. This dish takes a humble can of salmon and elevates it into a creamy, savory, and filling meal, perfect for any day of the week. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or hosting a cozy gathering, canned salmon soup can offer a quick solution without skimping on taste or health benefits.
What makes canned salmon such a fantastic choice for soup? First of all, it’s super accessible and affordable. You can find it at nearly any grocery store, and it’s often packed with healthy omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and minerals. It’s also an incredibly versatile ingredient, lending itself to different flavor profiles from rich and creamy to light and brothy. But perhaps the best part? You don’t need to spend hours working in the kitchen. In less than an hour, you can have a bowl of delicious soup ready to serve!
Let’s dive right into this simple yet delicious canned salmon soup recipe that’s as quick to make as it is full of flavor.
Canned Salmon Soup Recipe
Here’s a rich and creamy canned salmon soup that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds. It’s easy to prepare and packs a punch when it comes to flavor and nutrition.
Ingredients Needed
You won’t need much to whip up this recipe. These ingredients are common pantry staples and can be adjusted to suit your tastes:
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2 Cans Of Salmon (5 Oz Each)
You want to use canned salmon that’s packed in water or oil. If you’re watching calories, opt for water-packed. You’ll need to drain and flake the salmon before adding it to the soup. Don’t forget to keep the bones-they’re edible and packed with calcium, making your soup even more nutritious.
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1 Medium Onion, Chopped
Onions give your soup a savory depth of flavor that will enhance the overall taste. You can use yellow, white, or red onion based on your preference, though yellow onions are often best for soups.
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2 Cloves Of Garlic, Minced
Garlic brings a rich, aromatic quality to the soup. Fresh garlic is key for the boldness of flavor, but you could substitute with garlic powder in a pinch.
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2 Cups Of Vegetable Or Chicken Broth
You can use a store-bought or homemade broth. Vegetable broth is lighter and vegan-friendly, while chicken broth will offer a deeper flavor. Adjust based on dietary preferences.
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1 Cup Of Milk Or Cream
This gives the soup a creamy texture. You can use whole milk for richness, or opt for a lighter version like skim milk or plant-based milks (almond, soy, etc.) for a dairy-free alternative.
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2 Tablespoons Of Olive Oil Or Butter
You’ll need this to sauté the vegetables, adding a bit of richness and flavor to the soup base.
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1 Large Potato, Peeled And Diced
Potatoes add substance and creaminess. You could also try sweet potatoes for a slightly different flavor profile and a dose of beta-carotene.
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1 Cup Of Frozen Peas Or Corn (optional)
These vegetables are great for adding color and additional texture. Frozen peas are typically the best for soups, as they hold their shape without becoming mushy.
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Salt And Pepper To Taste
Season generously to bring all the flavors together. You could also add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.
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1 Tablespoon Of Fresh Dill Or Parsley (optional)
Fresh herbs like dill or parsley will finish off your soup with a burst of freshness. Dill is especially great with salmon.
Cooking Instructions
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to cook! Follow these steps to make your canned salmon soup:
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Prepare The Salmon
Open your cans of salmon, drain the liquid (reserve some of it if you want to adjust the consistency of the soup later), and flake the salmon with a fork. Set it aside.
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Sauté The Aromatics
In a large pot, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
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Cook The Potatoes
Add the diced potatoes to the pot and stir well to coat them with the onion and garlic mixture. Let them cook for about 5 minutes to give them a nice texture.
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Add The Liquids
Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, and bring it to a simmer. Cover and let it cook for about 10 minutes or until the potatoes are just tender but not falling apart.
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Incorporate The Salmon
Once the potatoes are cooked, add the flaked salmon, along with the milk or cream. Stir to combine and bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
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Add Peas (optional)
If you’re using peas (or corn), add them during the last few minutes of cooking. These should be added just before you take the soup off the heat, as you don’t want them to overcook.
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Season And Serve
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh herbs like dill or parsley. Serve hot with a side of crusty bread or crackers.
Ingredient Insights
Now that you know how to make this easy canned salmon soup, let’s take a deeper look at some of the key ingredients and why they work so well together:
- Canned Salmon: The hero of the dish! Canned salmon is a great source of lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins and minerals. It’s also shelf-stable, so it’s a great pantry staple. Plus, it’s quick and easy to work with.
- Potatoes: These starchy tubers add both texture and body to the soup. Potatoes break down slightly when cooked, making the soup heartier and giving it a velvety feel.
- Broth: Using broth instead of water gives the soup a more complex flavor profile, creating a richer base. It also adds to the savory quality of the soup, making it more satisfying.
- Dill: The bright, herbal flavor of dill pairs perfectly with salmon. It cuts through the richness of the cream and enhances the fish’s natural taste.
- Cream: The creaminess of the milk or cream brings balance to the soup, making each spoonful feel indulgent while still being light enough for everyday eating.
Expert Tips
To take this canned salmon soup to the next level, here are a few expert tips you can follow:
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to give the soup a spicy kick. Just a little can elevate the whole dish.
- Flavor Boost with Lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving brightens the flavors and complements the salmon beautifully. Lemon zest also works as an aromatic addition.
- Texture Variations: If you like your soup on the thicker side, you can blend a portion of the soup to give it a creamy texture without adding more cream. Alternatively, you could mash some of the potatoes.
- Batch Cooking: This soup is a great candidate for meal prep. It stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can even be frozen for longer storage.
Recipe Variations
While this canned salmon soup recipe is delicious as is, there are plenty of ways to switch things up:
- Herb Variation: Try adding a combination of thyme, rosemary, or tarragon to the base of the soup. These herbs work well with the fishy notes of the salmon.
- Seafood Medley: Use a mix of seafood, like shrimp or crab, along with the canned salmon. It will add depth and variety to the dish.
- Lemon-Dill Cream: For an even richer texture, finish the soup with a dollop of lemon-dill cream. Simply mix sour cream with fresh dill and a squeeze of lemon juice, then swirl it into the soup.
- Spicy Seafood Soup: Add a can of diced tomatoes, chili flakes, and a bit of smoked paprika to give the soup a Mediterranean or Cajun twist.
Final Words
This canned salmon soup is a versatile, easy, and flavorful dish that can work for lunch, dinner, or even a snack. Whether you stick with the classic version or customize it to your tastes, it’s a meal that is satisfying and nourishing. Best of all, it’s affordable and quick to prepare, making it a great option for busy days when you want a hearty, wholesome meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.