A hearty and traditional Finnish soup made with soft pork sausage, root vegetables, and a flavorful broth. Siskonmakkarakeitto is a cozy, nourishing dish perfect for cold days — easy to customize and deeply satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp butter or neutral oil (such as canola or sunflower)
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 package (16–20 oz) fresh brats or other raw pork sausage
- 8 cups chicken broth (or a mix of chicken, beef, or vegetable broth)
- ½ tbsp kosher or sea salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 2 bay leaves
- Pinch of ground allspice (optional)
- 2 small-medium turnips, peeled and diced
- 2 medium or 1 large carrot, peeled and sliced
- 5 medium russet or red potatoes, peeled and cubed
- Squeeze of lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: dice the onion, peel and chop the turnips, carrots, and potatoes. Cut sausage into 4–5 pieces per link.
- Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add butter/oil and sauté the onion for about 4 minutes until soft.
- Add sausage pieces and cook gently for 2–3 minutes without browning.
- Pour in broth, add salt, pepper, bay leaves, and allspice. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Add turnips and carrots. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add potatoes. Simmer for 15–20 minutes until vegetables are tender and sausage is fully cooked.
- Remove bay leaves, adjust seasoning to taste, and serve hot with a squeeze of lemon if desired.
Notes
When the cold winds blow and snow dusts the windows, few things are as comforting as a bowl of warm, nourishing soup. One traditional Nordic dish that encapsulates the essence of Finnish home cooking is Siskonmakkarakeitto — or Finnish sausage soup. This rustic and hearty meal is packed with root vegetables, delicate sausage, and a flavorful broth that warms from the inside out. ❄️🇫🇮
While this soup is a staple during the long Finnish winters, it’s equally perfect for any chilly day — whether you’re in Finland, Minnesota, or anywhere in between.
🧊 A Taste of Finland: The Origins of Siskonmakkarakeitto
Siskonmakkarakeitto has deep roots in Finnish culinary tradition. The name comes from siskonmakkara, a soft, pale raw pork sausage unique to Finnish cuisine. Unlike firmer smoked or cured sausages, siskonmakkara has a smooth, almost paste-like texture and is usually squeezed directly into soups in bite-sized pieces. The soup itself is a reflection of Finnish values: simplicity, seasonality, and nourishment. It’s commonly served in homes, school cafeterias, and even Finnish army mess halls. This dish exemplifies how a few humble ingredients — potatoes, carrots, broth, and sausage — can transform into something deeply satisfying.🍲 Essential Tools & Equipment
To make Finnish Sausage Soup, you’ll need just a few basic kitchen items:- Cutting board 🪵
- Sharp knife 🔪
- Vegetable peeler
- Measuring cup
- Wooden spoon 🥄
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
🥕 Ingredients for Siskonmakkarakeitto
This recipe serves about 6–8 people, depending on portion size.- 1 Tbsp butter or neutral oil (canola or sunflower oil works well)
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 package (16–20 oz) fresh brats or other raw pork sausage
- 8 cups chicken broth (can mix with beef or vegetable broth)
- ½ Tbsp kosher or sea salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 2 bay leaves
- Pinch of allspice (optional, for depth)
- 2 small-medium turnips, peeled and diced
- 2 medium or 1 large carrot, peeled and sliced
- 5 medium russet or red potatoes, peeled and cubed
- Squeeze of lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
🔪 Step-by-Step: How to Make Finnish Sausage Soup
-
Prep the Vegetables
Dice the onion. Peel and chop the carrots, turnips, and potatoes into bite-sized chunks. Set aside. -
Slice the Sausage
If using bratwurst or another raw sausage, cut each link into 4–5 pieces. -
Sauté the Base
In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter or heat the oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 4 minutes until softened and fragrant. -
Cook the Sausage
Add the sausage pieces to the pot and cook for 2–3 minutes. You’re not looking to brown them deeply—just to gently render some flavor. -
Add Broth & Seasonings
Pour in the broth and stir in the salt, pepper, bay leaves, and allspice if using. Bring to a gentle boil. -
Simmer the Vegetables
Add the carrots and turnips first, and simmer for 5 minutes. Then, add the potatoes and continue to simmer for 15–20 minutes or until they’re fork-tender. The sausages should be fully cooked by this point. -
Finish the Soup
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove the bay leaves before serving. A squeeze of lemon juice in each bowl brightens the flavors beautifully. 🍋
🍞 Serving Suggestions
Siskonmakkarakeitto is best enjoyed steaming hot with a slice of crusty rye bread or a buttered roll. For a full meal, serve alongside a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette. 🥗❄️ Storage Tips
This soup stores well:- Refrigerate in a covered container for 3–4 days.
- Freeze for up to 3 months. When reheating, bring to a full boil to ensure food safety.
🤔 Frequently Asked Questions
🔄 What Substitutions Can I Make?
This soup is incredibly flexible:- Swap turnips with parsnips or rutabaga.
- Use red potatoes or Yukon golds for a creamier texture.
- Try different fresh sausages, such as Italian or chicken-apple, for a unique flavor twist.
- Add a handful of fresh dill or parsley at the end for a herbal note.
🥣 Siskonmakkarakeitto vs. Nakkikeitto – What’s the Difference?
The primary difference is the type of sausage used:- Siskonmakkarakeitto uses raw, soft pork sausage.
- Nakkikeitto uses pre-cooked or smoked sausages like hot dogs or knackwurst.
🇫🇮 Why Try Finnish Sausage Soup?
This dish isn’t just a recipe — it’s a window into the Finnish way of life. Minimalist yet deeply comforting, it reflects the spirit of a people who thrive in harmony with nature and the seasons. Whether you're craving something cozy for a winter night or seeking to explore new global flavors, Siskonmakkarakeitto is a must-try. 🧡 Warm your heart, fill your belly, and discover a taste of Finland — one spoonful at a time.