Loppukeitto

Loppukeitto is a traditional Finnish soup. The name translates literally to "end soup" or "last soup" in Finnish, hinting at its resourceful nature. Historically, it was a way to utilize leftover ingredients from a meal or from the pantry before the next shopping trip. This meant that loppukeitto could vary greatly from household to household and even from day to day.

The base of loppukeitto is typically a broth, which could be made from meat, fish, or vegetables. Into this broth, various cooked meats, vegetables, and sometimes grains or pasta were added. Common additions included remnants of roasted meat, leftover boiled potatoes, carrots, root vegetables, or even a bit of fish. The goal was to combine whatever was available into a hearty and filling soup. It was a practical and economical dish, reflecting the Finnish appreciation for minimizing food waste. While there is no single definitive recipe, the spirit of loppukeitto lies in its adaptability and the creative use of leftovers to create a satisfying meal. It embodies a tradition of culinary ingenuity born from necessity and a desire to make the most of available resources.