Sosekeitto

Sosekeitto is a Finnish term for puréed soup, a family of soups in which ingredients are cooked and then mashed or blended to a smooth, creamy consistency. The word combines sose, meaning purée or mash, with keitto, meaning soup. In Finnish cuisine, sosekeitot are valued for their gentle texture and are commonly associated with children, the elderly, and those recovering from illness.

Typical preparation involves simmering vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, onions, and other vegetables in broth or water, sometimes with a small amount of butter or oil. After cooking, the mixture is blended with a hand blender or food processor until very smooth; milk or cream is often added to create a creamy feel, and a little flour or reduction may thicken the soup. Seasoning tends to be simple—salt and pepper—with optional herbs such as dill or a hint of nutmeg.

Sosekeitto is served hot and can be presented with toppings like a swirl of cream, a dab of butter, croutons, or fresh herbs. It is common in Finnish households, daycare centers, and schools as an easily digestible meal, and it also appears in hospital and convalescent menus. Numerous variants exist, including potato-based sosekeitto, carrot purée soups, and mixed-vegetable versions featuring peas or cauliflower; all emphasize a smooth texture and mild flavor.

Historically, sosekeitto has deep roots in Finnish home cooking and institutional meals, reflecting practical use of vegetables and dairy to produce versatile, comforting dishes. It remains a staple for raw ingredients turned into simple, nutritious, kid-friendly meals.