Salmon Soup with Tomato and Dill

From the kitchen of One Perfect Bite...This is another light soup developed to span the seasons. It's substantial enough for a meal but lacks the heaviness associated with winter soups and chowders. It's often served in fishing camps and it's familiar to folks who live in Oregon and Washington, especially those who live on the islands in San Juan archipelago. This is really simple to assemble and its another great way to use the tail ends of whole salmon. The one ingredient that might cause some consternation is the fish stock. It can, of course, be purchased, but there are less expensive alternatives that can be used. Bottled clam juice, diluted with an equal measure of water, is the easiest alternative, but my favorite substitute is a light broth made from shrimp shells. We have shrimp frequently and rather than throw the shells away I freeze them until I need fish stock. I simply cover the shells with cold water, bring it to a boil and simmer for about 30 minutes. Once strained, it makes a perfect stock for soup. I keep the other ingredients in this soup to a minimum so the flavor of the salmon stays the star. If you prefer a thicker soup, puree a portion of the soup, just before adding the salmon. Here's the recipe for this spring favorite.

Salmon Soup with Tomato and Dill...from the kitchen of One Perfect Bite

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons butter
1-1/2 cups finely chopped onion
1 teaspoon minced garlic
3 cups fish stock
1 cup chicken stock
1-1/2 cups crushed tomatoes
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/8 teaspoon died thyme
2 cups cubed potato
1 teaspoon lemon juice
12-oz. salmon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
3 tablespoons chopped fresh dill or parsley

Directions:
1) Melt butter in 4-5 quart saucepan or soup pot over medium heat. Add onions and saute for 5 to 6 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute longer. Add fish stock, chicken stock, tomatoes, sugar and thyme. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and cook, uncovered, for 5 minutes. Add potatoes, lemon juice and salt and pepper to taste. Cook, covered, until potatoes are tender but still retain their shape, about 12 minutes.
2) Stir salmon into soup and cook until fish flakes easily, about 3 to 4 minutes. Sprinkle with dill. Yield: 4 servings.

You might also enjoy these recipes:
Spring Salmon and Leek Soup - One Perfect Bite
Salmon Chowder - One Perfect Bite
Shrimp Chowder - One Perfect Bite
How to Make Shellfish Stock - Simply Recipes
Homemade Italian Shrimp Stock - New Italian Recipes