The Allure of Dutch Koninginnensoep: A Royal Legacy with a Modern Twist

Dutch Queen Soup, or Koninginnensoep, holds a special place in Dutch culinary traditions, often associated with celebrations and royal events. Its name evokes a sense of grandeur, and indeed, its rich, creamy texture and refined flavor profile live up to the expectation. Inspired by the elaborate French cuisine that influenced European courts, this soup is designed to impress, yet remains comforting and deeply satisfying. Our rendition takes this beloved classic and infuses it with a modern, sophisticated twist: the addition of smoky, tender salmon and fragrant dill, creating an irresistible blend of flavors that dance on the palate.

The heart of this Koninginnensoep lies in its perfectly executed roux, which forms the luscious, velvety base. This is then enriched with an egg yolk and a touch of cream, transforming a simple chicken stock into a luxurious, silken concoction. The subtle chicken flavor provides a neutral canvas for the star of this dish: premium smoked salmon. The salty, delicate strips of salmon, combined with the fresh, slightly anisy notes of dill, create a harmonious balance, making each spoonful an unforgettable experience. It’s perfect for a special dinner party, a cozy weekend meal, or simply when you crave something truly delicious and elegant without the fuss. And the best part? This gourmet soup can be ready to serve in under 20 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings when you still want to indulge in something extraordinary.

Essential Ingredients for Your Creamy Chicken Soup with Smoked Salmon and Dill

Creating this exquisite Creamy Chicken Soup with Smoked Salmon and Dill requires a few key ingredients, each playing a vital role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor and texture. High-quality components are essential for a soup that tastes truly royal. Below, we detail the crucial elements you’ll need, with precise quantities available in the comprehensive recipe card at the end of this article:

• Butter and All-Purpose Flour: These two humble ingredients are the foundation of your roux, the thickening agent that gives Koninginnensoep its signature creamy and velvety texture. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the soup. The flour, when cooked in the butter, creates a paste that will absorb the liquid and thicken the soup. It’s crucial to cook the roux for at least two minutes, continuously stirring, to eliminate any raw flour taste and ensure a smooth, delicious base.
• Egg Yolk and Fresh Cream: The addition of a single egg yolk, tempered with a dash of cream, is what truly elevates this chicken soup from simply thick to luxuriously creamy and velvety soft. The egg yolk acts as a natural emulsifier and binder, adding richness and a beautiful golden hue, while the cream contributes to the soup’s silky mouthfeel and subtle sweetness. Don’t skip these; they are the secret to that irresistible Queen Soup texture!
• High-Quality Chicken Stock: The flavor of your chicken stock is paramount, as it forms the liquid base of the soup. For the best possible taste, a homemade, richly flavored chicken stock is highly recommended. It offers a depth and complexity that store-bought versions often lack. If using store-bought, opt for a low-sodium, high-quality brand to better control the seasoning.
• Smoked Salmon: This is the jewel in the crown of our Koninginnensoep. We recommend using cold-smoked salmon, such as premium Norwegian or wild salmon, sliced into delicate strips. Its distinctive salty, slightly sweet, and smoky flavor profile perfectly complements the creamy chicken base, adding an element of sophisticated indulgence. Ensure it’s good quality, as it’s a prominent flavor.
• Fresh Dill: A soft, feathery herb with delicate, needle-like leaves, dill is the ideal aromatic partner for smoked salmon. It brings a unique, slightly sweet, lemony, and subtly vinegary taste that brightens the soup and enhances the salmon’s flavor without overpowering it. Always use fresh dill for the best results, finely chopped for garnish.
• Salt and White Pepper: Essential for seasoning. White pepper is preferred over black pepper in creamy soups to maintain a clean, elegant appearance without visible specks, while still providing a gentle warmth. Taste and adjust seasonings as you go.

With these carefully selected ingredients, you’re well on your way to crafting a truly memorable bowl of Koninginnensoep that will impress anyone who tastes it.

Tips for Perfecting Your Koninginnensoep

Achieving a restaurant-quality Koninginnensoep at home is easier than you might think with these simple tips:

• Roux Mastery: The key to a non-floury soup is to properly cook your roux. After adding the flour to the melted butter, stir it continuously over medium heat for at least two minutes until it forms a smooth paste and smells slightly nutty, but without browning. This ensures the raw flour taste is cooked out.
• Whisk, Whisk, Whisk: When adding the chicken stock to the roux, pour it in gradually while whisking constantly. This prevents lumps and helps create that silky-smooth texture. A good whisk is your best friend here!
• Tempering the Egg Yolk: To prevent the egg yolk from curdling, it’s crucial to temper it. Slowly add a ladleful or two of the hot soup to your egg yolk and cream mixture while whisking vigorously. This gently raises the temperature of the egg mixture before it’s incorporated into the main pot, ensuring a smooth, creamy finish.
• Gentle Heat: Once the egg and cream mixture is added, do not boil the soup. Simmer it gently over low heat, stirring occasionally, just until it is heated through and slightly thickened. Boiling after adding the egg can cause it to curdle.
• Freshness is Key for Garnish: The smoked salmon and fresh dill are added at the very end, just before serving. This preserves their delicate flavors and textures. The heat of the soup will gently warm the salmon, releasing its aroma.
• Season to Taste: Always taste your soup before serving and adjust salt and white pepper as needed. Remember that smoked salmon is already quite salty, so be mindful when adding extra salt to the soup base.

Serving Suggestions for Your Elegant Queen Soup

This Creamy Chicken and Smoked Salmon Soup is elegant enough to be the star of any meal. Serve it as a sophisticated appetizer or a light main course. Here are some pairing ideas:

• Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty baguette or a selection of artisan bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of the creamy soup.
• Light Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing would provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.
• Wine Pairing: A dry white wine, such as a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a subtle Pinot Grigio, would beautifully complement the delicate flavors of the salmon and dill.
• Additional Garnish: A sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper, a few extra dill sprigs, or even a very thin slice of lemon on the side can add visual appeal and extra flavor.

Did you make this delicious recipe? Tag #byandreajanssen via Instagram! I love to see what your creation looks like and regularly share the most beautiful photos of you! Did you like this recipe? Then leave a rating on the recipe card! Your feedback helps other home cooks and me enormously.

Need more inspiration?

• You can find video recipes on my YouTube channel.
• And don’t forget to save the recipes on Pinterest, so you can easily find them again next time!

Dutch Koninginnensoep with Smoked Salmon

Andréa

More Delicious Soup Recipes to Explore

If you’ve enjoyed the rich flavors of our Koninginnensoep, you’re in for a treat! We have a wide array of comforting and delicious soup recipes perfect for any season or occasion. From hearty stews to lighter broths, there’s always something new to discover to warm your soul and tantalize your taste buds.