**Lutefisk: A Unique Norwegian Delicacy**
Lutefisk, a traditional Norwegian dish, is a unique culinary experience that has captivated taste buds for centuries. Made from dried cod that has been soaked in lye and then rehydrated, lutefisk possesses a distinct flavor and texture that sets it apart from other fish dishes. This article presents various recipes that showcase the versatility of lutefisk, ranging from traditional preparations to modern interpretations. Discover how to create classic lutefisk with a creamy white sauce, explore hearty casseroles that combine lutefisk with potatoes and vegetables, and indulge in innovative dishes that incorporate lutefisk into savory pies and even tacos. Embark on a culinary journey through the fascinating world of lutefisk and discover why this Norwegian delicacy continues to be a beloved part of Nordic cuisine.
LUTEFISK
This is a Scandinavian dish. Lutefisk is cod that was was traditionally dried for storage through the winter. Then when it was time to use it, it was soaked in a mixture of lye and water which rehydrated and softened it. The texture is like Jell-O® and will fall apart easily so it needs to be handled carefully. It is an odd food for sure, fish-flavored Jell-O®, so don't be too critical. Some people love it, others will hate it. This is just the best way I have found to prepare it.
Provided by S H Muck
Time 25m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Bring water and salt to a rolling boil. Add lutefisk and return to a boil. Remove from the heat, cover, and let sit for 8 minutes. Check with an instant-read thermometer to make sure the internal temperature has reached 140 degrees F (60 degrees C).
- Carefully remove lutefisk from water using a scoop strainer or skimmer spoon. Cover with melted butter and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 380.1 calories, Cholesterol 187.8 mg, Fat 8.4 g, Protein 71.4 g, SaturatedFat 4.2 g, Sodium 10639.8 mg
NORWEGIAN LUTEFISK
I grew up eatting lutefisk and this is my grandmas' lutefisk recipe. Most Norwegians serve their lutefisk with melted butter.
Provided by morgainegeiser
Categories Norwegian
Time 40m
Yield 6-8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 2
Steps:
- Place the lutefisk in a kettle, and add enough cold salt water to completely cover them(some people like to place the lutefisk in cheesecloth and tie the ends itno a bag, before placing in the kettle.).
- Bring gradually to a boil. (Caution: It will be done when brought to a full boil, and if boiled too long the fish will fall into pieces.).
- Remove from the burner, skim off any foam that appears and the let the lutefisk stand for 5-10 minutes.
- Drain well, and serve steaming hot on warmed plates.
Nutrition Facts :
MEATBALLS & LUTEFISK
Lutefisk is super common around where I live during the holidays since so many families have Scandinavian heritage. It consists of dried white fish that is pickled in lye & it has a very strong smell and a gelatinous texture, it's quite polarizing to a lot of people but to others, it's very nostalgic. Around here it's often served with meatballs and lefse.
Provided by Molly Yeh
Categories main-dish
Time 40m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 29
Steps:
- For the meatballs: Melt the butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium low heat. Add the onions and sage and cook, stirring occasionally, until deep golden, 15 to 18 minutes. Remove to a small bowl to cool. Wipe the skillet clean with a paper towel, no need to wash.
- While the onions cool, add the bread cubes to a large bowl. Drizzle the milk over and toss to saturate it. Let sit until the bread is softened, about 5 minutes. Squeeze the bread through your fingers to make a paste. Add the beef, pork, parsley, salt, allspice, ginger, nutmeg, egg, and cooled onions. Mix well with your hands. Roll into meatballs about 1 1/2 inches in diameter (or use a small ice cream scoop - about 2 tablespoons in volume) and rest on a baking sheet or large plate. You should get about 20 to 22 meatballs.
- For the sauce: Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in the over medium heat. When the butter is melted, brown the meatballs all over, in batches, removing them to the plate or baking sheet as they brown, about 4 minutes per batch. (Don't worry if they aren't cooked through at this point, they'll cook more in the sauce.)
- Once all the meatballs are out of the pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and melt. Add the sage and cook until sizzling, about 30 seconds. Sprinkle in the flour and stir to make a paste. Cook to lightly toast the flour, 1 to 2 minutes. Whisk in the beef stock and Worcestershire sauce until smooth. Adjust the heat so the sauce is simmering and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the meatballs and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and the meatballs are cooked through, 8 to 10 minutes. Turn off the heat.
- Scoot a few of the meatballs to the side to make a space in the pan and whisk in the sour cream until smooth. Sprinkle with the parsley and serve over mashed potatoes if desired and the lutefisk on the side. Lefse (optional) too, of course.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
- Grease a baking dish with 1 tablespoon of oil. Set aside.
- Rinse the thawed fish well with cold water and pat dry. Place in the prepared baking dish, cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes or until the fish flakes when pierced with a fork. (The internal temperature should be at 140 degrees F.)
- Remove the lutefisk from the oven. Season with salt and pepper. Serve with hot melted butter on the side for dressing.
BAKED LUTEFISK
Make and share this Baked Lutefisk recipe from Food.com.
Provided by Julie Leo
Categories Norwegian
Time 1h20m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 3
Steps:
- Thaw lutefisk if frozen and cut into serving pieces.
- Rinse and drain well. Place fish skin side down in one layer of heavy foil.
- sprinkle with salt.
- Bring foil around and make a fold in it.
- Fold up ends and seal.
- Place in shallow glass pan on a rake, seam up and bake at 325 for atleast one hour.
- I do it a little more.
- Cut corner and drain out excess water.
- Serve with melted butter on a heated platter.
Tips:
- Choose high-quality lutefisk: Look for lutefisk that is firm and white, with no yellow or brown spots. Avoid any lutefisk that has a slimy or off odor.
- Soak the lutefisk properly: Soaking the lutefisk for the right amount of time is essential to remove the lye and salt. Follow the instructions on the package or recipe carefully.
- Change the water regularly: While soaking the lutefisk, change the water every 6-8 hours or at least twice a day. This will help to remove the lye and salt more effectively.
- Use a large pot: When boiling the lutefisk, use a large pot to prevent overcrowding. This will help to ensure that the lutefisk cooks evenly.
- Do not overcook the lutefisk: Lutefisk is a delicate fish, so it is important to not overcook it. Boil the lutefisk for the amount of time specified in the recipe, or until it is just cooked through.
Conclusion:
Lutefisk is a traditional Norwegian dish that is enjoyed by many people around the world. It is a versatile fish that can be prepared in a variety of ways. Whether you are a fan of lutefisk or are trying it for the first time, there are many recipes available to help you create a delicious and authentic lutefisk dish. With a little planning and preparation, you can easily make lutefisk at home and enjoy this unique and flavorful Norwegian tradition.
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