What is lye fish?

Literally meaning "lye fish," lutefisk is a dried stockfish (normally cod or ling, but haddock and pollock can also be used) that has been brined in lye, soaked to remove the resulting caustic solution, and then steamed until it flakes. The end result looks and feels gelatinous.

What does lutefisk fish taste like?

Lutefisk is described as being somewhat gelatinous in consistency and quite mild in taste, taking on the flavor of whatever sauce it's drenched in — with a bit of a chemical undertone. Diners have remarked that there's really no need to chew as the fish slides down on its own on account of its texture and toppings.

What is the fish soaked in lye?

Lutefisk—codfish (fisk) preserved in lye (lut)—is both a delicacy and a tradition among Scandinavian-Americans, who serve the chemical-soaked, gelatinous fish with a warm and friendly smile. Lutefisk, or lutfisk in Swedish, is a traditional dish in Norway, Sweden, and parts of Finland.

Do they still soak lutefisk in lye?

For it to become edible, lutefisk must again be soaked in cold water. The first step is soaking it for five to six days, with the water changed daily. The saturated lutefisk is then soaked in an unchanged solution of cold water and lye for an additional two days.

Why do they soak lutefisk in lye?

The lye breaks down the protein in the fish into amino acids that are easily absorbed by the small intestine. Usually ingested proteins need to be broken into amino acid molecules in the stomach. It's because of this protein breakup that lutefisk acquires its characteristic gelatinous, jelly-like texture.

Why people cook with caustic alkali

Is lutefisk healthy to eat?

Lutefisk may be even more nutritious thanks to the lye breaking down the proteins in the fish, allowing them to get more easily absorbed by the small intestine (via The Norwegian American). Nutritional value aside, another aspect of consuming lutefisk must be considered — safety.

Why isn t lutefisk poisonous?

Lutefisk, Norway

By this point it has a caustic pH value of 11 or 12 and is therefore inedible and highly toxic. Adventurous foodies needn't despair though – a few more days of treatment and water soaking renders the fish safe for human consumption – assuming it's undertaken correctly that is.

Does anyone actually like lutefisk?

While it originated in Scandinavia (particularly Sweden and Norway), lutefisk has fallen out of favor there and is not considered especially popular in the "old country." However, some Scandinavian Americans eat lutefisk regularly, and it is now eaten more frequently in the United States than in all of Scandinavia ...

What religion eats lutefisk?

During the fall in Wisconsin, people watch their local newspapers for announcements of lutefisk suppers, which are usually held in Norwegian churches. Usually every Norwegian church will host at least one lutefisk supper between October and the end of the year.

What is the story behind lutefisk?

It is said that lutefisk was invented because some "fumbly person" happened to drop lye on a piece of dried, soaked fish and thus discovered that the dry fish re-took its original shape and became white. Whether it was by mistake or not, it must have been a successful discovery in those days.

Does lutefisk smell bad?

It's wiggly. It's jiggly. And it tastes like, well, you be the judge. Lutefisk has a bad reputation for being smelly and foul-tasting.

What makes lye safe to eat?

If you were still worried about accidentally poisoning yourself after baking, know that lye reacts with carbon dioxide from the heat in the oven and forms a carbonate, according to The Kitchn, making the lye safe and the baked goods totally safe to eat (as long as you used a diluted enough lye solution in the first ...

Why do people cook with lye?

Uses. Lye water is an ingredient used in Asian and African cooking for cooking meat, rice or noodles and vegetables like corn, beans, maize or okra to soften or add flavour or keep vegetables colour. It is usually added as part of the recipe in small amounts (spoonfuls).

Why do people like lutefisk?

The tradition of lutefisk brings people together as do many food traditions. Remembering the protein that sustained our ancestors in long winter months is worth preserving, even if it's soaked in lye, traditionally used in soap making. Lutefisk on Christmas also represents solidarity with our ancestors.

Is lutefisk a delicacy?

Lutefisk is a Scandinavian food tradition that was imported to the United States. As a Christmas delicacy, it is even more popular in the U.S. than it is in the Scandinavian countries of Denmark, Sweden, and Norway, or in Finland.

How is lutefisk traditionally served?

Lutefisk served with pea stew, bacon and potatoes is Norwegian tradition at it's best. Some also like to serve it with brown goat cheese, syrup or mustard.

What is a traditional lutefisk meal?

In Norway, Sweden and Finland, lutefisk is a part of the Christmas tradition and is traditionally served with boiled potatoes, mashed green peas, melted butter and fried bacon. Often with whole grain mustard. Some times with carrots.

How is lutefisk made today?

In case you're unfamiliar, lutefisk is white fish (usually cod) that has been dried and soaked in lye and then re-hydrated before being cooked in a boiling pot of water or in the oven, and then served in a hefty bowl of melted butter, with plenty of salt and pepper.

What is the smelly Swedish fish dish?

Surströmming is a traditional dish from northern Sweden that arose during the 16th century when Sweden had a salt shortage. Today, the fish has become infamous due to its stinky smell, yet enthusiasts praise surströmming for its great taste.

Do you soak lutefisk before cooking?

Lutefisk with a firm texture can be obtained by first sprinkling with coarse salt and allowing to stand several hours. Rinse well in cold running water, and soak in unsalted water. Then cook or bake as desired. Lutefisk must be served hot on piping-hot plates.

How do you know when lutefisk is done?

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.

What do you drink with lutefisk?

Put a plate of lutefisk in front of them along with a wide variety of wines (Cava, Gruner Veltliner, Chardonnay, Cru Beaujolais, and more … even sake') and ask them to pick the perfect pairing. Before we go too far, a quick primer on lutefisk (especially for those that don't live in the Upper Midwest).

Can lutefisk make you sick?

The fish is dried and starts out hard like wood. It's placed in a poisonous lye solution for about seven to ten days before it's soaked in water to wash the lye out. The cod swells and is known for its gelatin like texture and fishy odor. If you don't wash enough of the lye solution out, it could make you sick.

What is the most toxic fish in the world?

The stonefish, which only reaches an average length of 30-40cm and around 2kg (5lbs) in weight, is the most venomous fish in the world. It earns this superlative thanks to the venomous sacs on each of its 13 spines, and packs a hefty punch to those who dare interfere.

What is the most harmful fish in the world?

Of the estimated 1,200 venomous fish species on Earth, the stonefish is the most lethal – with enough toxin to kill an adult human in under an hour. Thankfully, effective anti-venoms are available, though these need to administer quickly to prevent severe symptoms like tissue necrosis, paralysis and heart failure.