Lutefisk

Lutefisk is dried whitefish (normally cod, but ling and burbot are also used). Lutefisk is a dish that takes a whole process to make. It is made from aged stockfish (air-dried whitefish) or dried and salted cod, pickled in lye. It is gelatinous in texture after being rehydrated for days prior to eating.

Lutefisk is prepared as a seafood dish of several Nordic countries. It is traditionally part of the Christmas feast. Similar dishes include Norwegian julebord and Swedish julbord, as well as Finnish joulupöytä.

Lutefisk is traditionally served with boiled potatoes, mashed green peas, melted butter, and small pieces of fried bacon. The dish goes well with white wine. In Norway, Sweden, and Finland, lutefisk is a part of the Christmas tradition and is mostly eaten with boiled potatoes, green peas, and white sauce. Regional variations include a sprinkle of freshly ground allspice or black pepper and the addition of coarsely ground mustard in the white sauce (in Scania). In parts of Jämtland it is served on flatbread along with whey cheese.

Lutefisk is widely consumed in foreign countries such as the US and Canada. But if you come to Norway please try it at least once. Det Gamle Rådhus or Lofotstua, both in Oslo are great places to try it.