Every Advent we entered the purgatory of lutefisk, a repulsive gelatinous fishlike dish that tasted of soap and gave off an odor that would gag a goat. We did this in honor of Norwegian ancestors, much as if survivors of a famine might celebrate their deliverance by feasting on elm bark. – Garrison Keillor, “Lake Wobegon Days”
Lutefisk is the Norwegians’ attempt at conquering the world. When they discovered that Viking raids didn’t give world supremacy, they invented a meal so terrifying, so cruel, that they could scare people to become one’s subordinates. And if I’m not terribly wrong, you will be able to do it as well. – Jeffrey Steingarten, Julia Child Book Award winner
Lutefisk – the piece of Cod that passes all understanding. – Anonymous
Well, we tried the lutefisk trick and the raccoons went away, but now we’ve got a family of Norwegians living under our house! – Ole and Lena joke
Lutefisk is no joke to the members of Bethany Covenant Church.
The much-maligned Scandinavian dish is the featured attraction on a menu that is expected to draw up to 150 people on Saturday for a church fundraiser.
The church started the meal only last year as a CHIC fundraiser. “We had so much fun last year, we thought we would do it again this year,” says Linda Peterson, who is coordinating the event.
“Around these parts, lutefisk isn’t so strange.” Peterson says.
Jean Tobisch, who overseas the preparation of the accompanying lefse, boasts, “We have one of the best lutefisk dinners around.”
Despite the fish’s reputation, the women contend that many people haven’t had it prepared the right way.
Lutefisk is made from whitefish – normally cod – that is air-dried and then soaked in lye through various stages over roughly two weeks before it is cooked. Bob Manning, who is cooking the fish, previously worked as a chef for several years in Sweden. “He does an amazing job.” Peterson says.
The church has fewer than 100 people, which means nearly everyone, including children, get in on the preparations. “We enlist everyone,” Peterson says. “That’s the fun of it, too.”
The buffet menu also includes Swedish meatballs, lefse, herring, red potatoes, peas, and dessert, which features the traditional rice pudding. The meatballs and lefse are homemade, notes Jean Tobisch, who is overseeing the baking of the lefse.
Lefse is like a tortilla made from potatoes rolled flat and then cooked on a griddle. The task will be a two-day process for the members of Bethany Covenant. On Wednesday, they will gather to boil the potatoes and add other ingredients. They will be left overnight to reach room temperature.
On Thursday, the members will roll out the mixture and return to grill the bread on lefse irons. The irons are used throughout the church to keep from blowing fuses, Tobisch says.
A craft and bake sale will be held in conjunction with the dinners. For more information, contact the church at 612-869-2500 or visit its website at Bethany Covenant.
