The piece of cod that passeth all understanding. In Norway and Norwegian-America lutefisk is the quintessential Christmas dish, prepared from cod soaked in lye and possessing a pungency of aroma that deters many outsiders from appreciating its delights.
A popular Norwegian-American song sung to the tune of “O Tannenbaum” has outlined the attractions of the dish:
Lutefisk, O Lutefisk, how fragrant your aroma,
Lutefisk, O Lutefisk, you put me in a coma.
You smell so strong, you look like glue,
You taste just like an overshoe,
But lutefisk, come Saturday,
I tink I eat you anyvay
Lutefisk, O lutefisk, I put you in the doorvay.
I wanted you to ripen up just like they do in Norvay.
A dog came by and sprinkled you.
I hit him with my overshoe.
O lutefisk, now I suppose
I’ll eat you while I hold my nose.
Here is a light-hearted set of instructions for making this delicacy:
1. Get the lutefisk.
2. Lay it on a pine board.
3. Flatten with a meat cleaver.
4. Salt and pepper it and pour on butter.
5. Bake on board in oven for 30 minutes.
6. Remove from oven and allow to cool.
7. Throw out the lutefisk and eat the board.