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Lutfisk
Lutfisk: Swedish and Norwegian Christmas lye-cured cod with white sauce, peas and allspice
Lutfisk, lutefisk in Norway, is dried cod or ling soaked in water and lye for days until it swells into a soft, jelly-like fish, then rinsed and baked or steamed and eaten at Christmas with white sauce, peas, boiled potatoes, allspice and, in Norway, bacon fat. It divides families, loved by some, avoided by others. Lye is caustic, so never cure it at home; buy ready-soaked lutfisk from Scandinavian shops and fishmongers in December. A common mistake is cooking it in an aluminium dish, which reacts and discolours it. Chef's tip: salt the fish and leave it for 15 minutes before baking; it draws out water and keeps the flakes firm. It is done when it is opaque and flakes.
- Total time
- 60 min
- Difficulty
- hard
- Serves
- 4
Ingredients
For the fish
- 2 ¼ lb ready-soaked lutfiskrinsed and patted dry
- 2 tsp coarse salt
For the sauce
- 1 oz butter
- 1 oz plain flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp white pepper
- 1 tbsp Swedish mustardoptional
To serve
- 1 ¾ lb potatoesboiled
- 10 ½ oz green peas or mushy peas
- 1 tsp ground allspice
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Method
0/5 doneStep 1: Heat the oven to 400°F (fan 350°F). Lay 2 ¼ lb ready-soaked lutfisk skin-side down in a glass or ceramic dish. Common mistake: an aluminium dish; it discolours.
Step 2: Sprinkle with 2 tsp coarse salt, leave 15 minutes, then pour off the liquid.
15 minStep 3: Cover tightly with foil and bake for 25–35 minutes, until opaque, firm and flaking.
35 minStep 4: Melt 1 oz butter, stir in 1 oz plain flour, then whisk in 2 cups whole milk and simmer 5 minutes. Season with ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp white pepper and 1 tbsp Swedish mustard.
6 minStep 5: Serve with 1 ¾ lb potatoes, 10 ½ oz green peas or mushy peas, the sauce and a sprinkle of 1 tsp ground allspice.
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 380 kcal
- Protein
- 30 g
- Carbs
- 24 g
- Fat
- 18 g
- Fibre
- 4 g
Nutrition values are estimates.
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Good to know
- How long does lutfisk take?
- About 60 minutes in total: 15 minutes to prepare and 45 minutes to cook.
- How many people does it serve?
- 4 as written. Change the servings above the ingredients and every amount scales to match.
- What can I use instead of butter?
- The same weight of ghee or coconut oil (for frying and most baking).
- What can I use instead of plain flour?
- Self-raising flour, same amount (then leave out the baking powder).
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