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MINNEAPOLIS

November 27, 2013 6:00 AM

Legacy of lutefisk

Welcome — The basement of the Norwegian Lutheran Memorial Church in Minneapolis, Minn., is packed with fully set tables in anticipation for the annual lutefisk dinner. The church offers a series of seatings -- 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. On November 23, 2013, all three dinners were sold out.
MPR News/ Nikki Tundel

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For years, lutefisk's overall popularity has been on the decline. But the traditional Nordic dish — cod treated with lye — is as celebrated as ever in the upper Midwest.

There are dozens of lutefisk dinners across Minnesota. Reporter Nikki Tundel attended one at Mindekirken in Minneapolis, Minn. on November 23, 2013. The Norwegian Lutheran Memorial Church hosts one of the most beloved lutefisk festivals in the state.

Can't get enough lutefisk? Neither can the folks in Madison, Minn. Take a look back as "Lutefisk Capital USA" celebrates its heritage with a community supper at the VFW, talent show and lutefisk eating contest.

Gallery

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Dinner — Mindekirken has been around for 93 years. Nearly every one of those years, it has held a lutefisk dinner.
MPR News/ Nikki Tundel

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Welcome — The basement of the Norwegian Lutheran Memorial Church in Minneapolis, Minn., is packed with fully set tables in anticipation for the annual lutefisk dinner. The church offers a series of seatings -- 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. On November 23, 2013, all three dinners were sold out.
MPR News/ Nikki Tundel

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Fish heads — Hans Sandom has been preparing lutefisk at Mindekirken's annual event for 12 years. "The cooking time is tricky," said Sandom. "It can go from solid fish to soup in a matter of seconds."
MPR News/ Nikki Tundel

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