By Tom Hintgen

Otter Tail County Correspondent

The 2026 lutefisk season kicked off Friday, Oct. 30, during the 92nd annual Richland Lutheran Lutefisk supper at Richland Lutheran Church near Walcott, N.D., north of Wahpeton. Meals were served from noon until the food ran out.

Most lutefisk feeds in our area also include meatballs since, as we all know, lutefisk does not attract everyone. The reply, from many of us, is, “You don’t know what you’re missing.” Their reply is often, “Oh yes, we do” from those who can’t stand the taste or smell of lutefisk.

The church near Walcott annually orders 950 pounds of fish for the lovers of lutefisk, 4,200 pieces of lefse, 400 pounds of hamburger to make meatballs, 140 pounds of cabbage for coleslaw, 65 pounds of cranberries, 80 pounds of sugar and lots of butter.

The church near Walcott has hosted the annual lutefisk feed since 1931. Exceptions were two years during World War II and the last two years of the Covid-19 pandemic. Guests expect what church volunteers describe as “flaky lutefisk, mouthwatering meatballs and creamy hand-peeled mashed potatoes.”

Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Barnesville will host its traditional lutefisk and meatball dinner one week before Thanksgiving, on Thursday, Nov. 19, from 4 to 8 p.m. The lutefisk feed at Barnesville, as in Walcott, is served family style. Also included is a bake and craft sale, extra lefse for purchase and takeout meals.

Some lutefisk feeds have melted butter that can be poured over the lutefisk. Many people also enjoy white sauce poured over both the lutefisk and mashed potatoes. Favorite methods for preparing lutefisk are placing it in the oven or boiling. The secret is not to overcook lutefisk. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork.