9 Food Dishes That Are Absolute Symbols of North Dakota
By Patrick MacFarland,
2024-02-03
North Dakota is a state in the north-central part of the country. Known for its broad spaces, harsh winters, and the Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota is a unique state . The Enchanted Highway is located here and the state was filled with bison. There are so many fun activities, especially nature-oriented, that you can do in the state. But most importantly, many food dishes are unique and special to the Peace Garden State.
Of course, certain food dishes are absolute symbols of North Dakota. Most of these foods are different from other Midwestern states because they are usually influenced by Scandinavian or German dishes. We will go over the nine food dishes that are absolute symbols of North Dakota, the ones that make you think of North Dakota and only of this amazing state.
Walleye
The walleye (
Sander vitreus
) is also called a yellow pike or yellow pickerel.
If there is a fish that North Dakotans love more, it’s walleye. It’s a freshwater fish found in midwestern lakes and popular with other Midwestern states, as well. In fact, Garrison, ND is known as the “Walleye Capital of the World.” The fish is usually grilled and breaded with tartar sauce on the side, rice, and the fish is inside a bun with lettuce, too. You will love this dish, and if you want to make things more interesting, you can even go lake fishing and eat your catch that evening!
Lefse
This type of flatbread hails from the Scandinavian country of Norway.
There are many Scandinavian immigrants in the Midwestern states and thus the cuisine has Scandinavian roots and influences. Lefse is a type of flatbread made with riced potatoes and the usual bread ingredients with cinnamon sugar sprinkled on top. You can eat it by itself or like a burrito or pita with some sort of meat inside.
Kuchen
The cake dish hails from Germany and was brought over by German immigrants to the Midwest.
Kuchen is a dessert type of cake that comes in various flavors like apple, cherry, peach, rhubarb, and many more. In fact, there are hundreds of flavors! There can even be savory kinds of Kuchen, although the most common are sweet kinds. This is a perfect dish to make to bring over to have coffee with friends.
Krumkake
Hailing from Norway, krumkake is a dessert dish popular with North Dakotans.
Krumkake looks kind of like a rolled-up crepe or a softer type of ice cream cone. These popular desserts are made on the waffle iron and have intricate patterns, too. You can sprinkle sugar on top or some other delicious sugary item like whipped cream.
Knoephla
This dumpling soup comes from Russia and Germany and besides North Dakota, it’s popular in Minnesota and South Dakota, too.
Knoephla is a dumpling and potato soup. It’s one of the most popular dishes in North Dakota and other states, as well. It hails from Germany and Russia, but it was made popular in the state because of German immigrants who emigrated to the US from Russia. The North Dakota soup usually contains only dumplings and potatoes, however, other iterations in Europe may contain other ingredients.
Fleischkuekle
Another Russian-German dish, this dish is quite similar to the Crimean dish, Chebureki.
North Dakotas got this recipe from the Russian-German immigrants. It’s similar, but not exactly, to the dishes that are popular in the Crimean region or Black Sea. The dish is a deep-fried pastry that contains meat. Usually, it’s served with gravy. Some counties in North Dakota will serve the dish with pickles and ketchup, too. Typically, this is a dish that you may find in typical American diners.
Hotdish
This midwestern dish is popular in not only North Dakota, but Minnesota, Wisconsin, Montana, and South Dakota, too.
Hotdish is a type of casserole that usually contains some sort of starch, meat, and vegetables. All of that is mixed in with a canned soup, like cream of mushroom soup, for example. This dish has become so popular with Midwesterners, that it is the ultimate dish to bring for special occasions like potlucks or birthdays. If you want to make a good impression on a North Dakotan , this dish will definitely do it!
Hot Beef Sandwich
This dish is one of the most popular dishes in North Dakota.
Hot Beef Sandwich is a simple dish that has several additions that make it unbelievably tasty. Usually, the dish is a turkey sandwich (or beef) covered in gravy and mashed potatoes. It’s served hot, hence the name. Besides beef or turkey, you can always add cheese or some other tasty ingredient that you love.
Cactus Bread
The delicious dessert pizza called cactus bread is available at Pizza Ranch anywhere in North Dakota.
An honorable mention here: cactus bread is available at Pizza Ranch. Pizza Ranch is a pizza chain in North Dakota that only exists in midwestern states. This pizza isn’t really made of cacti . It’s a doughy bread topped with cinnamon strudel and delicious vanilla icing.
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