These 9 Unusual Meals Are Just Another Dinner To A Minnesotan

Here in Minnesota, there are a few things that influence how and what we eat. Given the popularity of hunting and fishing, many fish and wild game make it onto menus at Minnesota meals. And the state’s Scandinavian heritage adds a certain flair to the foods that top Minnesota tables that those in other states might not embrace. But what may seem like unusual meals to outsiders are just another dinner in Minnesota. These 9 unusual dishes prove just that:

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Made with potatoes, milk, and butter, lefse is a delicious Norwegian flatbread that is common in homes across Minnesota - especially at holiday gatherings. It is best eaten rolled up after being smeared with butter and topped with cinnamon and sugar.

Ole Husby/Flickr

While the majority of Minnesotans would never consider eating lutefisk, there still remains a small portion of the population for whom it is a family tradition. This lye-soaked fish is the definition of an acquired taste. This is one Minnesota food even native-born Minnesotans can't stomach.

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Hotdish in general is one of the most Minnesotan foods there is, but tater tot hotdish is the gold standard variety. Most Minnesotans have a family recipe, and they'll bring it to every potluck. It may be unusual to some, but in Minnesota it's the ultimate comfort food.

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When deer season rolls around each year, thousands of hunters head out to chase the taste of venison. Whether ground and served in chili or made into deer jerky, the popularity of this food goes back to the earliest people who lived in Minnesota. Those in more urban states may not understand the appeal, but many Minnesotans love sitting down to a venison dinner.

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From lemon bars to brownies, bars are another one of those foods that Minnesotans bring to potlucks everywhere. And because they're typically sweet and delicious desserts, it's not any wonder that these treats go fast.

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Because the walleye is so abundant in many Minnesota lakes, it makes sense that Minnesotans are accustomed to sitting down to a walleye meal every now and then. Whether served fresh from the lake or ordered from a restaurant, it's hard to beat a meal containing Minnesota's state fish.

Lorie Shaull/Flickr

In name alone, booyah is a strange meal to many who live outside of the Upper Midwest. And in practice, booyah can be confusing as well. Basically, it is a hearty stew made in a giant kettle from which many people are served. Booyah dinners are common throughout Minnesota, especially in smaller communities. Unlike many Minnesota meals, there is no set recipe. But no matter what ingredients go into the pot, they're bound to come out as a mouthwatering meal.

Whitney/Flickr

The wetlands of northern Minnesota mean that wild rice is easily grown there. And in some places, it's still harvested as it was centuries ago. Regardless, it's a quintessentially Minnesotan dish, especially when combined into a hearty soup with vegetables and broth. While many people in other states have never even heard of wild rice, this unusual meal is quite common in Minnesota households.

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Pockafwye/Flickr

With the Minnesota State Fair comes the tradition of putting anything you can on a stick. Why? Because they're easier to carry while wandering around the fairgrounds. What started out as a convenient way to eat has become a phenomenon in itself. But Minnesotans don't mind. We're too busy eating the least healthy foods imaginable - and loving every minute of it.

Can you think of any other unusual meals or foods that Minnesotans eat? Tell us your favorites in the comments below.