Did You Know This Popular Sandwich Was Invented In Minnesota?

Whether hot or cold, I think everyone loves a good sandwich, especially since you can get creative with how you put it together. By definition, a sandwich is a light meal consisting of two pieces of bread with meat, cheese, or other filling between them, so the possibilities are endless.

Sandwiches are so popular that November 3 is actually National Sandwich Day. Last year, to celebrate, a survey was conducted to determine the most popular sandwiches in America.

According to the results, Americans’ favorite sandwiches are: Grilled cheese (42%), chicken (40%), turkey (30%) ham (27%) tuna (24%), egg (21%), PB&J (21%) and meatball sandwiches (19%).

If you live in Minnesota, you're likely looking at those results and wondering how the heck the best sandwich, which happened to be invented in Minnesota, failed to finish in the top 8. If that survey was conducted exclusively in Minnesota, chances it would be at or near the top.

Minnesota's Signature Sandwich

I'm guessing by now you've figured out what sandwich was invented in Minnesota, the Land Of 10,000 Lakes.

Minnesota’s state fish is the walleye the unique freshwater fish that is native to the region. Catching walleye is fun, eating walleye is even better. LoveFood notes that walleye is popular due to its "fresh, subtly sweet taste."

The walleye sandwich was invented in Minnesota, and it can be found it can be found in restaurants across the state. The recipe for the classic Minnesota-style walleye sandwich was originally published in the book 'Lake Fish: Modern Cooking with Midwestern Fish' by Keane Amdah

LoveFood notes the most popular way to serve it is simply fried (either in batter or just with seasoning) in a soft French roll, with optional tartar sauce. My favorite is without any breading, or more of a breadcrumb style of coating rather than the greasy beer batter-style that reminds me of food you'd get at a fair.

No matter where you live in Minnesota, you likely have a favorite local spot to have a walleye sandwich, but you can always make them yourself.

Walleye Sandwich Recipe

If you need some inspiration to make a great walleye sandwich, this recipe from What's Cooking America is a great start:

Ingredients:

• 4 (4- to 6-ounce) Walleye filets (skinless, boneless)
• 1/4 cup liquid (water, milk, cream, white wine, or beer) of your choice
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup flour, all-purpose
• 1/4 cup saltine cracker crumbs or dry bread crumbs
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 teaspoons ground paprika
• Vegetable oil
• 4 hamburger buns
• Lettuce leaves
• Tomatoes, sliced
• Tartar sauce

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Instructions:

1. Rinse filets and pat dry with paper towels; cut into sizes appropriate for sandwiches.
2. In a flat dish, beat the liquid of your choice and egg until well blended. In another flat dish, combine flour, cracker or bread crumbs, baking powder, salt, pepper, and paprika until smooth.
3. Dip filets into the egg mixture, then into the breading mixture (pat breading onto the filets with your fingers), shaking off excess. Place the breaded filets in a single layer on a platter or pan; refrigerate for 30 minutes (this will allow the breading to set).
4. Preheat oven to 150 degrees F. In a large frying pan, heat 1/2-inch of vegetable oil to 365 degrees F. Add the breaded filets and fry for 3 to 5 minutes on each side, turning once, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is golden brown.
5. Remove from hot oil and drain on paper towels. Keep warm, uncovered in the oven.
6. Serve on hamburger buns with lettuce leaves, sliced tomatoes, and tartar sauce. Makes 4 sandwiches.

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