Fleischkuekle
Fleischkuekle is a type of meat pie made with dough, similar to a Cornish pasty, or Russian Chiburekki. The dish is a traditional Volga Deutsche/Germans from Russia recipe, and through immigration became an addition to the cuisine of North Dakota. This dish is also popular among the many Russian-German immigrant families of North Dakota.
The dish is particularly common at main-street diners, especially in Mercer County, and on menus at fraternal organizations around the state.
Fleischkuekle is typically served hot from a deep fryer. Hot oil may pool inside when the breading is incompletely sealed, making it a sensible precaution to poke and drain any excess before eating.
In Mercer County, diners typically provide pickles and ketchup on the side. The dish is served with gravy in Fargo. A slice of cheese on top is not an uncommon request.
