Chislic

A serving of beef chislic at a restaurant in Sioux Falls, SD.

Chislic (or sometimes chislick) is a traditional dish of cubed red meat most commonly localized to the state of South Dakota (United States) and it is the official state food or “nosh”.

Etymology

The word chislic is arguably derived from the Turkic word of shashlik or shashlyk, which is cubed meat or liver grilled on a skewer with tomatoes, peppers, and onions. The origin of the word shashlyk is rooted in shish kebab, the Turkish and Arabic words for skewered meats.^[1] According to some sources, chislic was possibly introduced into the United States by John Hoellwarth, who immigrated from Crimea to Hutchinson County, South Dakota in the 1870s. However, it is highly debated as to why other German and Russian immigrants aren’t credited for bringing Chislic to the state of South Dakota.^[2]

Preparation

Chislic is traditionally prepared very simply. Cubed mutton or lamb (or alternately beef or venison), generally no bigger than a half-inch, are cooked in a deep fryer. Generally, chislic is served medium-rare to medium—i.e. warm pink inside. After cooking, while the meat cools on a paper towel, it is flavored with garlic salt, or other varieties of seasoned salts. The cubes are eaten hot, using toothpicks.

Regional differences

Chislic may vary slightly in preparation from region to region.

In the southeastern South Dakota communities of Freeman and Menno chislic is generally prepared deep-fried in restaurants. The meat is almost invariably lamb, but wild game chislic, such as venison, may appear when in season. It is traditionally seasoned with garlic salt and eaten with soda crackers. The small, blunt skewer - or sometimes a toothpick – usually holds five or six cubes of meat. The same dish is also served grilled when prepared for large groups, such as gatherings at community organization fund-raisers or baseball games during the Fourth of July. The grilled variety is sometimes cooked with a brushing of barbecue sauce.

Annually in Freeman, at the heart of the Chislic Circle, the South Dakota Chislic Festival is held. Chislic can be found in Scotland, as well as other southeastern South Dakota towns. The local bars sometimes hold chislic feasts where more than a dozen sticks of chislic may be consumed.

In the Brookings area, chislic is deep-fried mutton. In more recent times, it has been common to prepare chislic using lamb meat, which is typically more tender and approachable in flavor. In keeping with tradition, it is seasoned with garlic salt and served with soda crackers and bleu cheese dressing (hot sauce optional). It is thought of as casual bar, café, or family-function fare and is usually eaten using toothpicks and paired with beer. Other innovations or variations of chislic are specified, i.e. "beef chislic."

In the Pierre area, chislic is a marinated meat, dipped in batter and deep-fat fried. It has been offered as an alternative to Rocky Mountain oysters. The marinades vary and are often family secrets.

In the Sioux Falls area, chislic, usually deep fried mutton, is a popular bar food to accompany cold beer. It is often served with garlic salt, soda crackers and hot sauce.^[3]

In the Watertown area, chislic, usually deep fried beef, is found on most appetizer menus. Most often served with a side of Ranch dressing.

In the Redfield area, chislic is deep fried beef with a side of toast and Lawry's Seasoned Salt.

In Omaha, former South Dakota residents have developed a southern variation using a combination of taco seasoning, cayenne pepper and garlic. The southern style dish has been served in appetizer form at the Annual Omaha Police Officers Association Gala since 2014.

References

External links

• Chislic recipe