Lefse

Lefse Recipe from Norway: How to Make Delicious Potato Flatbread

Region / culture: Norway | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Lefse is a traditional Norwegian flatbread that is a staple in Scandinavian cuisine. It is made with simple ingredients like potatoes, flour, butter, and milk, and is typically served with butter, sugar, or cinnamon. Lefse is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a snack, dessert, or even as a main course.

History

Lefse has been a part of Norwegian cuisine for centuries, with records of its existence dating back to the Viking era. Originally, lefse was made with leftover potatoes and was a way to preserve food during the long winter months. Over time, lefse became a popular dish that is enjoyed during holidays and special occasions.

Ingredients

6 cups of riced or mashed russet potatoes
1 tsp of salt
3 tbsp of margarine or butter
1 tbsp of sugar
2 tbsp of heavy cream or evaporated milk
1.5 cups of all-purpose flour

How to prepare

Combine all ingredients except flour and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled.
Add flour and mix well.
Heat a lefse or other griddle to 400°F (204°C).
Form the dough into a long roll and cut it into 12 sections.
Form each section into a small ball.
Roll out the dough very thin using a cloth-covered lefse or regular rolling pin on a cloth-covered lefse board or other surface.
Dust the board with flour when turning the lefse dough.
Bake on an ungreased griddle until brown spots appear.
Turn and bake the other side.
Stack the lefse between 2 towels to cool.
Store in the refrigerator in plastic bags.
Can be frozen.

Variations

Add cinnamon and sugar to the dough for a sweet version of lefse.
Use sweet potatoes or cauliflower instead of russet potatoes for a different flavor.
Add herbs and spices like dill, chives, or garlic for a savory twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to refrigerate the dough before rolling it out, as this will make it easier to work with.

- Use a cloth-covered lefse board or regular rolling pin to roll out the dough, as this will prevent it from sticking.

- Dust the board with flour when turning the lefse dough to prevent it from sticking.

- Bake the lefse on an ungreased griddle to achieve a crispy texture.

- Store the lefse in the refrigerator in plastic bags to keep it fresh.

Serving Suggestions

Lefse can be served with butter, sugar, cinnamon, or jam. It can also be enjoyed with savory toppings like smoked salmon, cheese, or cured meats.

Cooking Techniques

Roll out the dough very thin to achieve a crispy texture.

- Bake the lefse on a hot griddle to ensure even cooking.

- Stack the lefse between towels to keep them soft and pliable.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version of lefse.

- Use vegan butter and milk for a dairy-free version of lefse.

Make Ahead Tips

The dough can be made ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to use.

- Cooked lefse can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer for later use.

Presentation Ideas

Serve lefse on a platter with a variety of toppings for guests to choose from. - Roll up lefse with fillings like cream cheese, smoked salmon, and dill for an elegant appetizer.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve lefse with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a cozy snack.

- Pair lefse with a glass of milk or juice for a nutritious breakfast.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store cooked lefse in the refrigerator in plastic bags for up to a week.

- Reheat lefse in a hot oven or on a griddle until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of lefse contains approximately 180 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of lefse contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of lefse contains approximately 5 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of lefse contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Lefse is a good source of potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6.

Alergens

Lefse contains dairy and gluten.

Summary

Lefse is a delicious and nutritious dish that is low in calories and fat. It is a good source of carbohydrates and vitamins, making it a healthy choice for a snack or meal.

Summary

Lefse is a delicious and versatile dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it sweet or savory, lefse is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Try making this traditional Norwegian flatbread at home and enjoy a taste of Scandinavia.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Lefse. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Norway. My grandmother, who was known for her delicious cooking, had passed down many recipes to my mother, who in turn passed them on to me. But the recipe for Lefse was one that I had never heard of before.

One day, while rummaging through my grandmother's old recipe box, I came across a faded index card with the word "Lefse" scrawled across it in elegant script. Intrigued, I asked my grandmother about the recipe. She smiled and told me that Lefse was a traditional Norwegian flatbread made from potatoes, flour, and butter. She explained that it was a staple in many Norwegian households, particularly during the holidays.

Curious to learn more, I begged my grandmother to teach me how to make Lefse. She agreed, and together we set out to gather the ingredients. We peeled and boiled the potatoes, then mashed them until they were smooth and creamy. We added flour, butter, and a pinch of salt, then kneaded the dough until it was soft and elastic.

Next came the most exciting part - rolling out the dough into thin, round disks. My grandmother showed me how to use a special rolling pin called a Lefse stick, which was long and thin with a round flat surface at the end. We carefully rolled out each disk, making sure they were thin enough to cook evenly on the griddle.

As the Lefse cooked on the hot griddle, a delicious aroma filled the kitchen. I watched in awe as they bubbled and browned, turning into golden, crispy flatbreads. My grandmother showed me how to flip them with a long spatula, making sure they were cooked through but still soft and pliable.

Finally, it was time to taste our creation. We spread the warm Lefse with butter and sprinkled them with sugar, then rolled them up into delicious, buttery wraps. The first bite was pure heaven - the Lefse was soft and tender, with a hint of sweetness from the sugar and butter.

From that moment on, I was hooked. I made Lefse whenever I could, perfecting the recipe with each batch. Over the years, I added my own twist to the recipe, experimenting with different fillings and toppings. Sometimes I would fill the Lefse with savory ingredients like smoked salmon and cream cheese, other times I would spread them with lingonberry jam and whipped cream.

As I grew older, I passed the recipe on to my own daughter, who shared it with her children. Now, Lefse has become a beloved tradition in our family, a symbol of our Norwegian heritage and the love we share for good food and good company.

I can't help but smile as I think back on that day when I first discovered the recipe for Lefse. It was a moment that changed my life, opening up a world of culinary delights and cherished memories. And to this day, whenever I make Lefse, I am transported back to that cozy kitchen in Norway, surrounded by the ones I love and the flavors of home.