| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 202 | 6g | 3.5g | 32g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 1g | 2g | 4g | 0.21g |
About Lefse
Steeped in centuries of Norwegian tradition, our delicately rolled Lefse brings a hearty welcome to any table. Soft, light, and flavored with an earthy blend of mashed potatoes and flour, this flatbread oozes comfort and homespun charm. In contrast to its delicate texture, the ingredients involved are regular kitchen staples – mashed potatoes, all-purpose flour, melted butter, heavy cream, salt, sugar, and a dust of extra flour for rolling the exquisite dough. The end result is a smooth, velvety bread imbued with a subtly rewarding taste that is, in essence, a delightful hug for your taste buds.
The Lefse Story
The history of Lefse is rich with cultural relevance, tracing its roots back to the pristine landscapes of Norway. Drawing inspiration from universal flatbreads, Norwegian bakers transformed ordinary ingredients into something far more sumptuous and satisfying. Adding a touch of ingenuity, they adapted their culinary skills to the harsh winters and limited food availability by creating flat, easily transportable, and highly nutritious bread that could be enjoyed with any meal.
Pairing Your Lefse
Remarkably versatile, Lefse is as perfect a companion to a cup of coffee or hot cider as it is to a hearty beef stew or smoked salmon. This Norwegian delicacy complements both sweet and savory, making it a firm favorite for breakfast spreads, dinner sides, and even dessert presentations. Lefse can be served with a smear of melted butter that subtly enhances the bread’s natural flavors. Moreover, a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar transforms it into a delightfully light dessert, striking the right balance of subtlety and indulgence.
More adventurous fans of this flatbread may find it a pleasing addition to some Mexican dishes too! Swap out your standard tortillas with Lefse for a Scandinavian twist on tacos or quesadillas. Utilize its flexibility and enhance your culinary creations with a dash of Norse culture.
Baking Your Own Lefse
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to try your hand at baking your own Lefse, you’ll need a blend of skill, patience, and heart. As the ingredients are straightforward, the true magic of Lefse lies in the preparation. A consistent rolling technique and attentively gauging the heat for cooking are essential to achieving the perfect result: A thin-as-tissue but structurally sound bread that delivers a unique taste sensation. For an extensive guide to making this special Norwegian treat, explore this detailed Lefse recipe.
The history, versatility, and sheer deliciousness of Lefse offer a compelling testament to the power of simple ingredients and traditional methods. When made lovingly and paired wisely, this bread becomes more than food. It becomes a signature of Norwegian culinary identity, an icon of comfort, and an embodiment of our shared human love for breaking bread together.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of mashed potatoes
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup of melted butter
- 1/8 cup of heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of sugar
- Extra flour for rolling out the lefse
- Butter for serving (optional)
- Cinnamon and sugar for serving (optional)
Method
Step One
Begin by combining the mashed potatoes, melted butter, heavy cream, salt, and sugar in a large bowl. Stir the ingredients together until they are thoroughly mixed.
Step Two
Slowly start adding the all-purpose flour to the potato mixture. Stir the mixture continuously as you add the flour, ensuring that the flour is fully incorporated into the mixture. The dough should be smooth and not sticky. You may not need all of the flour, depending on the moisture content of your potatoes.
Step Three
Now, cover the dough and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible. This step is crucial as it allows the dough to rest and makes it easier to roll out.
Step Four
After the dough has had enough time to rest, preheat a lefse grill or large skillet over medium-high heat.
Step Five
Roll out a small portion of the dough on a floured surface until it is very thin, about 1/8 inch thick. Be careful not to add too much flour as it can make the lefse tough. Also, try to keep the lefse as round as possible.
Step Six
Carefully transfer the rolled out lefse to the preheated grill or skillet. Cook the lefse for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until it is lightly browned.
Step Seven
Repeat the rolling and cooking process with the remaining dough. Remember to add more flour to the rolling surface as needed.
Step Eight
Serve the lefse warm, with extra butter, and cinnamon and sugar if desired. Enjoy this traditional Norwegian dish!
