In the realm of Norwegian culinary traditions, lefse stands as a delectable flatbread that has captured the hearts of many. This soft and pliable bread, typically made with mashed potatoes, flour, and butter, holds a special place in Norwegian culture, often gracing tables during festive occasions and everyday meals alike. Embark on a culinary journey as we explore the intricacies of lefse making, delving into detailed recipes that cater to various dietary preferences and skill levels. Discover the secrets behind achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures, ensuring each bite is a symphony of taste and delight. From the classic potato lefse to gluten-free and vegan variations, this article equips you with the knowledge and techniques to create this beloved Norwegian flatbread in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Let's cook with our recipes!
NORWEGIAN POTATO FLATBREAD (LEFSE)
This is my take on Norwegian flatbread. Without really knowing what I was doing, these came out delightfully tender, supple, almost fabric-like in texture, and tasting deliciously like something between a crepe and a potato pancake. They're traditionally served with butter and a sprinkle of sugar, but I also enjoy them with some smoked salmon, sour cream, and fresh dill. My other favorite topping combo is butter and some kind of berry jam and sour cream.
Provided by Chef John
Categories Bread Quick Bread Recipes
Time 4h55m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line an oven-safe skillet or baking pan with aluminum foil.
- Poke the potato skin all over with a knife and place on the prepared pan.
- Roast in the preheated oven until very tender and easily pierced with a knife, about 1 hour. Let sit until cool enough to handle but still very warm.
- Scoop potato flesh out into a bowl. Mash smooth with the back of a spatula until there are no lumps left. You can also use a potato ricer. Add the butter and mix until it disappears. Add the salt, sugar, and cream; mix until smooth. Cover and refrigerate until chilled, about 2 hours.
- Mix in flour in several additions until the dough is able to be kneaded by hand. Add enough flour to form a soft, but not too sticky, dough. You need to be able to roll it out fairly thin without it falling apart.
- Wrap dough with plastic and refrigerate until chilled, about 1 hour.
- Divide dough into 8 portions. Dust each with flour and roll out onto a well-floured kitchen towel to 1/8-inch thick, or thinner.
- Heat a very lightly buttered nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Cook the lefse in the hot pan, poking the surface lightly with a fork, until golden brown blisters form, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Stack on a plate as they're cooked and keep covered with a towel. Serve warm.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 139.2 calories, Carbohydrate 20.7 g, Cholesterol 15.9 mg, Fat 5.1 g, Fiber 1.4 g, Protein 2.7 g, SaturatedFat 3.1 g, Sodium 296.9 mg, Sugar 0.9 g
INSTANT POTATO NORWEGIAN LEFSE
This is a traditional Norwegian dish that my Great Grandmother, Mina Taylor, would make that was handed down to us. As children, we always had lefse for our Christmas Morning breakfast. I found an easy way using instant potatoes and this makes the process a lot easier to make the lefse in the mornings! We would eat the cooked lefse by rolling the lefse in cooked bacon with cream cheese and it is so good that way! I am not including the refrigeration time, which could be anywhere from 2 hours to overnight, which is what I do when I make them for Christmas morning. You could also try using a gluten free flour to see if it would be used for a gluten free diet.
Provided by LDSMom128
Categories Potato
Time 30m
Yield 6-8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- In a large saucepan or pot, bring the water to boil and add the milk, butter, sugar, and salt. When the milk has come to a boil, add the potato flakes and stir until smooth. Pour the potatoes into a large bowl and refrigerate.
- When ready to make the lefse, take out 2 cups of potatoes at a time and add 1 to 1 1/2 cups of flour and stir until it becomes a workable dough. Flour a counter surface and roll the dough out as thin as possible. Cut individual slices with the a round cookie cutter, or the top of a medium sized glass.
- Add about 1 tsp oil to a skillet pan and cook the lefse for about 3-5 minutes, or when brown blisters start to form on the top. Flip and cook for another 3-5 minutes.
- Continue to cook the individual slices until the potato dough is gone. You may be able to cook several lefse at a time if you have a large enough skillet, if not cook one at a time. Any leftover cooked lefse may be refrigerate and used for about 3-5 more days.
LEFSE- NORWEGIAN FLAT BREAD
This is the best Lefse you will ever taste! I have such wonderful memories of learning how to make lefse at my Aunt Gwen's. She makes this with authentic, hand made Norwegian rolling pins and lefse sticks made by her father and handed down to her by her mother. Do not fear though! Lefse can be made with regular kitchen equipment like a rolling pin and thin spatula. Traditionally this is served warm with butter or for a treat with cinnamon, sugar or jam. My family always enjoys their lefse with Lutefisk on Christmas Eve. I hate Lutefisk but LOVE lefse! Here is a great site with step by step pictures and instructions http://www.britta.com/smorgabritta/lefse/index.html. OR BETTER YET here is a video I found on the web that will explain the process much better. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTmUuSoZShY *NOTE:* If making more than one batch make sure to keep them separate. ONLY MIX ONE BATCH AT A TIME as mixture will become too sticky to work with. Time does not include cooling and resting time.
Provided by Mamas Kitchen Hope
Categories Breads
Time 1h
Yield 20 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Peel and cut potatoes. Boil in well salted water until soft. Use more salt than you normally would. You do not want to add salt once they are cooked as it will not dissolve as well.
- Drain well and return to pot. Steam for a few minutes to ensure all water has been evaporated.
- Measure out 4 cups of potatoes, packed well. Rice potatoes now while potatoes are still hot. You may have potatoes left over.
- Place riced potatoes in a plastic bowl with a good sealing lid. Add butter and milk and mash with a HAND masher. Do NOT use an electric mixer as it will get sticky.
- Allow to cool on the counter until potatoes are at room temperature then place several paper towels on top, seal tightly with the lid and place in the refrigerator overnight.
- Next day: Much easier to work with. Mix in flour and sugar and form into small balls. Now roll them out thin and flat using a rolling pin, preferably one with grooves and covered with a sock. You can just cut an old CLEAN sock and slide it over the rolling pin.
- Using a lefse stick or a long flat stick or long thin spatula roll the raw lefse around the stick and then unroll onto a HOT griddle (450 degrees) Flip once the first side starts to form bubbles and is lightly browned or freckled. Cook other side just until lightly browned.
- Using stick again remove lefse from griddle to a towel and place a towel on top to keep them warm and pliable.
- Eat warm or store in the refrigerator in a well sealed container lined with more paper towels. Can also be frozen with waxed paper between each lefse.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 76.3, Fat 1.9, SaturatedFat 1.2, Cholesterol 5, Sodium 19.7, Carbohydrate 13.2, Fiber 1.2, Sugar 0.7, Protein 1.7
NORWEGIAN LEFSE
I was raised on Lefse as a special treat for the holidays. We still make it every holiday season, and this is the best recipe ever. We eat ours with butter and sugar. Note: you will need a potato ricer to prepare this recipe.
Provided by DEBBA7
Categories Bread Quick Bread Recipes
Time 2h
Yield 15
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Cover potatoes with water and cook until tender. Run hot potatoes through a potato ricer. Place into a large bowl. Beat butter, cream, salt, and sugar into the hot riced potatoes. Let cool to room temperature.
- Stir flour into the potato mixture. Pull off pieces of the dough and form into walnut size balls. Lightly flour a pastry cloth and roll out lefse balls to 1/8 inch thickness.
- Cook on a hot (400 degree F/200 C) griddle until bubbles form and each side has browned. Place on a damp towel to cool slightly and then cover with damp towel until ready to serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 367.6 calories, Carbohydrate 71.2 g, Cholesterol 16.3 mg, Fat 6.6 g, Fiber 5.5 g, Protein 6.9 g, SaturatedFat 4 g, Sodium 522.7 mg, Sugar 3.2 g
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients, especially for the potatoes. Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are good choices.
- Make sure the potatoes are cooked through before mashing them. This will help ensure a smooth and creamy dough.
- If the dough is too sticky, add more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it is smooth and elastic.
- If the dough is too dry, add more butter or milk, one tablespoon at a time, until it is smooth and pliable.
- Roll the dough out as thinly as possible. This will help ensure that the lefse is crispy and light.
- Cook the lefse over medium heat. This will help prevent it from burning.
- Serve the lefse warm or at room temperature. It can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Conclusion:
Lefse is a delicious and versatile flatbread that can be enjoyed in many different ways. It is a popular dish in Norway and is often served with butter, sugar, and cinnamon, or with various savory toppings. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this Norwegian lefse recipe is a great choice for home cooks of all skill levels. Whether you are making it for a special occasion or just as a weeknight meal, this lefse recipe is sure to please everyone at the table.
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