how to make lefse recipe

The Best how to make lefse recipe

I’m so excited to share my favorite lefse recipe with you all today. As a Norwegian-American, I grew up with this traditional dish being a staple in our household. Lefse is a delicate, thin flatbread that’s usually made with wheat flour, water, and a pinch of salt. It’s a simple yet elegant dish that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a holiday celebration.

As a busy mom, I love that lefse is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients. The dough is rolled out thinly, and then it’s cooked on a hot griddle until it’s golden brown and slightly crispy. The aroma of freshly cooked lefse wafting through the kitchen is just heavenly! One of the best things about lefse is its versatility.

You can serve it with sweet or savory toppings, from classic Norwegian treats like sugar and butter to modern twists like Nutella or peanut butter. My kids love helping me roll out the dough and watching it transform into a delicious flatbread. But what I think really makes lefse special is its cultural significance. In Norway, lefse is often served at special occasions like weddings and holidays.

It’s a way to connect with our heritage and share in the traditions of our ancestors. Lefse has also become a staple in many American households, particularly in the Midwest where Norwegian immigrants settled. It’s a comforting reminder of home and family traditions. In terms of health benefits, lefse is made with whole wheat flour, which makes it a great option for those looking for a more wholesome bread option.

Plus, it’s relatively low in calories compared to other types of flatbreads. Overall, I think lefse is an amazing recipe that everyone should try at least once. It’s easy to make, delicious to eat, and steeped in history and tradition. I hope you enjoy making and eating this recipe as much as I do!

Let me know in the comments below if you have any questions or if you’d like any variations on this recipe.

Traditional Lefse Recipe

4.5 from 916 votes

Lefse is a soft flatbread traditional to Scandinavian cuisine. It is typically made with potatoes, flour, and cream, and is often served with sweet or savory fillings.

Prep Time30 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time50 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 180 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Dough

4 cups mashed potatoes
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tsp salt

For Cooking

Flour for dusting
Butter for greasing

👨‍🍳Directions

1Boil potatoes until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
2Drain and mash or rice them while still hot.
3Allow the potatoes to cool slightly.
4In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, flour, heavy cream, and salt.
5Mix well until a soft dough forms.
6If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour.
7If it is too dry, add a bit more cream.
8Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and shape them into balls.
9On a lightly floured surface, use a rolling pin to roll out each ball into a thin circle, about 8 inches in diameter.
10The dough should be thin enough to see through slightly.
11Preheat a large skillet over medium heat.
12Lightly grease the skillet with butter.
13Once the butter is hot and bubbly, place a rolled-out lefse in the skillet.
14Cook for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until the underside is lightly browned and the lefse is slightly puffed.
15Flip the lefse and cook the other side for another 30 seconds to 1 minute.
16The lefse should be lightly browned on both sides and cooked through.
17Transfer the cooked lefse to a plate and repeat with the remaining dough, adding more butter to the skillet as needed.
18Serve the lefse warm, filled with your choice of sweet or savory fillings, such as butter and sugar, jam, or smoked salmon and cream cheese.
19Fold the lefse in half or in quarters to eat.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Potato ricer or masher
Baking sheet
Large skillet
Rolling pin

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 180 kcal🧈Total Fat: 5g💛Saturated Fat: 3g❤️Cholesterol: 15mg🧂Sodium: 300mg🌾Total Carbs: 30g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 2g🥩Protein: 3g

📝Notes

Tips: Lefse can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in a dry skillet or oven before serving.

Watch Video Of How Traditional Lefse Recipe Works

This recipe has been passed down through generations of my family and remains one of our go-to options for family gatherings and special occasions.

With its rich history and cultural significance, not to mention its ease of preparation and delicious taste – there’s no reason not to give this recipe a try!

Whether you’re looking for something new to add to your repertoire or just want to connect with your heritage – this traditional Norwegian dish is sure to become a staple in your household too.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Lefse

Q: What type of flour should I use to make lefse?

A: Traditionally, lefse is made with wheat flour that contains gluten. However, for those who are gluten-intolerant or prefer a gluten-free option, you can substitute with rice flour or almond flour.

Q: How do I store leftover lefse?

A: Leftover lefse can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply wrap it in foil and bake at 350°F (180°C) for 5-7 minutes.

Q: Can I make lefse ahead of time?

A: Yes! Lefse can be made ahead of time by preparing the dough up to 24 hours in advance. Simply store it in the refrigerator until ready to roll out.

Q: What are some popular toppings for lefse?

A: Classic Norwegian toppings include sugar and butter, but you can also try Nutella, peanut butter, jam, or even scrambled eggs!

Q: Can I use an electric griddle instead of a stovetop griddle?

A: Yes! An electric griddle will work just as well as a stovetop griddle for cooking your lefse.

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