Mom's Classic Norwegian Lefse
This beloved Norwegian lefse recipe has been passed down through generations in my family. Originating from my mother's kitchen in Norway, this traditional holiday treat is a soft and delicious flatbread made from creamy mashed potatoes, rich butter, and a sprinkle of salt. It's perfect for special occasions, especially Christmas, and is best enjoyed warm with a slather of butter and a sprinkle of sugar.
N/A
Servings
100
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
hot potatoes, mashed
4 cups (peeled and cooked)
melted butter
1/4 cup (unsalted)
light cream
1/2 cup (whole or half-and-half)
salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
white flour
2 1/2 cups (all-purpose)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the hot, mashed potatoes, melted butter, light cream, and salt. Mix until smooth and well combined.
2
Gradually add the flour to the potato mixture, stirring gently to form a soft dough. If the dough feels too sticky, add additional flour, a little at a time, until manageable.
3
Once mixed, divide the dough into golf ball-sized portions if using a pancake griddle, or larger if using a lefse grill.
4
Place the dough balls on a plate and cover with plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm up.
5
On a floured pastry cloth, roll out each chilled dough ball as thin as you can. The thinner, the better for that delicate texture!
6
Preheat your griddle or lefse grill to 400-500°F (200-260°C). Once hot, carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to the grill.
7
Cook until the surface forms small brown spots, usually 1-2 minutes, then flip and repeat on the other side.
8
Once cooked, remove the lefse from the grill and cover with a towel or waxed paper to keep them soft while you finish baking the rest.
9
To serve, spread butter on the warm lefse and sprinkle with brown or granulated sugar. Roll it up and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
5.3
Fat
12.7
Carbs
1.7
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mom's Classic Norwegian Lefse?
It is a traditional Norwegian flatbread made from creamy mashed potatoes, rich butter, and flour, often served during the holidays.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This recipe originated from the creator's mother's kitchen in Norway and has been passed down through generations.
What are the primary ingredients needed?
The main ingredients include mashed potatoes, melted butter, light cream, salt, and all-purpose white flour.
How many calories are in a serving of this lefse?
Each serving contains approximately 100 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 5.3 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 12.7 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in the lefse?
Each serving provides 1.7 grams of protein.
Should the mashed potatoes be hot or cold when mixing?
The recipe specifies using hot, mashed potatoes for the initial mixture.
What type of butter is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter.
Can I use half-and-half instead of light cream?
Yes, the recipe suggests using either whole light cream or half-and-half.
How much flour is required?
You will need 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose white flour.
What is the first step in making the dough?
Combine the hot mashed potatoes, melted butter, light cream, and salt in a large mixing bowl until smooth.
What should I do if the dough is too sticky?
If the dough feels too sticky, you should add additional flour a little at a time until it becomes manageable.
What size should the dough portions be for a pancake griddle?
For a standard pancake griddle, divide the dough into golf ball-sized portions.
Should the dough be chilled before rolling?
Yes, the dough balls should be chilled in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm up.
What is the best way to roll out the lefse?
Roll out each chilled dough ball as thin as possible on a floured pastry cloth.
What temperature should the griddle be?
Preheat your griddle or lefse grill to between 400 and 500 degrees Fahrenheit (200-260 degrees Celsius).
How long does it take to cook each lefse?
It typically takes 1 to 2 minutes per side until small brown spots form.
How do I keep the lefse soft after baking?
Immediately cover the cooked lefse with a towel or waxed paper to retain moisture.
What is the traditional way to serve lefse?
Spread butter on the warm lefse, sprinkle with sugar, roll it up, and enjoy.
Is this recipe suitable for Christmas?
Yes, it is a traditional holiday treat specifically mentioned as being perfect for Christmas.
Can I use granulated sugar for the topping?
Yes, you can use either brown sugar or granulated sugar for the topping.
What kind of potatoes should be used?
The recipe recommends potatoes that have been peeled, cooked, and mashed.
How many different ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 5 ingredients used in this recipe.
Is this considered a flatbread?
Yes, lefse is a traditional Norwegian potato-based flatbread.
What kind of flour is best for this recipe?
All-purpose white flour is recommended for this lefse recipe.
Can I make the dough portions larger?
Yes, if you are using a dedicated lefse grill, you can make the dough portions larger than golf ball size.
Is salt necessary for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 teaspoon of salt to be mixed into the potato base.
What is the consistency of the dough?
The goal is to form a soft, manageable dough that can be rolled very thin.
Can I prepare this without a pastry cloth?
While a floured pastry cloth is recommended for the best results, the key is ensuring the surface is well-floured to prevent sticking.