Norwegian Potato Lefse
Experience the delightful taste of Norwegian Potato Lefse, a beloved traditional dish that can be enjoyed both as a breakfast treat or a sweet dessert. These soft, thin potato pancakes are made from mashed potatoes blended with flour, creating a light texture that's perfect for pairing with a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar or a dollop of your favorite jam. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy breakfast at home, Lefse is a versatile dish that embodies the comforting essence of Scandinavian cuisine. Prepare the mashed potatoes in advance and let them chill, ensuring the perfect dough consistency for rolling. Treat your family and friends to a delicious taste of Norway with every bite!
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Potatoes
3 large (peeled and boiled until tender)
Milk
1 tablespoon
Butter or Margarine
2 tablespoons (softened)
Salt
1 teaspoon
Sugar
2 teaspoons
Flour
1 1/2 cups (approximate, for kneading and rolling)
Instructions
1
Peel and cut the potatoes into chunks. Boil them in salted water until tender, then drain and mash until smooth. Allow the mashed potatoes to cool completely (refrigerate for about 2 hours).
2
Once chilled, measure out 2 cups of mashed potatoes. Reserve any extra for another meal. In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes with milk, softened butter (or margarine), salt, and sugar. Mix until the ingredients are well blended.
3
Gradually incorporate 1/2 cup of flour into the potato mixture. Sprinkle additional flour onto a clean surface to prevent sticking.
4
Transfer the mashed potato dough to the floured surface and knead gently for about 10 minutes, gradually adding more flour until you have used about a full cup. The dough should feel soft yet pliable.
5
Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and roll each piece into a smooth ball.
6
Lightly flour the surface again and begin to roll out each ball into a thin circle, about 9 inches in diameter, using a well-floured rolling pin. Regularly flip the dough to avoid sticking.
7
Preheat a frying pan or griddle over medium heat. If not using a non-stick surface, lightly grease it.
8
Carefully transfer one rolled-out lefse onto the pan. Cook until air bubbles form beneath, then flip it over and cook the other side. The second side will require less cooking time—check frequently to avoid burning.
9
Repeat for all pieces, keeping the cooked lefse warm by stacking them on a plate covered with a clean kitchen towel.
10
Serve the Lefse warm, dusted with icing sugar and cinnamon or with a selection of jams for a sweet finish.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Norwegian Potato Lefse?
Norwegian Potato Lefse is a traditional Scandinavian dish consisting of soft, thin potato pancakes made from mashed potatoes blended with flour.
Is Lefse served for breakfast or dessert?
Lefse is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed both as a breakfast treat or a sweet dessert.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What are the main ingredients for the dough?
The dough is made from potatoes, milk, butter or margarine, salt, sugar, and flour.
How should the potatoes be prepared?
The potatoes should be peeled, cut into chunks, boiled in salted water until tender, and then mashed until completely smooth.
Do the potatoes need to be cooled before mixing?
Yes, you must allow the mashed potatoes to cool completely, preferably by refrigerating them for about 2 hours, to ensure the correct dough consistency.
How much mashed potato is required for the recipe?
The recipe requires exactly 2 cups of chilled mashed potatoes.
What type of fat is used in Norwegian Lefse?
You can use 2 tablespoons of either softened butter or margarine.
How much flour is needed to make the dough?
You will need approximately 1 1/2 cups of flour total for mixing, kneading, and rolling.
How long should I knead the Lefse dough?
The dough should be kneaded gently on a floured surface for about 10 minutes.
What should the consistency of the dough be?
After kneading, the dough should feel soft yet pliable.
How should the dough be divided?
The dough should be divided into 8 equal portions and rolled into smooth balls.
How thin should each Lefse be rolled out?
Each ball should be rolled out into a thin circle about 9 inches in diameter.
How do I prevent the dough from sticking while rolling?
Use a well-floured rolling pin and surface, and regularly flip the dough as you roll it.
What temperature should I use to cook the Lefse?
Preheat a frying pan or griddle over medium heat.
Do I need to grease the pan?
If you are not using a non-stick surface, you should lightly grease the pan or griddle.
When is it time to flip the Lefse in the pan?
Flip the Lefse once air bubbles begin to form beneath the surface.
Does the second side take as long to cook as the first?
No, the second side requires less cooking time and should be checked frequently to avoid burning.
How do I keep the Lefse warm after cooking?
Keep them warm by stacking them on a plate and covering them with a clean kitchen towel.
What are traditional toppings for Norwegian Lefse?
Common toppings include icing sugar, cinnamon, or a selection of jams.
Can I use leftover mashed potatoes for this recipe?
Yes, as long as they are smooth and chilled, you can measure out 2 cups for the recipe.
What category of food is Lefse?
While it can be a dessert, it is primarily categorized as a Breakfast dish.
Is there sugar in the dough itself?
Yes, the recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of sugar to be mixed into the potato dough.
How much milk is used?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of milk.
What kind of potatoes are best for this recipe?
The recipe suggests using 3 large potatoes that are peeled and boiled until tender.
Is Lefse considered comfort food?
Yes, it is known for embodying the comforting essence of Scandinavian cuisine.
Can I serve Lefse cold?
While it can be eaten cold, it is best served warm with butter and toppings.
What tools do I need to make Lefse?
You will need a potato masher, a large mixing bowl, a rolling pin, and a frying pan or griddle.
How much salt is included in the recipe?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of salt.
Is this a traditional Norwegian dish?
Yes, it is a beloved traditional Norwegian dish often served at family gatherings.