Traditional Norwegian Lefse
Explore the authentic taste of Norway with this delightful Lefse recipe. This traditional flatbread is easy to make and combines wholesome ingredients, yielding a deliciously soft texture that's perfect for pairing with sweet or savory fillings. Whether enjoyed as a snack or as part of a meal, Lefse can be spread with butter and sugar or served alongside your favorite meats. Perfect for gatherings, this recipe yields two dozen pieces, making it ideal for sharing with family and friends. Embrace the spirit of Norwegian cuisine with this charming flatbread that captures the essence of home-cooked goodness.
24
Servings
100
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Whole wheat flour
1 1/2 cups (Sifted)
Sugar
1/2 cup (Granulated)
Butter
1/2 cup (Softened)
Boiling water
1 cup (Hot)
All-purpose flour
4 to 4 1/2 cups (For kneading and rolling)
Buttermilk
1 cup (Room temperature)
Baking powder
2 teaspoons (For leavening)
Salt
1 1/2 teaspoons (To taste)
Baking soda
1 teaspoon (For leavening)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, sugar, softened butter, and boiling water. Stir until well mixed and let it sit for 5 minutes to cool slightly.
3
Add the buttermilk along with the baking powder, salt, and baking soda to the flour mixture. Gradually stir in 4 cups of all-purpose flour, adding more as needed to create a smooth and pliable dough.
4
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5
Divide the dough into two equal halves. Roll each half into a log approximately 12 x 2 1/2 inches in size.
6
Using a sharp knife, cut each roll into 12 equal pieces, giving you a total of 24 portions.
7
On a lightly floured surface, roll each piece of dough into a flat circle, about 1/8 inch thick. The shapes may be irregular, which adds to the homemade charm.
8
Arrange the rolled flatbreads on ungreased cookie sheets, making sure they are not touching each other.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 13 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown.
10
Remove from the oven and let cool on wire racks. Serve warm or at room temperature, with your favorite spreads or toppings.
Nutrition Information
3.75g
Fat
14.58g
Carbs
1.25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Traditional Norwegian Lefse?
It is an authentic Norwegian flatbread known for its soft texture and wholesome ingredients, often served with sweet or savory fillings.
How many servings does this Lefse recipe produce?
This recipe yields approximately two dozen pieces, or 24 servings.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking Lefse?
The oven should be preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius.
What are the initial ingredients mixed together?
The process begins by combining whole wheat flour, sugar, softened butter, and boiling water in a large mixing bowl.
How long should the initial flour and water mixture sit?
The mixture should sit for 5 minutes to allow it to cool slightly before adding other ingredients.
When do I add the buttermilk to the dough?
Add the buttermilk after the initial mixture has rested for 5 minutes, along with the baking powder, salt, and baking soda.
How much all-purpose flour is required for the dough?
You will need between 4 and 4 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour to create a smooth and pliable dough.
How long should the Lefse dough be kneaded?
The dough should be kneaded on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
How do I divide and shape the dough before cutting?
Divide the dough into two equal halves and roll each half into a log measuring approximately 12 by 2.5 inches.
How many pieces should each dough log be cut into?
Each log should be cut into 12 equal pieces, totaling 24 portions for the whole batch.
How thin should I roll each piece of dough?
Each piece should be rolled into a flat circle about 1/8 inch thick.
Do the Lefse circles need to be perfectly round?
No, irregular shapes add to the homemade charm of this traditional flatbread.
Should I grease the cookie sheets before baking?
No, the flatbreads should be arranged on ungreased cookie sheets.
How should the flatbreads be arranged on the baking sheet?
Place them on the sheets making sure they are not touching each other.
What is the baking time for Lefse?
Lefse should be baked for 10 to 13 minutes.
How do I know when the Lefse is done baking?
The Lefse is done when the edges turn a golden brown color.
What is the best way to cool the Lefse?
Once removed from the oven, let the pieces cool on wire racks.
How can Lefse be served?
It can be served warm or at room temperature with various spreads or toppings.
What are common sweet toppings for Lefse?
Lefse is traditionally spread with butter and sugar for a sweet treat.
Can Lefse be paired with savory foods?
Yes, it is often served alongside favorite meats or savory fillings.
What are the nutritional calories per serving?
Each serving contains 100 calories.
What is the fat content per serving of Lefse?
Each piece contains 3.75 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in one piece of Lefse?
There are 14.58 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content of this recipe?
Each serving provides 1.25 grams of protein.
Does this recipe use whole wheat flour?
Yes, it uses 1 1/2 cups of sifted whole wheat flour.
Is buttermilk a necessary ingredient?
Yes, the recipe requires 1 cup of room temperature buttermilk.
What leavening agents are used in this bread?
The recipe uses both baking powder and baking soda for leavening.
Is this recipe suitable for large gatherings?
Yes, because it yields 24 pieces, it is ideal for sharing with family and friends.
What is the texture of traditional Lefse?
It has a soft texture, making it versatile for rolling or spreading.
In what category does this recipe belong?
This recipe is categorized under Breads.