Traditional Scandinavian Lefse - Creamy Potato Flatbread
Lefse is a cherished traditional Scandinavian flatbread made primarily of potatoes, celebrated for its soft, creamy texture and lightly sweet flavor. This delightful flatbread is perfect for serving alongside roasted meats, as a wrap for your favorite fillings, or simply spread with butter and sugar for a sweet treat. Originating from Norway and embraced by Scandinavian communities, especially in Minnesota, this recipe captures the essence of home-cooked comfort food while allowing you to enjoy a taste of history with every bite. This recipe minimizes flour usage, ensuring the delicate flavors of the potatoes shine through. Enjoy this versatile bread as part of a festive meal or as a simple side any day of the week.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Potatoes
3 cups (cooked and mashed)
Milk
2 tablespoons (added to mashed potatoes)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (added to potato mixture)
Butter
3 tablespoons (softened and mixed into potato mixture)
Baking Powder
1/2 teaspoon (mixed with flour before adding to potatoes)
Flour
1 cup (amount is approximate, for rolling dough)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the potatoes in their skins until tender. Allow them to cool slightly before peeling.
2
Once cool enough to handle, mash the potatoes in a mixing bowl. Stir in the salt and butter until combined and creamy, then mix in the milk until smooth.
3
Cover the bowl and chill the potato mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
4
Once the mixture is chilled, mix the baking powder with a small amount of flour in a separate bowl. Gradually add this to the potato mixture.
5
Slowly incorporate enough additional flour to create a soft dough that can be rolled out without sticking. Remember, the goal is to use as little flour as possible.
6
Divide the dough into small portions to handle easily. Lightly flour your work surface and roll out one portion of the dough into a thin circle, approximately 1/8 inch thick.
7
Cut the rolled dough into quarters (or desired shapes) and place them on a lightly greased hot griddle set to about 400°F (200°C).
8
Cook each piece for 2-3 minutes on one side until lightly browned, then flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
9
Repeat the process with the remaining portions of dough, stacking the finished lefse in a warm towel to keep them soft.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Traditional Scandinavian Lefse?
Lefse is a traditional Scandinavian flatbread made primarily of potatoes, known for its soft, creamy texture and lightly sweet flavor.
Where does Lefse originate from?
Lefse originates from Norway and is a staple in Scandinavian communities, particularly in Minnesota.
What are the main ingredients in this Lefse recipe?
The recipe requires 3 cups of potatoes, 2 tablespoons of milk, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 3 tablespoons of butter, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and approximately 1 cup of flour.
How should I serve Traditional Scandinavian Lefse?
It can be served alongside roasted meats, used as a wrap for fillings, or spread with butter and sugar for a sweet treat.
What is the secret to making good Lefse according to this recipe?
The key is to minimize the usage of flour to ensure that the delicate flavors of the potatoes shine through.
How do I prepare the potatoes for Lefse?
Cook the potatoes in their skins until tender, let them cool slightly, then peel and mash them until they are creamy.
When should I add the milk and butter to the potatoes?
Stir the salt, butter, and milk into the mashed potatoes before chilling the mixture.
How long should the potato mixture be refrigerated?
The mixture should be covered and chilled in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
How do I incorporate the baking powder?
Mix the baking powder with a small amount of flour in a separate bowl before gradually adding it to the potato mixture.
How much flour is needed for the Lefse dough?
Approximately 1 cup of flour is used, adding just enough to create a soft dough that can be rolled out without sticking.
How thin should I roll the Lefse dough?
Roll out the dough into a thin circle, approximately 1/8 inch thick.
What temperature should the griddle be set to?
The griddle should be set to a hot temperature of about 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
Should the griddle be greased?
Yes, place the dough on a lightly greased hot griddle.
How long does Lefse take to cook?
Cook each piece for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly browned.
How do I keep Lefse soft after cooking?
Stack the finished lefse in a warm towel to maintain their soft and creamy texture.
Can I cut the Lefse into shapes before cooking?
Yes, you can cut the rolled dough into quarters or other desired shapes before placing them on the griddle.
Is Lefse considered a quick bread?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick bread and a traditional Scandinavian flatbread.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
This recipe uses 6 main ingredients: potatoes, milk, salt, butter, baking powder, and flour.
Is this a traditional recipe?
Yes, it captures the essence of home-cooked comfort food and Scandinavian history.
What kind of flavor does Lefse have?
Lefse has a lightly sweet flavor that pairs well with both sweet and savory toppings.
Can I use this as a wrap?
Yes, Lefse is versatile and works perfectly as a wrap for your favorite fillings.
How do I ensure the dough doesn't stick?
Lightly flour your work surface and incorporate flour slowly into the dough until it is no longer sticky.
What is the texture of the potato mixture before adding flour?
The potato mixture should be creamy and smooth after mixing in the butter and milk.
Should the potatoes be peeled before or after cooking?
The recipe recommends cooking them in their skins first and peeling them once they have cooled slightly.
How should I handle the dough for rolling?
Divide the dough into small portions to make it easier to handle and roll out.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include lefse, potato bread, scandinavian recipe, traditional, flatbread, and nordic cuisine.
Is salt included in the dough?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of salt is mixed into the potato mixture for flavor.
Can Lefse be eaten any day of the week?
Yes, it can be enjoyed as part of a festive meal or as a simple side any day of the week.
How much butter is used in the dough?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of softened butter.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to cook the potatoes in their skins until they are tender.