Traditional Scandinavian Potato Lefse
Discover the delightful world of Scandinavian cuisine with this Traditional Potato Lefse recipe. Lefse is a soft, thin flatbread made primarily from potatoes, perfect for serving with butter or wrapping around your favorite fillings. Originating from Norway, this beloved bread has a tender texture and subtle flavor that pairs wonderfully with both sweet and savory dishes. Perfect for family gatherings, festive occasions, or as a delicious addition to your everyday meals, this lefse recipe will transport your taste buds to the heart of Scandinavia.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Mashed Potatoes
6 cups (Cooked and mashed)
All-Purpose Flour
6 cups (For rolling and mixing)
Heavy Cream
1 cup (Room temperature)
Butter
5 tablespoons (Melted)
Salt
1 tablespoon (For flavor)
Sugar
1 tablespoon (For slight sweetness)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the hot mashed potatoes, melted butter, heavy cream, salt, and sugar. Stir until well combined and the mixture is smooth.
2
Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
3
Once cooled, begin adding the flour one cup at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition until a soft dough forms that can be rolled out.
4
Divide the dough into balls about the size of a tennis ball for easy handling.
5
On a well-floured surface, roll each ball of dough out into a thin circle, about 1/8 inch thick, adding more flour as necessary to prevent sticking.
6
Preheat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over high heat. Cook each rolled-out lefse for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until lightly browned and bubbles form.
7
Remove the lefse from the skillet and place on a wire rack to cool slightly. Repeat the process until all dough is cooked.
8
Serve warm with butter or fill with your choice of sweet or savory ingredients.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Traditional Scandinavian Potato Lefse?
Lefse is a soft, thin Norwegian flatbread made primarily from potatoes, often served with butter or various fillings.
What are the primary ingredients in this lefse recipe?
The main ingredients include mashed potatoes, all-purpose flour, heavy cream, butter, salt, and sugar.
How many cups of mashed potatoes are required?
This recipe requires 6 cups of cooked and mashed potatoes.
What type of flour should be used for the dough?
You should use 6 cups of all-purpose flour for both mixing and rolling the dough.
Does this recipe include any sweetener?
Yes, it includes 1 tablespoon of sugar for a slight sweetness.
How much butter is needed for the dough?
The recipe calls for 5 tablespoons of melted butter.
What kind of cream is used in this recipe?
It uses 1 cup of room temperature heavy cream.
Should the mashed potatoes be hot or cold when starting?
You should start with hot mashed potatoes when combining them with the butter, cream, salt, and sugar.
When should the flour be added to the mixture?
Add the flour only after the potato mixture has cooled to room temperature.
How should the flour be incorporated?
The flour should be added one cup at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition until a soft dough forms.
What size should the dough balls be?
The dough should be divided into balls about the size of a tennis ball.
How thin should the lefse be rolled?
Each ball of dough should be rolled into a thin circle about 1/8 inch thick.
How do I prevent the lefse dough from sticking while rolling?
Roll the dough on a well-floured surface and add more flour as necessary to prevent sticking.
What type of pan is recommended for cooking?
A cast-iron skillet or a griddle is recommended for cooking the lefse.
What heat setting should be used for cooking?
The skillet or griddle should be preheated over high heat.
How long does it take to cook each side?
Cook each lefse for about 2-3 minutes per side.
How can I tell when the lefse is done cooking?
It is done when it is lightly browned and bubbles have formed on the surface.
How should I cool the cooked lefse?
Place the finished lefse on a wire rack to cool slightly.
What are common ways to serve lefse?
It is traditionally served warm with butter or filled with sweet or savory ingredients.
What is the origin of this bread?
Lefse originates from Norway and is a staple of Scandinavian cuisine.
What is the texture of the finished lefse?
The lefse has a tender, soft texture and a subtle flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for festive occasions?
Yes, it is perfect for family gatherings, festive occasions, and holiday meals.
How many ingredients are in this recipe total?
There are 6 total ingredients used in this recipe.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is classified as traditional Scandinavian comfort food.
Can I use this bread for savory fillings?
Yes, lefse pairs wonderfully with both sweet and savory dishes.
What prep is needed for the potatoes?
The potatoes should be cooked and thoroughly mashed before measuring.
How much salt is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of salt for flavor.
Does the dough need to be handled in a specific way?
The dough should be soft enough to roll but managed in tennis-ball-sized portions for ease of handling.
Can I serve lefse with just butter?
Yes, serving it warm with butter is a very traditional and popular method.
Is the heavy cream added cold?
The recipe specifies using room temperature heavy cream for the best results.