How to Make Norwegian Potato Flatbread (Lefse) - A Step-by-Step Guide

Traditional Norwegian cuisine boasts a variety of delicious and unique dishes, one of which is the Norwegian Potato Flatbread, also known as Lefse. This thin, soft flatbread is a staple in Norwegian homes, especially during festive occasions and family gatherings. Made primarily from potatoes and flour, Lefse has a delicate and slightly sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with a variety of savory and sweet toppings, making it a versatile and beloved dish among Norwegians.

What sets Le...

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Ingredients

  • 1 large russet potato
  • 1 ½ tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1 teaspoon white sugar
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour, or as needed

Information

  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 1 hr 35 mins
  • Additional Time: 3 hrs
  • Total Time: 4 hrs 55 mins
  • Servings: 8
  • Yield: 8 lefse

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line an oven-safe skillet or baking pan with aluminum foil.
  • Poke the potato skin all over with a knife and place on the prepared pan.
  • Roast in the preheated oven until very tender and easily pierced with a knife, about 1 hour. Let sit until cool enough to handle but still very warm.
  • Scoop potato flesh out into a bowl. Mash smooth with the back of a spatula until there are no lumps left. You can also use a potato ricer. Add the butter and mix until it disappears. Add the salt, sugar, and cream; mix until smooth. Cover and refrigerate until chilled, about 2 hours.
  • Mix in flour in several additions until the dough is able to be kneaded by hand. Add enough flour to form a soft, but not too sticky, dough. You need to be able to roll it out fairly thin without it falling apart.
  • Wrap dough with plastic and refrigerate until chilled, about 1 hour.
  • Divide dough into 8 portions. Dust each with flour and roll out onto a well-floured kitchen towel to 1/8-inch thick, or thinner.
  • Heat a very lightly buttered nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Cook the lefse in the hot pan, poking the surface lightly with a fork, until golden brown blisters form, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Stack on a plate as they're cooked and keep covered with a towel. Serve warm.
  • Nutrition

    139 cal.

    • Total Fat: 5g
    • Saturated Fat: 3g
    • Cholesterol: 16mg
    • Sodium: 297mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 21g
    • Dietary Fiber: 1g
    • Total Sugars: 1g
    • Protein: 3g
    • Vitamin C: 9mg
    • Calcium: 14mg
    • Iron: 1mg
    • Potassium: 217mg