Traditional Norwegian Lefse Recipe

Ingredients

10 Cups of Russet Potatoes (peeled and cut into chunks)
1/2 Cup of Unsalted Butter
1/3 Cup of Heavy Cream
1 Tablespoon of Sugar
2 Teaspoons of Salt
2 1/2 Cups of All-Purpose Flour (plus more for dusting)

Steps and instructions

Place the potatoes in a large pot, add water until they are covered and bring to a boil. Cook until the potatoes are soft for about 15 to 20 minutes.
Drain the potatoes and mash them until smooth. Add the butter, heavy cream, sugar and salt, and continue mashing to mix well.
Let the mashed potatoes cool completely, then cover and refrigerate overnight.
The next day, gradually add the flour to the cold mashed potatoes, mixing it in until a dough forms.
Divide the dough into small balls, about the size of a golf ball. On a floured surface, roll out each ball into a very thin circle, about 1/8 inch thick.
Preheat a lefse grill or a large skillet over medium heat. Cook each lefse circle for about 1 minute on each side, or until lightly browned spots appear. Be careful not to overcook them, as they should still be soft and pliable, not crispy.
As you cook the lefse, stack them on a clean kitchen towel and cover with another towel to keep them soft and warm. Continue rolling and cooking until all the dough is used.
Serve the lefse warm, traditionally they are rolled up with butter and sugar, or can be used as a flatbread for savory fillings.

Tools for making

Potato Peeler - Used to peel the potatoes before cooking.
Large Pot - Used to boil the potatoes.
Masher - Used to mash the cooked potatoes.
Measuring Cups - Used to measure the butter, heavy cream, sugar, and flour.
Measuring Spoons - Used to measure the salt and sugar.
Large Mixing Bowl - Used to combine the mashed potatoes with other ingredients.
Refrigerator - Used to chill the mashed potatoes overnight.
Rolling Pin - Used to roll out the lefse dough into thin circles.
Lefse Grill or Skillet - Used to cook the lefse circles.
Kitchen Towels - Used to stack and keep the cooked lefse warm and soft.

Recipe variations

Using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier alternative.
Adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a subtle hint of spice.
Incorporating mashed sweet potatoes or pumpkin into the dough for a sweeter variation.
Replacing the butter with margarine or vegan butter for a dairy-free or vegan option.
Adding grated cheese or herbs such as dill or chives to the dough for added flavor.
Using gluten-free flour blend for those with gluten sensitivities or allergies.
Experimenting with different fillings such as smoked salmon and cream cheese, or roasted vegetables with hummus.
For a dessert lefse, spreading a layer of Nutella or fruit preserves before rolling it up.
Adding finely chopped cooked bacon or ham to the dough for a savory twist.

Recipe overview

Experience the taste of traditional Norwegian cuisine with this delicious Lefse recipe. Lefse is a soft, Norwegian flatbread made from potatoes, flour, butter, and cream. This comforting bread is often served during holidays, but it's so tasty you'll want to make it a regular in your dietary rotation. Despite its seemingly exotic nature, the recipe is quite straightforward, requiring simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps. The dough is prepared a day ahead, allowing the flavors to meld together for an unbeatable taste. Once cooked, the Lefse is served warm with butter and sugar or can be used as a base for savory fillings. Enjoy the process and savor the unique flavors of this Norwegian delicacy.

Common questions

Can I use a different type of potato?
While Russet potatoes are commonly used for making lefse, you can use other varieties like Yukon Gold or red potatoes. However, keep in mind that different types of potatoes may affect the texture and taste of the lefse.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the mashed potato dough the day before and refrigerate it overnight. This allows the flavors to develop and makes the dough easier to work with.
Do I have to use a lefse grill?
No, if you don't have a lefse grill, you can use a large skillet or griddle instead. Just make sure it's preheated and the temperature is medium heat.
Can I freeze lefse?
Yes, you can freeze lefse. After cooking, let them cool completely, then stack them with parchment paper between each piece. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bags and freeze. Thaw and reheat when ready to serve.
Can I make lefse without butter or cream?
While butter and cream add richness and flavor to lefse, you can make a dairy-free version by substituting them with margarine and a non-dairy alternative like almond milk or coconut cream. However, the taste and texture may vary.

Serving dishes and utensils

Rolling Pin - Used for rolling out the lefse dough into thin circles.
Lefse Grill - A specialized griddle designed for cooking lefse, with even heating and precise temperature control.
Large Skillet - An alternative to a lefse grill, a large skillet can be used for cooking the lefse if a grill is not available.
Potato Masher - Used to mash the cooked potatoes until smooth and creamy.
Large Pot - To boil the potatoes until they are soft and ready for mashing.
Thin Spatula - A flexible spatula is useful for flipping and transferring the lefse during cooking.
Clean Kitchen Towels - Used for stacking the cooked lefse to keep them soft and warm.
Flour - Extra flour will be needed for dusting the rolling surface and preventing sticking.

Origin stories

Lefse, the delightful Norwegian flatbread, traces its roots back to the rugged, fjord-pocked landscape of Norway, where the hearty potato was a staple crop. It was a bread of necessity, born from the hardy, tuberous bounty of the land. Its creation was a communal event, a gathering of hands in the kitchen to roll, cook, and fold the delicate rounds, a testament to the spirit of 'dugnad', a term in Norwegian culture that means voluntary work done together. It was a foodstuff that traveled well and sustained many a Norwegian immigrant on their long journey across the sea to America. Today, lefse holds a special place in the hearts of Norwegians and people of Norwegian descent, not just as sustenance, but as a tangible connection to their heritage, their past, their 'heimat'. It’s among the culinary threads that weave together the tapestry of their shared history.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.