"Aunt Elsie'S Lefse"
Aunt Elsie's Lefse is a traditional Scandinavian flatbread made from mashed potatoes, offering a delicate, slightly sweet flavor. Perfect for breakfast or snacks, it pairs beautifully with butter, jam, or savory toppings. Its thin, crispy texture makes it a delightful accompaniment for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil potatoes and mash very fine and fluffy.
- Add cream, butter, salt, and sugar to the mashed potatoes.
- Beat the mixture until light and let it cool.
- Add flour to the cooled mixture.
- Roll out the dough as for pie crust, as thin as possible.
- Bake on lefse grill, turning once, until light brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a fluffier texture, ensure your potatoes are mashed very fine and fluffy before adding the other ingredients. If you prefer a slightly sweeter flavor, you can increase the sugar to 3 teaspoons. Use a light hand when adding flour; too much can make the lefse tough. Consider serving it with butter and sugar or pairing it with a hearty soup for a satisfying meal.
Serving Suggestions
Aunt Elsie's Lefse is delightful served warm with butter and sugar, or you can enjoy it with savory fillings like cheese or smoked salmon. It pairs beautifully with Soup! for a comforting meal. For a complete spread, consider serving it alongside Alabama Corn Bread or a fresh salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover lefse in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, place it on a hot skillet for a few seconds on each side until warmed through. You can also microwave it briefly, but be cautious not to overheat, as it can become dry.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of "Aunt Elsie'S Lefse" contains roughly 655 calories, with 9g protein, 86g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (45% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (40% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. It also contributes 8g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. After mixing, refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just allow it to come to room temperature before rolling out and cooking. This can help develop the flavors even more.
What type of potatoes are best for this recipe?
Starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds work best for making lefse as they yield a fluffy texture. Avoid waxy varieties, as they can result in a denser dough that doesn't roll out well.
Can I freeze lefse for later use?
Absolutely! To freeze, stack the cooled lefse with parchment paper in between each piece, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months; simply thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).