Lefsa-Mabel And Irene

Prep: 720 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: Scandinavian

Lefsa-Mabel and Irene are traditional Scandinavian potato flatbreads, featuring thin, crispy textures with rich buttery flavor, perfect for breakfast or snacking for all ages.

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Ingredients

  • 1 qt. mashed potatoes
  • 1/2 c. sugar
  • 1/2 c. butter
  • 2 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 c. milk
  • 3/4 c. evaporated milk

Instructions

  1. Heat sugar, butter, salt, milk, and evaporated milk in a saucepan and add to the mashed potatoes.
  2. Cool the potato mixture overnight to keep the dough thoroughly cold.
  3. Add 5 cups of flour to the cooled potato mixture.
  4. Take walnut-sized pieces of dough and roll out on a floured board until paper thin.
  5. Cook on a griddle slowly; avoid high heat to prevent browning before cooking through.

Tips & Substitutions

To ensure your lefsa turns out perfectly, make sure the potato mixture is thoroughly chilled before adding the flour. If you need a gluten-free option, substitute the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. When rolling out the dough, use a generous amount of flour to prevent sticking, and consider using a pastry cloth for easier handling. For a twist, try adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough.

Serving Suggestions

Lefsa is delicious served warm with butter and sugar, or you can pair it with savory fillings like ham or cheese for a delightful meal. For a sweet treat, spread with lingonberry jam or cream cheese. It also pairs beautifully with 1-2-3 Fruit Sauce for a refreshing contrast. Enjoy them as a snack or alongside a warm bowl of soup.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover lefsa in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, wrap them in plastic wrap and place them in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, simply place them on a hot griddle for a minute on each side or microwave them for a few seconds to retain moisture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Lefsa-Mabel And Irene contains roughly 649 calories, with 12g protein, 117g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (55% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (34% of the Daily Value), and protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 957mg per serving (42% of the Daily Value).

649 kcal 32% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 11.7g 23% DV
Total Fat 16g 20% DV
Carbs 117g 43% DV
Fiber 9.5g 34% DV
Sugar 4.7g 9% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 956.9mg 42% DV
Potassium 887.8mg 19% DV
Cholesterol 45.1mg 15% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 3.5mcg
Vitamin C 49.4mg 55% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 60mg 5% DV
Iron 2.2mg 12% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-fat
Contains Milk

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 use instant mashed potatoes instead of fresh?

While fresh mashed potatoes provide the best flavor and texture, you can use instant mashed potatoes in a pinch. Just follow the package instructions to prepare them, ensuring you achieve the right consistency before mixing with the other ingredients.

What is the best way to roll out the dough?

To roll out the dough effectively, use a well-floured surface and a rolling pin. Aim for an even thickness, about the thickness of a quarter. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour to your work surface and the dough itself to make handling easier.

Can I make lefsa ahead of time?

Absolutely! Lefsa can be made in advance and stored properly. Prepare the dough and cook the lefsa, then allow them to cool completely. They can be stored in the refrigerator for a day or two or frozen for longer storage, making them a convenient option for gatherings.

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).

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