Milk Lefsa

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 10 Cuisine: Scandinavian

Milk Lefsa is a traditional Scandinavian flatbread with a tender, slightly sweet flavor, perfect for breakfast or snacks, enjoyed with butter or jam.

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Ingredients

  • 4 c. whole milk
  • 1 stick margarine
  • 6 c. flour
  • 1 Tbsp. salt
  • 1/2 c. sugar

Instructions

  1. Heat the milk and margarine together until just before boiling.
  2. While heating, sift the flour, salt, and sugar into a bowl.
  3. Pour the hot milk mixture slowly into the flour mixture while stirring.
  4. Mix until a dough forms, then make into balls.
  5. Place the dough balls on wax paper and cover with a damp cloth.
  6. Roll each ball thin and bake on a lefsa iron until lightly browned.

Tips & Substitutions

For a more tender lefsa, ensure the milk and margarine mixture is not too hot when combined with the flour. If you prefer a lighter texture, consider substituting half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. You can also use butter instead of margarine for a richer flavor. Always cover the dough balls with a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out while you work.

Serving Suggestions

Lefsa is incredibly versatile and can be served with various toppings. Try spreading butter and sprinkling sugar for a simple treat, or serve it with jam and cream cheese for a delightful breakfast. It pairs beautifully with Shourbat Laban for a refreshing meal. For a savory option, consider filling it with roasted vegetables or smoked salmon.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover lefsa in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm them on a skillet over low heat for a few minutes on each side, or microwave them briefly wrapped in a damp paper towel to retain moisture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Milk Lefsa contains roughly 1170 calories, with 3g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 117g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1653mg per serving (72% of the Daily Value).

1170 kcal 59% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.5g 7% DV
Total Fat 116.8g 100% DV
Carbs 33.4g 12% DV
Fiber 4.5g 16% DV
Sugar 0.7g 1% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1653.1mg 72% DV
Potassium 279.1mg 6% DV
Cholesterol 0.1mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 2.8mcg
Vitamin C 35.1mg 39% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 35.6mg 3% DV
Iron 1.4mg 8% DV
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten

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 freeze lefsa for later use?

Yes, lefsa freezes well! Make sure to place parchment paper between each piece to prevent sticking. Wrap the stack tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag. When you're ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator and reheat as desired.

What can I do if my dough is too sticky?

If the dough is sticky, try adding a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a manageable consistency. Be careful not to add too much flour, as that can make the lefsa tough. Dust your work surface with flour to help with rolling.

Is lefsa gluten-free?

Traditional lefsa is made with wheat flour, so it is not gluten-free. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends to create a gluten-free version. Keep in mind that the texture may differ, so some adjustments in ingredients or technique might be necessary.

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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