Stavanger Lefsa
Stavanger Lefsa are traditional Norwegian flatbreads, lightly fried and topped with butter and sugar, offering a sweet, crispy treat perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the sugar, sweet milk, half and half, Crisco, water, and a pinch of salt together and cook, stirring constantly.
- Pour the hot mixture immediately over the 4 1/2 cups of flour in a bowl. Mix well and cover with a towel to cool.
- When cool, take 1/3 of the dough and place on a floured board, adding more flour as needed to knead into a large, hard dough.
- Break off 8 pieces from the dough and roll each out very thin, flipping and flouring as needed.
- Use a lefsa stick to turn them on the griddle.
- Place on a 400°F griddle and dry one side without browning.
- After drying on one side, apply Goop (a mixture or coating) on the surface and rub until smooth, avoiding edges to prevent sticking.
- Turn the lefsa over to dry the uncooped side, then brown the spot on the gooped side.
- Run water over the lefsa before serving to soften them.
- Place between a cloth to keep soft, then spread the unspotted side with butter and sugar, fold into quarters, and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, substitute part of the Crisco with unsalted butter. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, consider adding vanilla extract to the mixture. Be sure to knead the dough thoroughly for a smooth finish, and use plenty of flour when rolling out to prevent sticking. This lefsa pairs beautifully with Strawberry Hard Sauce(Serve Over Cake, Puddings, Etc.) for a delightful twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Stavanger Lefsa warm, spread with butter and sugar, and fold into quarters for an authentic experience. They make a great accompaniment to a hearty meal or can be enjoyed as a snack on their own. For a festive touch, serve them alongside Tangy French Bread or with a drizzle of No Cook Pink Champagne Frosting for a unique dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover lefsa in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap to keep them soft. For best results, refrigerate them if you plan on keeping them for more than a day. To reheat, place them on a hot griddle for a few seconds on each side, or microwave them with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stavanger Lefsa contains roughly 175 calories, with 5g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. It also contributes 4g 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 use whole milk instead of sweet milk?
Yes, you can substitute whole milk for sweet milk in this recipe. However, sweet milk has a slightly different flavor profile and creaminess, so the taste may vary slightly. If you want to mimic the sweetness, consider adding a bit more sugar to balance the flavors.
What can I use instead of Crisco?
If you're looking for a healthier alternative, try using coconut oil or unsalted butter in place of Crisco. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture may change slightly, but both options can provide a rich taste to your lefsa.
How do I know when the lefsa is done cooking on the griddle?
The lefsa is done when the first side is dry and lightly browned, while the second side should be lightly cooked without browning. Look for small bubbles forming on the surface as an indicator that they are ready to be flipped. Avoid overcooking to keep them soft.
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).