Best Lefse Griddle: The key to perfect Norwegian flatbread

The Lefse Griddle is a large cooking surface that is flat and round. The griddle is specially designed for preparing a Norwegian flatbread called “lefse.” The grill has no edges, so we can easily roll over it while it cooks. Lefse Griddles are generally 16 inches wide. They were traditionally built to be used on the hearth, but nowadays, they are available in various types that can be used on multiple cooktops. For example, the electric ones will have aluminum or nonstick surfaces, short legs, wooden handles, and thermostat control.

What is Lefse?

Lefse is a staple food in Norwegian households, cafes, and ferries. Lefse is made from potatoes or wheat, which has a sweet and savory taste. It can be both thick and thin and served with various accompaniments. For example, Lefse can be eaten as a sweet pastry with coffee or as an alternative to bread, depending on the variety.

History Of Lefse 

Lefse can’t be traced back to a specific origin. Norway’s first Lefse did not contain potatoes; it was made from flour. To make the Lefse last throughout the winter, women would go from home to home, village to village. Flour lefse would take on a cracker-like texture when cooked and could be stored throughout the season. Some households store their Lefse in wooden boxes or stack them on shelves. Whenever they were ready to eat some lefse, they dipped it in water and soaked it between damp cloths until it was soft. Then, like today, it was appreciated with butter and perhaps some sugar and also know about Lefse Griddle.

After that, potatoes were introduced, which were easy to grow, and abundant.

 In Norwegian cuisine, the potato is incorporated into many dishes, including Lefse! Norway also suffered from the potato famine in the mid-1800s, when many Norwegians migrated to the U.S. They brought with them their knowledge and rolling pins. Norwegian potato bread is a unique tradition replicated in many Norwegian-American homes for more than 150 years. Once again, you will be able to participate in a practice.

Best Lefse Griddle 

Here are some recommendations for the best lefse Griddle:

Bethany Houseware Lefse Starter Kit 

Specifically designed to bake lefse bread at high temperatures, Bethany Houseware’s Lefse Starter Kit’ is made of high-quality material. In addition to the electric griddle, the kit contains a potato lefse mix, a potato lefse spinning stick, a corrugated rolling pin, a covering to use on the rolling pin, and a pastry cloth and board set. Furthermore, the kit gives you enough mix to make 24 12-inch lefse rounds and also know about Lefse Griddle. This electric grill’s large 16″ flat surface is great for grilling steaks and hamburgers, cooking pizzas, and frying eggs and bacon. Because of the heat-resistant legs and hardwood handles, it is safe and secure to use. 

Addis Griddle – 16-inch Digital Electric Griddle 

If cooking is your passion and you are thinking about preparing traditional Lefse, then Addis Griddle is the best option to make perfect Lefse. The flatbread maker has a digital heat controller that saves energy, a pre-set warm feature, and auto shut-off when not in use. So, you can create the best flatbread and minimize cost at the same time. Smart Bread Grill is extremely easy to use thanks to its ergonomic design and heat-resistant handles and legs. What’s most important is that it is PFOA and PFOS free.

Lefse Recipe

4 cups of riced or mashed potatoes (russet potatoes work well)
1/4 cup of unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon of sugar
1 teaspoon of salt
1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour (plus extra for rolling)
Additional butter or oil for cooking

Instruction

Cook the potatoes until tender. You can either boil them or bake them until soft. Once cooked, rice or mash the potatoes thoroughly while they are still warm. Let them cool to room temperature.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, melted butter, sugar, and salt. Mix well until the ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.

Gradually add the flour to the potato mixture, mixing until a dough forms. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky but manageable. If it’s too sticky, add a bit more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.

Divide the dough into smaller portions and shape them into balls, roughly the size of a golf ball.

On a lightly floured surface, roll out each ball of dough into thin rounds, about 1/8 inch thick or to your preferred thickness.

Heat a griddle or flat pan over medium heat. Place a rolled-out round of dough onto the heated griddle and cook for about 1-2 minutes on each side or until light golden brown spots appear. Flip the lefse using a spatula to cook the other side.

As each lefse is cooked, transfer it to a clean kitchen towel and cover to keep it warm and pliable while you cook the rest.

Once all the lefse rounds are cooked, serve them warm with your choice of toppings such as butter, sugar, cinnamon, jam, or other spreads.

Enjoy your homemade lefse as a delicious snack, dessert, or accompaniment to various dishes!

Temperature Control and Even Heating

Having a griddle with precise temperature control and uniform heat distribution is pivotal for crafting perfect lefse. Consistency in temperature ensures that the delicate dough cooks evenly, preventing overcooking or undercooking in specific spots.

The control over temperature allows for a fine-tuned cooking process, essential for achieving the desired texture—soft and pliable yet adequately cooked. It helps in maintaining the ideal balance between cooking the lefse thoroughly without drying it out or leaving it overly moist.

Uniform heat distribution across the griddle surface guarantees that each lefse receives the same level of heat, eliminating inconsistencies that might lead to uneven browning or different textures within a batch. This evenness is crucial for achieving uniformity in the final product.

Conclusion

Selecting the best lefse griddle is paramount in achieving the flawless texture and taste of Norwegian flatbread. A griddle offering precise temperature control and even heat distribution is instrumental. This ensures consistent cooking, allowing each delicate round of lefse to be perfectly cooked, pliable, and infused with traditional flavors.

FAQs

What role does precise temperature control play in making lefse?

Precise temperature control ensures that the griddle maintains the ideal heat for cooking lefse uniformly, preventing inconsistencies in texture and ensuring even browning.

How does an even-heating griddle impact the quality of lefse?

An evenly heated griddle guarantees that every part of the lefse receives the same level of heat, resulting in a consistent texture and preventing overcooked or undercooked spots.

Are there specific materials for lefse griddles that work better than others?

Materials like aluminum, stainless steel, or non-stick surfaces are commonly used for lefse griddles. The choice depends on personal preference for heat conductivity and ease of cleaning.

What griddle size is suitable for making lefse?

Opt for a griddle with enough surface area to comfortably roll out and cook the lefse rounds. A size of around 16 to 18 inches provides ample space for handling and cooking.

Can I use a regular pan or skillet instead of a designated lefse griddle?

While it’s possible to use a regular pan, a designated lefse griddle with its specific features, such as larger surface area and even heating, ensures more consistent and convenient lefse-making.