Norway is rich with a history so deeply intertwined with its cuisine. Many of the baked favorites we enjoy today come from Norwegian pastries. One such creation that has been passed on to generations is traditional Norwegian Flatbread.
The humble and enduring flatbread is made with a few simple ingredients. With the right tools and a little love, you should be able to successfully create this classic.
How to Make Norwegian Flatbread
First, you will need the following ingredients:
- Brown flour
- White flour
- Salt
- Sour milk
- Barley flour
Once you have gotten your ingredients together, it's time to make your bread.
Step 1:
Put the flour, salt, and barley flour into a jar.
Step 2:
Mix all the flour together and set aside.
Step 3:
Put the flour, sour milk, and salt into a mixing bowl.
Step 4:
Mix the ingredients together until a dough ball forms.
Step 5:
Transfer the dough ball to a floured, clean surface.
Step 6:
Knead the dough for about five minutes.
Step 7:
Cut off a piece of dough about 1.5 inches in diameter.
Step 8:
Flatten out the dough ball on the floured surface.
Step 9:
Flour the rolling pin and roll out the dough ball until it hits the thickness and width that you are happy with. Just make sure you don't make it bigger than the pan you will using.
Step 10:
Heat your pan to medium heat. Oil is not necessary for this process. Once your pan is heated up, transfer your first flatbread onto the surface.
Step 11:
Leave the bread on the pan for one to two minutes and then flip it. Let the other side stay for another minute or so. The flatbread should be adequately hardened by the time you remove it from the heat.
Just repeat this process for all your flatbread portions and you're good to go! If you think your bread hasn't hardened enough, you can keep it on the heat a little longer as long as you don't let it burn. Make sure it's not too thick.
How to Store Norwegian Flatbread
Because this is not fermented, it is actually rather easy to store and can last longer than other pastries and baked goods. While freshly baked flatbread can last up to five days in an airtight container at room temperature, if you want to make sure it stays preserved, you can freeze flatbread. Using this method, you can safely store flatbread for about a month and later reheat it for consumption.
Final Thoughts
Flatbread may not be one of the fanciest Scandinavian desserts out there, but it is a great and fulfilling treat to have with toppings. You could go for traditional servings and pair them with meat dishes like steak or pork. You can also use it to make pizza.
You are not limited to savory delights, either. Norwegian flatbread works wonderfully with some cheese and tomato. If you want to get that dessert kick, you can pair it with some cinnamon, fresh fruit, and some cream. You can even have a great afternoon snack with some jam or peanut butter.
It is definitely something worth trying at least once in your life!
Looking for a great Norwegian bread bakery near Centennial? Check out our menu at Ana’s Norwegian Bakeri! Visit our shop or contact us to have your goodies delivered.