Lefse griddle

Types of Lefse griddles

There are various lefse griddle types in the market today, popularly known as lefse cookers. They are available in many shapes and sizes and often come with different features to suit a customer's specific needs. Some commonly used types include electric crepe pans, stone baking slabs, and electric lefse griddles with temperature controls.

The electric crepe pan is one of the most popular types of griddles. It is a nonstick cooking tool designed to prepare thin pancakes known as crepes. The pan has a uniform heating surface that allows even cooking. Many electric crepe pans have detachable thermostats that can be adjusted between 0¨C and 300¨C. Also, the cooking surface is often about 30 to 40 cm in diameter, making it easy to spread the batter evenly and create a thin crape layer.

A stone baking slab is ideal for making f leskekake, a Norwegian flatbread. It is a thick, square, and heavy stone slab designed to bake flatbread cakes. Traditionally, flatbread cakes were made in stabburs (open stone ovens) by stacking dough on hot stones. The stone baking slab provides a similar effect, absorbing and radiating heat evenly, resulting in a crispy texture.

Many lefse griddles come with temperature control features. They have a smooth nonstick cooking surface that retains heat and ensures the lefse is evenly cooked and golden brown. The built-in temperature controls help adjust heat settings between 200 and 500 degrees Fahrenheit.

Other types of lefse griddles include cast iron pans, electric griddles, and stovetop versions.

Functions and features of lefse griddles

A traditional lefse griddle, often called a lefse cooker, is used to make delicious Norwegian flatbread known as lefse. It consists of a large, flat, round cooking surface heated to a uniform temperature. Modern lefse griddles have non-stick surfaces that prevent the dough from sticking. However, older versions of these cooking pans are made of smooth, polished stone or iron. The dough is rolled out and then cooked on the hot surface. The term "lefse griddle" can also refer to electric models that work the same way.

Lefse bread is traditionally made with potatoes, flour, butter, and milk. The ingredients are mixed to form a soft dough, then rolled out into thin circles. The circles are cooked on the hot lefse griddle until puffy and lightly browned. Once cooked, the flatbreads can be wrapped in a damp cloth to keep them soft. Often, they are spread with fillings like sugar and cinnamon before being rolled up.

Whether electric or stovetop, traditional, or modern, lefse griddles have certain common features. They include:

• Heating surface: Lefse griddles have a large, flat, round, or rectangular cooking surface that is heated to a uniform temperature. The purpose of the griddle is to roll the dough and cook the lefse bread until soft and lightly browned.
• Handles: Most lefse griddles have two long handles on either side to allow safe lifting and moving of the hot cooking pan.
• Temperature control (electric versions): Some electric griddles have temperature control functions to adjust the heat. This feature can help ensure even cooking - to the right temperature.
• Power source: By now, we have established that lefse griddles can either be electric or stovetop versions. While electric lefse griddles get their power from electric outlets, the stovetop ones are placed on a stove or burner to heat the cooking surface.
• Non-stick surface: Many modern lefse griddles have a non-stick coating to prevent lefse from sticking and to make the cooking process easier. A non-stick surface also makes it easier to turn or remove the flatbreads.
• Cooking surface shape: These cooking pans come in different shapes: round and rectangular. The shape of the griddle usually depends on personal preference and the amount of space available on the kitchen counter.

Applications of Lefse Griddles

A Lefse griddle can be utilized for more applications, as shown below:

• Lefse preparation: The traditional Norwegian delicacy known as Lefse is often prepared on this griddle. Potatoes, flour, and milk are used to make this soft tortilla-like bread, which is then spread out and cooked on the griddle until golden brown. Typically, Lefse is served with butter and sugar or rolled up with savory fillings; also, it may be served as a side dish with beef or other dishes.
• Pancakes and breakfast: In addition to Lefse, a person can make delicious and fluffy pancakes, as well as light crepes, golden-brown bacon, and eggs that are fried for breakfast. This griddle will provide an even cooking surface and precise temperature control, thus ensuring that breakfast has all its components cooked to perfection.
• Sandwiches and quesadillas: Griddles are often used to make crispy and melty sandwiches, such as grilled cheese sandwiches, famed down south, or classic Cuban sandwiches. Also, the quesadillas that are prepared on the griddle will be crispy on the outside while staying warm and gooey on the inside.
• Baking: Baking is difficult for some, but with the right preparations, perhaps some things can be made easy. A person can enjoy perfectly cooked cookies and biscuits on the Lefse griddle if they use cookie cutters or drop spoonfuls of dough onto the heated surface.
• Roasting: Vegetables like peppers, eggplant, and zucchini can be added to the griddle to go through the process of roasting until they become tender and caramelized.
• Stir frying: Though not a traditional wok, the Lefse griddle will do a fine job for a stir fry. Fried rice and Asian noodles served as a side dish can be prepared on the Lefse griddle, but only if fried and tossed quickly to achieve that typical and distinctive stir-fry flavor.

How to Choose Lefse Griddle

When choosing a lefse grill, there are several important things to consider to make sure it meets the specific needs and requirements.

• Size: The size of the cooking surface is the most important consideration when purchasing a griddle to make lefse. The size of the griddle is given in dimensions like 12""x36"", 12""x24"", 12""x18"", 10""x24"", 12""x40"", and 10""x20"". These sizes indicate the length of the griddle and the width. A larger cooking surface will provide more cooking space and a more efficient heat distribution.
• Non-stick surface: A non-stick surface on the griddle eliminates the worry of sticking problems when frying the lefse. It also makes cleanup easier.
• Temperature control: The temperature control feature on the griddle allows users to set the exact temperature. This is an important factor, as different types of food require different frying temperatures.
• Electric vs stovetop: Griddles for lefse can either be electric or stovetop versions. Electric griddles have their own built-in heating and temperature controls. They are generally known to cook more evenly than griddles placed on a stove. Electric griddles also have larger cooking surfaces.
• Material and durability: It is important to select a griddle made with high-quality materials so that it can withstand wear and tear and last for many years.
• Removable cord: Electric griddles will have a removable cord. This feature makes it much simpler to clean the surface after making the lefse.
• Edge-to-edge heating: Griddles with edge-to-edge heating have consistent heating throughout the griddle. This assures that the lefse is cooked evenly.
• Versatile uses: When choosing a griddle for making lefse, it is important to consider one that has multiple uses. These types have additional features and are suited for making different types of food.

Griddle lefse FAQ

Q1: How can I store my lefse griddle?

A1: Store the griddle in a dry place after it has cooled completely. If the griddle is non-stick, avoid using metal utensils and stacking them high to prevent scratching. For some older cast-iron models, store them in a well-oiled state to prevent rusting.

Q2: What type of fuel can I use for my griddle?

A2: Some electric models only run on electricity, but gas and charcoal versions use propane, natural gas, and charcoal respectively.

Q3: Can I use my lefse griddle to cook other things besides lefse? 

A3: Absolutely. While the griddle is well known for making this traditional soft Norwegian flatbread, it can be used to make a variety of other foods. Some common dishes prepared on the griddle include tortillas, quesadillas, pancakes, eggs, and a range of other flatbreads. Essentially, any food that requires even, consistent cooking across a flat surface can be made on a lefse griddle. Its large, heated cooking area provides an ideal environment to create such dishes. Many people also use their griddles to make sandwiches that require toasting, allowing the bread to get crispy while keeping the inside moist. This creates a perfect vehicle for grilled cheeses and similar mixtures.

Q4: Does the griddle need seasoning?

A4: Cast iron and stone baking stone versions require seasoning to build a non-stick layer. Non-stick ones do not require seasoning.

Q5: Are there griddles with temperature controls?

A5: Yes, some models have a thermostat to regulate the cooking temperature.