Icelandic Crispy Christmas Bread

Ingredients

• 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon fine salt 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (60ml) unsalted butter, melted 1/4 cup (60ml) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 38g, 2g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.3g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, ground cardamom, and sugar.
2. 2.
   Add the melted butter and milk to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
3. 3.
   Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. 4.
   Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape them into balls. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let them rest for 30 minutes.
5. 5.
   Roll out one dough ball on a lightly floured surface until it is very thin, about 1-2mm thick.
6. 6.
   Use a leaf bread iron or a sharp knife to cut out intricate patterns on the rolled-out dough.
7. 7.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or a deep fryer to 180°C (350°F).
8. 8.
   Carefully place the patterned dough into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 1-2 minutes per side.
9. 9.
   Remove the fried bread from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
10. 10.
    Repeat the process with the remaining dough ball.
11. 11.
    Allow the Laufabrauð to cool completely before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Flour — Use all-purpose flour for the best results. Avoid using self-rising flour as it may affect the texture of the bread.
• Cardamom — Ground cardamom adds a delightful aroma to the bread. Ensure it is fresh for the best flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• To achieve a crispy texture, make sure the dough is rolled out very thin.
• Be creative with the patterns! Use different leaf bread irons or experiment with intricate designs using a sharp knife.
• Serve Laufabrauð as a side dish with traditional Icelandic Christmas dishes like smoked lamb, pickled herring, and fermented shark.

Serving advice

Serve Laufabrauð as a festive appetizer or alongside a holiday feast. It pairs well with various toppings such as Icelandic butter, smoked salmon, or cream cheese. Break the bread into smaller pieces for easy snacking.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Laufabrauð on a platter, showcasing the intricate patterns. Garnish with fresh herbs or edible flowers to add a touch of elegance.