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Stack of traditional Sámi gáhkku flatbreads on a wooden board with melting butter and a bowl of lingonberry jam

Gáhkku (Sámi Flatbread)

This recipe is offered with respect for Sámi food culture, which belongs to a living people. If this bread opens a door of curiosity, the most meaningful next step is to seek out Sámi-led food experiences, producers, and chefs directly.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 7 minutes
Resting time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 22 minutes
Servings: 8 flatbreads
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Finnish, Nordic, Norwegian, scandinavian, Swedish
Calories: 260

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups (500 grams) plain flour, plus extra for dusting
  • 7 grams instant yeast (1 sachet)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp sugar or light syrup
  • cups (300 ml) warm water
  • 2 tbsp butter or reindeer fat (butter works perfectly)

Method
 

  1. Combine flour, yeast, salt, and sugar in a bowl.
  2. Add warm water and butter, and mix to a soft, slightly sticky dough.
  3. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Cover and rest in a warm place for 1 hour, until doubled.
  5. Divide into 8 equal pieces. Roll each into a round roughly 5mm thick.
  6. Heat a dry cast iron pan or skillet over medium heat — no oil.
  7. Cook each flatbread for 3–4 minutes per side until lightly golden with dark spots.
  8. Keep warm wrapped in a clean cloth, or cool on a rack.
  9. Serve with: lingonberry jam, butter, smoked fish, or alongside a hearty stew. In the Sámi tradition, gáhkku accompanies nearly everything.