Norwegian Flatbread

“It is impossible to find a more spartan cracker than Norwegian Flatbread.
It can be made with only rye flour, salt, and water, but adding a pureed
vegetable, such as potatoes, increases the nutritive value and adds subtle
flavor. This flatbread is excellent with mild cheeses.

In a large bowl or in the food processor, blend the pureed potato, flour,
and salt together.

Add the water and blend well until the dough will hold together in a
cohesive ball. With a sharp knife, divide into 10 equal portions. Turn
these out, one at a time, onto a floured surface and roll into circles.
Roll as thin as possible, at most 1/8 inch, so each is approximately 7 to 8
inches across. Prick all over with the tines of a fork.

Lightly oil a griddle or large skillet and heat until it is very hot. One
by one, place the rolled circles onto the griddle and cook until the
bottoms begin to show light browning. Then turn and cook the other side.
Keep turning until the whole cracker is dry and crisp. Do not allow the
flatbread to get more than medium brown. Cool on a rack. Yield: 10.

VARIATIONS: Substitute any pureed vegetable for potatoes. Flours other than
rye can also be used. Try wheat or barley. If the dough is too sticky to
roll, add a little more flour. Letting the dough rest for an hour after
mixing will also make it easier to roll.

Flatbread can also be cooked in the oven. Bake on an ungreased baking sheet
at 400~F. for 8 to 12 minutes, or until crisp, turning 2 or 3 times.