Flatkaka (Icelandic pronunciation: [ˈflaːtˌkʰaːka], lit. "flat cake") or flatbrauð (Icelandic pronunciation: [-ˌprœyːθ], lit. "flat bread") is an Icelandic unleavened rye flatbread. Flatkaka is soft, round, thin and dark with a characteristic pattern from the pan.

Flatkaka
Rúgbrauð and Flatbrauð
TypeFlatbread
Place of originIceland
Main ingredientsRye flour

Traditionally, flatkaka was baked on hot stones or straight on the embers of the fire, later on small but heavy cast iron frying pans, and today, when making flatkaka at home, people sometimes bake them directly on an electric hot plate to get the desired result. There usually is a difference between home-made flatkaka and the varieties sold in stores, the latter being somewhat thicker and dryer because of added wheat flour.

It is assumed that the Icelandic tradition of baking flatbread goes back to the settlement of Iceland in the 9th century.[1] Historically, Iceland moss (Cetraria islandica) was sometimes used as a supplement because of a lack of grain on the island.[1]

Flatkaka is usually served cut into halves or quarters, with a topping of butter or mutton pâté, with hangikjöt, smoked salmon or even pickled herring.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b Arnarsdóttir, Eygló Svala (2011-01-17). "Traditional Icelandic Flatbread". Iceland Review. Archived from the original on 2018-11-25. Retrieved 2017-03-27.