Satisfying Swedish Janssons Temptation
Janssons Temptation, or 'Janssons Frestelse', is a classic Swedish comfort dish that combines the earthy essence of potatoes, the robust and savory flavors of anchovies, and the rich indulgence of heavy cream. This casserole, named after the renowned Swedish opera singer Pelle Janzon, is a delightful creation that's both simple and satisfying. Perfect for gatherings and festive occasions, this dish brings a touch of Swedish tradition to your table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Potatoes
1.25 kg (Peeled and cut into strips)
Onions
400 g (Peeled and thinly sliced)
Anchovy fillets
100 g (Whole)
Heavy whipping cream
600 ml (None)
Salt
To taste (None)
White pepper
To taste (Freshly ground)
Breadcrumbs
1/4 cup (Optional)
Butter
50 g (Divided for sauté and topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).
2
Begin by peeling the potatoes and slicing them into matchstick-sized strips.
3
Peel and thinly slice the onions. Gently sauté them in a small amount of butter over medium heat until they are softened, ensuring they do not brown.
4
Prepare an ovenproof baking dish by greasing it with butter. Start layering with potatoes, ensuring they cover the bottom.
5
Add half of the sautéed onions over the potato layer, followed by half of the anchovy fillets, distributing them evenly.
6
Create another layer of potatoes, followed by the remaining onions and anchovies, finishing with a top layer of potatoes.
7
Level the surface and season it with freshly ground white pepper and a small sprinkle of salt to taste.
8
Pour the heavy cream over the layered ingredients so that it almost shows through the potatoes but doesn’t submerge them completely.
9
Dot the top with small pieces of butter and, if you wish, sprinkle evenly with breadcrumbs for added texture.
10
Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for approximately 60 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender.
11
Allow it to cool slightly before serving, ensuring it sets for perfect slicing.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Janssons Temptation?
Janssons Temptation, or 'Janssons Frestelse', is a classic Swedish comfort dish featuring a potato, onion, and anchovy casserole baked with heavy cream.
Who is the dish named after?
The dish is named after the renowned Swedish opera singer Pelle Janzon.
What is the primary vegetable used in this recipe?
The main ingredient is 1.25 kg of potatoes, which are peeled and cut into matchstick-sized strips.
What kind of anchovies should be used?
This recipe uses 100g of anchovy fillets, which provide a robust and savory flavor characteristic of traditional Swedish cuisine.
How should the potatoes be prepared?
The potatoes should be peeled and then sliced into thin, matchstick-sized strips.
Do I need to cook the onions before baking?
Yes, the 400g of onions should be thinly sliced and gently sautéed in butter until softened, but not browned, before being added to the casserole.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) for baking this dish.
How much heavy cream is required?
The recipe calls for 600 ml of heavy whipping cream.
How do I layer the ingredients in the dish?
Start with a layer of potatoes, then add half the onions and anchovies. Repeat with more potatoes, the remaining onions and anchovies, and finish with a top layer of potatoes.
What seasoning is recommended?
The dish is seasoned with salt to taste and freshly ground white pepper.
Should I add breadcrumbs to the top?
Adding 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs is optional but recommended for added texture on the golden-brown top.
How much butter is needed for the recipe?
The recipe uses 50g of butter, divided between sautéing the onions and dotting the top of the casserole.
How long does Janssons Temptation take to bake?
It should be baked for approximately 60 minutes until the top is golden and the potatoes are tender.
Should I let the dish rest after baking?
Yes, allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving to ensure it sets properly for perfect slicing.
Is this dish suitable for holidays?
Yes, it is a traditional Swedish holiday and festive dish often served at Christmas and other gatherings.
How much potato is needed?
The recipe specifies 1.25 kg of potatoes.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
It is a rich, indulgent, and creamy casserole with a soft interior and a slightly crisp golden-brown top.
Can I use black pepper instead of white?
While white pepper is traditional for its specific savory notes, you can use black pepper if white pepper is unavailable.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 ingredients: potatoes, onions, anchovy fillets, heavy cream, salt, white pepper, breadcrumbs, and butter.
How much onion do I need?
The recipe requires 400g of onions.
How do I know when the cream level is right?
Pour the cream so it almost shows through the potato layers but does not completely submerge the top layer.
Does the recipe include fiber or protein data?
The provided recipe data does not specify exact nutritional values like fiber or protein.
What category does this recipe fall under?
It is categorized as Swedish cuisine, specifically a potato-based casserole and comfort food.
What type of baking dish should be used?
An ovenproof baking dish greased with butter is required.
Can I brown the onions during sautéing?
No, you should only sauté them until they are softened to keep the flavor profile correct.
Is Janssons Temptation a savory dish?
Yes, it is a savory dish combining the saltiness of anchovies with the earthiness of potatoes.
What is the purpose of the butter on top?
Dotting the top with butter helps create a golden-brown crust and adds to the rich flavor.
How many grams of anchovies are used?
The recipe uses 100 grams of anchovy fillets.
Is this a simple dish to make?
Yes, while it takes some time to bake, the preparation of layering simple ingredients is quite straightforward.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include Swedish cuisine, comfort food, potato dish, casserole, traditional, and holiday dish.