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Swedish Christmas Classic – Jansson’s Temptation


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5 from 10 reviews

  • Author: Kalle Bergman
  • Total Time: 80 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 6
  • Diet: Omnivore, Pescatarian

Description

A Swedish classic, perfect for holidays or any gathering. Layers of potatoes, onions, and sprats bake to creamy perfection.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 4-6 large potatoes peeled and cut into thin strips (approximately 1/4 inch wide)
  • 1 cups (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 3/4 cups (180 ml) whole milk
  • 7 oz (200 g) pickled sprats or matjes herring, finely chopped (reserve the marinade)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs
  • 2 large onions thinly sliced
  • 1 stick (113 g) unsalted butter, divided

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients
  2. Preheat oven to 430°F (220°C).
  3. In a saucepan, combine potato strips with half the sprat marinade, heavy cream, and milk. Simmer gently over medium heat for 10 minutes.
  4. While potatoes simmer, thinly slice onions.
  5. In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat and sauté onions until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
  6. Assemble the Dish
  7. In a large, buttered oven dish, layer sautéed onions, potatoes, chopped sprats; repeat layers, ending with potatoes.
  8. Lightly season each layer with freshly ground black pepper; use salt sparingly.
  9. Finish and Bake
  10. Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over potatoes; dot with remaining butter slices.
  11. Bake in the middle of the oven for 50-60 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbling; cover loosely with aluminum foil during the last 10-15 minutes if browning too quickly.
  12. Serve
  13. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use crème fraîche instead of heavy cream.
  • If sprats are unavailable, substitute with anchovies or smoked mussels.
  • To prevent over-browning, tent the dish with foil during the last 20 minutes of baking.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: Swedish

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1.5 cups
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 5
  • Sodium: 400
  • Fat: 25
  • Saturated Fat: 15
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30
  • Fiber: 3
  • Protein: 10
  • Cholesterol: 80