HOW TO PREPARE JANSSON'S TEMPTATION.

Jansson’s Temptation (Janssons frestelse in Swedish) is a classic Swedish casserole dish made with potatoes, onions, anchovies, and cream. It’s creamy, savory, and perfect as a side dish or even a main course. Here’s how to prepare Jansson’s Temptation:

Ingredients:

1 pound (about 500g) potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold), peeled and thinly sliced
2 onions, thinly sliced
1 can (about 2 oz or 50g) anchovy fillets in oil, drained
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup milk
2 tablespoons butter
Salt and pepper, to taste
Bread crumbs (optional, for topping)
Butter or oil, for greasing the baking dish

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Prepare the Potatoes and Onions:

Peel the potatoes and thinly slice them into rounds. Thinly slice the onions as well.

Layer the Casserole:

Grease a baking dish (approximately 8×8 inches or similar size) with butter or oil.
Layer half of the sliced potatoes evenly on the bottom of the baking dish.
Top the potatoes with half of the sliced onions.
Arrange half of the anchovy fillets evenly over the onions.
Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, onions, and anchovies.

Prepare the Cream Mixture:

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the heavy cream and milk to the melted butter. Heat gently until warmed through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Pour the Cream Mixture:

Pour the warm cream and milk mixture evenly over the layered potatoes, onions, and anchovies in the baking dish. The liquid should almost cover the top layer.

Bake:

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven.
Bake for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork and the top is golden brown and bubbly.

Optional Topping:

If desired, remove the foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking to allow the top to brown slightly. You can also sprinkle bread crumbs over the top before the final baking phase for added texture.

Serve:

Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Jansson’s Temptation is typically served warm as a side dish.

Tips:

Anchovies: If you’re not a fan of strong fish flavor, you can reduce the amount of anchovies or chop them finely and distribute them evenly throughout the layers.
Variations: Some recipes include a touch of sugar or a pinch of allspice in the cream mixture for added depth of flavor. Feel free to experiment based on your taste preferences.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare Jansson’s Temptation ahead of time and reheat it in the oven before serving. It also reheats well in the microwave.

Jansson’s Temptation is a wonderful dish that combines creamy potatoes with the salty richness of anchovies, creating a unique and delicious flavor profile. Enjoy this Swedish classic with your favorite main dish or as part of a festive spread!