How to Make the Perfect Janssons Temptation
Swedish · Easy · 80 min · 6 servings
Janssons Temptation is a rich and creamy Swedish potato casserole layered with anchovies and onions, baked until bubbling and golden on top. It is a cornerstone dish of the Swedish Christmas julbord and utterly irresistible to anyone who tries it.
Why this recipe works
This Janssons Temptation recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 80 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 420 calories with 10g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1 kg starchy potatoes peeled and julienned
- 2 cans Swedish ansjovis anchovy fillets in brine
- 2 large yellow onions thinly sliced
- 400 ml heavy cream
- 2 tbsp butter cut into small pieces
- 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Peel and cut the potatoes into thin matchstick strips about 5 mm thick. Thinly slice the onions and saute them in butter over medium heat for 5 minutes until softened and translucent but not browned.
Step 2: Layer the Casserole
Grease a baking dish with butter. Layer half the potatoes on the bottom, followed by the sauteed onions and all of the anchovy fillets. Reserve some of the anchovy brine. Top with the remaining potato strips and arrange evenly across the dish.
Step 3: Add Cream and Bake
Pour the heavy cream and a splash of the reserved anchovy brine over the layered potatoes. Dot the top with small pieces of butter and sprinkle evenly with breadcrumbs. Bake at 200 degrees Celsius for 50 to 60 minutes until the potatoes are completely tender and the top is golden.
Step 4: Rest and Serve
Allow the casserole to rest for 5 to 10 minutes after removing from the oven before serving. This allows the cream to settle and makes it easier to portion. Serve alongside other Swedish Christmas dishes or as a hearty side dish.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- Swedish ansjovis in brine → regular anchovy fillets in oil for a similar savory depth of flavor
- heavy cream → a mix of cream and whole milk for a slightly lighter version
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Cutting potatoes too thick which means they do not cook through in the given time
- Using too much anchovy brine which makes the dish overly salty and unbalanced
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 420 calories, 10g protein, 38g carbs, 26g fat, 3g fiber.
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