Discover how to make Janssons Frestelse, a traditional Swedish casserole featuring layers of creamy potatoes and flavorful anchovies. This easy-to-follow recipe combines the comforting elements of a creamy potato bake with the unique taste of anchovies, perfect for a hearty family meal or festive gatherings. 

Ingredients:

- 1.5 lbs (700g) potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced

- 1 large onion, finely chopped

- 1 can (2 oz/50g) anchovy fillets, drained and chopped

- 2 cups (500ml) heavy cream

- 1 cup (250ml) whole milk

- 2 tablespoons butter

- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

- 1 teaspoon dried thyme

- Salt and pepper to taste

- 1 cup (100g) breadcrumbs

- 1 tablespoon butter, melted

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking dish with butter.

Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and thinly slice the potatoes. Place them in a large bowl and set aside.

Cook the Onion: In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the flour and cook for another minute.

Make the Cream Mixture: Gradually whisk in the heavy cream and milk. Cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens slightly. Stir in the thyme, salt, and pepper.

Assemble the Casserole: Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the greased baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the chopped anchovies and half of the cooked onions. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, anchovies, and onions. Pour the cream mixture evenly over the top.

Add the Topping: Mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole.

Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender.

Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this comforting Swedish dish as a side or a main course!

This Janssons Frestelse recipe will add a touch of Swedish tradition to your dinner table with its rich flavors and creamy texture.

Nutritional values

Potatoes (1.5 lbs/700g)

 - Calories: 560 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 130g

 - Fiber: 9g

 - Protein: 13g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

 - Rich in carbohydrates for energy.

 - Good source of vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber.

Onion (1 large)

 - Calories: 60 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 14g

 - Fiber: 2g

 - Protein: 1g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

 - Contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.

 - Provides vitamins B6 and C.

Anchovy Fillets (2 oz/50g)

 - Calories: 110 kcal

 - Protein: 15g

 - Fat: 5g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

Benefits:

 - High in protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

 - Provides essential nutrients such as calcium and iron.

Heavy Cream (2 cups/500ml)

 - Calories: 821 kcal

 - Fat: 88g

 - Saturated Fat: 55g

 - Protein: 5g

Benefits:

 - Adds richness and creaminess.

 - Contains fat-soluble vitamins A and D.

Whole Milk (1 cup/250ml)

 - Calories: 150 kcal

 - Fat: 8g

 - Saturated Fat: 5g

 - Protein: 8g

 - Carbohydrates: 12g

Benefits:

 - Provides calcium and vitamin D.

 - Good source of protein and carbohydrates.

Butter (2 tablespoons)

 - Calories: 204 kcal

 - Fat: 23g

 - Saturated Fat: 14g

 - Protein: 0g

Benefits:

 - Adds flavor and richness.

 - Contains vitamins A, D, E, and K.

All-Purpose Flour (1 tablespoon)

 - Calories: 28 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 6g

 - Protein: 1g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

 - Used as a thickening agent.

 - Provides carbohydrates.

Dried Thyme (1 teaspoon)

 - Calories: 6 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Protein: 0g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

 - Contains antioxidants.

 - Has antimicrobial properties.

Salt and Pepper

 - Salt (1 teaspoon): 2,300 mg sodium

 - Pepper (1 teaspoon): 6 kcal, 1g carbohydrates

Benefits:

 - Salt enhances flavor but should be used in moderation.

 - Pepper adds flavor and may aid digestion.

Breadcrumbs (1 cup/100g)

 - Calories: 380 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 70g

 - Fiber: 3g

 - Protein: 12g

 - Fat: 4g

Benefits:

 - Adds texture to the dish.

 - Provides some fiber and protein.

Butter (1 tablespoon, melted)

 - Calories: 102 kcal

 - Fat: 11g

 - Saturated Fat: 7g

Benefits:

 - Adds flavor and helps in crisping the breadcrumbs.

These ingredients combine to create a rich, flavorful dish with a creamy texture and a crispy topping.