 | |
| Type | Casserole |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Sweden |
| Main ingredients | Potatoes,onions, pickledsprats andcream |
Jansson's temptation (Swedish:Janssons frestelse (Swedish pronunciation:[ˈjɑ̌ːnsɔnsˈfrɛ̂sːtɛlsɛ])) is a traditionalSwedishcasserole made ofpotatoes,onions, pickledsprats andcream. It is commonly included in a Swedishjulbord (Christmassmörgåsbord),[1] and theEasterpåskbuffé, which is lighter than a traditionaljulbord.[2] The dish is also common inFinland where it is known asjanssoninkiusaus.[3]
The potatoes are cut into thin strips and layered in a roasting tin, alternating with the sprats and chopped onions in between. Salt and pepper is put over each layer, then cream is added so that it almost fills the tin. It is finally baked in an oven at 200 °C (392 °F) for about one hour.[4][5]
The type of fish used in this dish is often mistranslated into English, writinganchovies when it should besprats. This is because sprats (Sprattus sprattus) pickled in sugar, salt and spices have been known in Sweden asansjovis since the middle of the 19th century, while true anchovies (Engraulis encrasicolus) are sold in Sweden assardeller (sardelles). Small herrings (Clupea harengus) may be used instead of sprats.[6]
It has often been associated with the opera singerPer Adolf "Pelle" Janzon (1844–1889), remembered as agourmand, but any connection with him is unlikely, according to food writer Jens Linder.[7] Another claim[4] for the origin of the name has been made by Gunnar Stigmark (1910–2001) in his article "Så var det med Janssons frestelse", which appeared in the periodicalGastronomisk kalender. According to Stigmark, his mother and a cook she had hired to prepare a dinner party wanted to give the familiar dish a special name, and decided to use the name of the filmJanssons frestelse (1928) featuring the actor and directorEdvin Adolphson; from that party the name spread to other households and eventually into cookbooks.
According to Linder the dish did not become associated with Christmas dinner until the 1970s.[7]
