Food Guesser Play
Jansson's Temptation, a dish from Sweden

Jansson's Temptation

Sweden

Also known as Janssons Frestelse

About Jansson's Temptation

Jansson's Temptation, or Janssons frestelse, is a creamy Swedish potato bake made from thin strips of potato, onions and Swedish "ansjovis" (sweet-spiced pickled sprats), baked with cream and topped with breadcrumbs and butter.

Swedish ansjovis are not the same as salty Mediterranean anchovies. They are sprats cured in a sweet, spiced brine, which gives the dish a gentle sweet-salty flavor.

The dish became popular in the early 20th century. Its name most likely comes from the 1928 Swedish film Janssons frestelse; a popular story links it to the opera singer Pelle Janzon, but food historians think that is unlikely. Today it is a fixture on the Swedish Christmas table (julbord), and is also served at Easter and midsummer.

Ingredients