Recipe idea: Jansson's temptation
19.12.2025
Jansson's Frestelse: The seductive Swedish potato temptation
Jansson's temptation is a legendary Swedish casserole that combines potatoes, onions, anchovies, and cream into a delicious dish. The dish is not only a Christmas classic, but is enjoyed throughout the year in Sweden.
The preparation is an art in itself: potatoes are finely sliced, onions are sautéed in butter until translucent, and the layers are topped with cream. The casserole is baked at 200°C for at least 45 minutes until the surface is golden brown to dark brown. The dish is rounded off with freshly chopped parsley.
A tip for gourmets: it is not easy to find the right anchovies outside Sweden. We recommend using semi-preserved sprats such as Appetitsild to preserve the authentic Swedish taste experience.
The 1945 yearbook of the Hembygdsförbund von Södermanland also reports on the Jansson family from the municipality of Dunkers, who invited people to a feast in their home during the famine years of 1867–1869. To supplement the meager ingredients, Mrs. Jansson prepared a large casserole of potatoes, anchovies, and onions with milk. This became popularly known as Jansson's temptation.