Janssons Frestelse

Janssons frestelse is a Swedish gratin of matchstick potatoes, onions, and Swedish sprats (ansjovis) baked in cream until golden. The anchovy-like sprats dissolve into the cream, leaving a savoury-salty-sweet depth that is distinctive and demanding. The fat load from the cream is substantial, the umami from the sprats is intense, and the onion sweetness softens the whole. Oak is eliminated by the fish; tannin has nothing to grip.