Atrais Jansona Baked Dish

This delightful baked dish promises to bring warmth and satisfaction to any meal. Its roots lie in the comforting, hearty flavors of simple ingredients combined to create something greater than the sum of its parts. A blend of tender potatoes, pungent onions, and flavorful sprats join forces to deliver a savory taste experience. The creamy egg mixture that binds them together ensures every bite is rich and fulfilling. It's an accessible recipe that doesn’t require a gourmet touch, ready to impress with relatively modest effort. Perfect for blustery days when you need nourishment and a touch of nostalgia. Pair it with rye bread and mixed salads for a full meal. This dish is a great showcase of local flavors, especially appreciated by those who enjoy exploring traditional culinary delights.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 can of sprats (100 g)
• 2 tablespoons of sprat marinade
• 6 boiled potatoes, cubed
• 2 onions, chopped
• 2 eggs
• 200 g milk

Preparation Time

• Total: 50 minutes
  • Preparation: 30 minutes
  • Cooking: 20 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Prepare the Onions: Peel the onions and chop them finely.
2. Layer the Dish: Begin by placing half of the onions into a greased baking dish.
3. Add Marinade: Pour 1 tablespoon of the sprat marinade over the onions to infuse flavor.
4. Assemble the Potatoes and Sprats: Cut the boiled potatoes into cubes and mix them with sprat pieces. Be sure to remove the large bones from the sprats for a smooth texture.
5. Layer Onion: Sprinkle the remaining chopped onions over the potato and sprat mixture.
6. Prepare the Custard: In a bowl, beat the eggs thoroughly and mix with the milk and the other tablespoon of sprat marinade to create a savory custard.
7. Pour the Custard: Evenly pour the egg and milk mixture over the layered ingredients in the baking dish.
8. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 225°C (437°F) to ensure a hot start for baking.
9. Bake the Dish: Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until golden brown and set.
10. Monitor Baking: Keep an eye on the dish as it bakes, ensuring it doesn’t overcook or dry out.
11. Check Doneness: The dish should have a firm top with a golden color indicating it is ready.
12. Let it Rest: Allow the dish to cool slightly before serving, helping it firm up a bit more.
13. Serve: Cut into portions and serve alongside rye bread for a traditional touch.
14. Side Suggestions: Pair with mixed green salad to add freshness and balance to the savory elements.
15. Garnishing Options: Consider adding fresh dill or parsley for an added aroma.
16. Optional Enhancements: A dollop of sour cream on the side can add creaminess and tang.
17. Check for Seasoning: Taste for seasoning and adjust with salt and pepper if necessary.
18. Final Check: Ensure everything is visually appealing and presentable before serving.
19. Enjoy: Encourage guests to enjoy the blend of traditional flavors.
20. Bon Appétit: Wish everyone a delightful eating experience with this classic dish.

Tips

• Substitution: If sprats are hard to find, you can use sardines as an alternative.
• Texture Variance: Leave a few potato pieces larger for contrast in texture.
• Herbs: Adding fresh herbs like dill can enhance the dish's aroma.

Nutritions

• Calories: Approximately 350 kcal per serving
• Protein: 10 g
• Fats: 12 g
• Carbs: 45 g

Variations

• Add Cheese: For a richer taste, sprinkle grated cheese on top before baking.
• Vegetarian Option: Skip the sprats and add mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
• Gluten-Free: Ensure your rye bread is gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.

Serving Suggestions

• Rye Bread: Complement the dish with hearty rye bread.
• Salad Pairing: Serve alongside a crisp mixed salad for a refreshing contrast.
• Drink Choice: Pair with a light beer or a crisp white wine.

Best Places

1. Friðrik V Restaurant - A creative take on classic Scandinavian cuisine. Location: Laugavegur 23, Reykjavík, Iceland.
2. Pelikan - Cozy atmosphere offering traditional dishes. Location: Große Elbstraße 143, Hamburg, Germany.
3. Berns Asiatiska - Renowned for blending traditional and contemporary flavors. Location: Näckströmsgatan 8, Stockholm, Sweden.
4. Riga Black Magic - Known for its authentic Latvian offerings. Location: Kaļķu iela 10, Rīga, Latvia.
5. Olivier's Restaurant - Features exquisite local cuisine. Location: Rue de l'Évêché, Marseille, France.
6. Barents - Offers a modern twist on Nordic classics. Location: Karl Johans gate 47, Oslo, Norway.
7. Gaststätte Röhrl - Time-honored recipes in a historic setting. Location: Stadtplatz 7, Eging am See, Germany.
8. MellemRum - A place to enjoy refined Danish dishes. Location: Fredens Torv 2, Aarhus, Denmark.
9. Noma Copenhagen - Pioneers of Nordic cuisine with innovative dishes. Location: Refshalevej 96, Copenhagen, Denmark.
10. Restaurant Erzsébet - Enjoy traditional flavors in a sophisticated atmosphere. Location: Erzsébet körút 43, Budapest, Hungary.