Entree: Sweden – West Coast Sweden – Fiskgratäng (A baked Swedish creamy fish casserole with leeks, dill, and a mashed potato topping common on the west coast)

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 20 min

Cook 30 min

Additional 5 min

Total 55 min

Ingredients

- 2 cod fillets, approx. 8 oz (225 g) each, boneless and skinless
- 8 oz (225 g) cooked peeled shrimp (optional; use local prawns if available)
- 2 tbsp (30 g) butter
- 1 tbsp (8 g) olive oil
- 1 small leek, white and light green parts sliced thin (about 6 oz / 170 g)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (about 3 oz / 85 g)
- 2 tbsp (30 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (240 ml) milk
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) dry white wine or additional stock (optional)
- 2 tbsp (8 g) chopped fresh dill, plus extra for garnish
- 1/4 tsp (0.5 g) ground white pepper or black pepper to taste
- 1/8 tsp (0.5 g) freshly grated nutmeg
- Salt to taste
- 1.5 lb (680 g) Yukon Gold or other boiling potatoes, peeled and cut for mashing
- 2 tbsp (30 g) butter for the mashed potatoes
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) milk for the mashed potatoes
- 1/4 cup (15 g) breadcrumbs (optional)
- 2 tbsp (28 g) grated mild cheese such as Västerbottensost or mild cheddar (optional)
- Lemon wedges and boiled or buttered peas to serve

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Boil the peeled potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15–20 minutes. Drain and mash with 2 tbsp (30 g) butter and 1/4 cup (60 ml) milk; season with salt and set aside.
2. Meanwhile, heat 2 tbsp (30 g) butter and 1 tbsp (8 g) olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced leek and chopped onion and sauté until soft but not browned, about 6–8 minutes.
3. Sprinkle the flour over the softened leek and onion and cook 1 minute while stirring. Gradually whisk in the milk and cream (and wine or stock if using) until a smooth sauce forms. Simmer gently until slightly thickened, 3–5 minutes.
4. Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the chopped dill, nutmeg, white pepper, and salt to taste. Fold in the cooked shrimp if using.
5. Place the cod fillets in a buttered 9x9-inch (or similar) baking dish. Pour the cream and leek sauce evenly over the fish. Spoon or pipe the mashed potatoes over the top to cover the sauce and fish.
6. Mix the breadcrumbs with the grated cheese (if using) and sprinkle evenly over the mashed potato surface. Dot with a little extra butter if desired.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, until the fish is cooked through and the top is golden and crisp. Let rest a few minutes before serving.
8. Serve the fiskgratäng warm with lemon wedges, a sprinkle of fresh dill, and boiled or buttered peas.