Hasselback potatoes: A Swedish dish that steals the show

Hasselback potatoes are gaining popularity, yet many people are unaware of their origin. They are a traditional Swedish dish. The recipe involves slicing potatoes deeply, creating a unique accordion-like appearance. The potatoes are then baked in the oven with various toppings.

In Sweden, they've found a way for potatoes to be delicious and visually appealing. Plus, they're easy to prepare. This versatile dish can be quickly made for lunch or dinner. The crispy skin of the potatoes nicely contrasts with the soft inside. Baking at high temperatures enhances their unique taste and aroma, making them flavourful.

Preparing this enticing dish is very straightforward. To ensure even baking, choose potatoes of similar size. Peel or scrub them well, then slice them thinly without cutting them through. Fill the potato cuts with smoked bacon, onion, and garlic. Cheese is also a great addition. Brush the potatoes with olive oil and season with salt and pepper; place them on a baking sheet and bake until golden.

Ingredients:

• 4 medium potatoes,
• 2 slices of smoked bacon,
• 1 onion,
• 2 cloves of garlic,
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil,
• salt and pepper to taste.

Preparation method:

1. Peel the potatoes or scrub them thoroughly and dry them.
2. Slice the potatoes into thin slices, careful not to cut them all through. The slices should remain connected at the top and bottom, forming an "accordion" shape.
3. Cut the smoked bacon, onion, and garlic into thin slices.
4. Insert these ingredients into the cuts in the potatoes.
5. Brush the potatoes with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper.
6. Place the Hasselback potatoes in an ovenproof dish coated with a thin layer of fat.
7. Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F) and bake the potatoes for 30-40 minutes.
8. After the first 30 minutes, remove the cover and check with a fork if the potatoes are soft.
9. Finally, bake the potatoes for another 5-10 minutes without the cover to brown them on the outside.