Sweetened Potato Casserole Imelletty Perunalaatikko
Discover the rich and comforting flavors of Finland with Sweetened Potato Casserole, or *Imelletty Perunalaatikko*. This traditional holiday dish is a celebration of natural sweetness, achieved by an age-old technique that transforms starchy potatoes into a subtly caramelized and creamy delight. Made with simple ingredients like starchy potatoes, flour, milk, and butter, the magic lies in the fermentation process that sweetens the mashed potatoes naturally. Slow-baked to perfection, this casserole develops a luscious texture with a golden, slightly browned crust. Ideal as a side dish for festive meals, it pairs beautifully with roasted meats or a holiday spread. Perfectly nostalgic and uniquely Finnish, this casserole is a must-try for anyone seeking comforting, slow-cooked tradition on their table.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1.5 kg starchy potatoes (e.g., Russet)
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 250 ml whole milk
- 50 g unsalted butter
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp light brown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
Instructions
Peel the potatoes and chop them into even-sized chunks to ensure even cooking.
Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover them with water. Boil until the potatoes are completely tender, about 20-30 minutes.
Drain the potatoes thoroughly and mash them until smooth. Avoid using a food processor or blender, as this can make the potatoes gummy.
Allow the mashed potatoes to cool to a lukewarm temperature (around 40°C or 104°F). This step is crucial for activating the natural enzymes in the potatoes for sweetening.
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the mashed potatoes and mix well. Cover the pot and place it in a warm spot, such as an oven set to its lowest temperature or a warm water bath, for 3-5 hours. Stir occasionally during this time. The mixture will naturally sweeten as the enzymes break down the starches into sugars.
After the sweetening process, preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F).
Stir the milk, melted butter, and salt into the sweetened potato mixture. If you'd like additional sweetness, stir in the brown sugar at this point.
Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 2-3 hours, or until the top has set and browned slightly. The mixture will become creamy and slightly caramelized.
Let the casserole cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. It pairs wonderfully with roasted meats or as part of a holiday spread.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2155 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 53.1 g | 68% | |
| Saturated Fat | 30.7 g | 154% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 142 mg | 47% | |
| Sodium | 2567 mg | 112% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 375.1 g | 136% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 33.6 g | 120% | |
| Total Sugars | 52.4 g | ||
| Protein | 51.0 g | 102% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.8 mcg | 14% | |
| Calcium | 517 mg | 40% | |
| Iron | 10.6 mg | 59% | |
| Potassium | 8701 mg | 185% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
