Lohilaatikko (Finnish Salmon and Potato Casserole)
Lohilaatikko is a comforting and classic Finnish casserole featuring tender salmon and potatoes baked in a creamy sauce, often flavored with dill and onion. It's a simple yet satisfying dish, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Variations exist across Finland, with common ingredients being potatoes, salmon, and dill, reflecting the country's love for fresh, local ingredients.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Potatoes(waxy or all-purpose, peeled and thinly sliced)
- 600 g Salmon fillet(skinless, boneless, cut into 2-3 cm cubes)
- 1 large Onion(thinly sliced or chopped)
- 3 tbsp Fresh dill(chopped)
- 250 ml Heavy cream
- 250 ml Milk
- 1.5 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Black pepper
- 1 tbsp Butter(for greasing the dish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Grease a 2-quart casserole dish with butter.
- 2
In a large bowl, combine the sliced potatoes, salmon cubes, sliced onion, and chopped dill. Season with salt and pepper.
- 3
In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and milk. Pour this mixture over the salmon and potato mixture in the casserole dish.
- 4
Gently toss everything together to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed and coated with the cream mixture.
- 5
Cover the casserole dish with foil or a lid. Bake for 45 minutes.
- 6
Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is lightly golden brown. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover it with foil.
- 7
Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using waxy potatoes helps them hold their shape better during baking.
- ✓Adjust salt and pepper to your preference. If using smoked salmon, be mindful of the added salt.
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can use all heavy cream instead of a mix of cream and milk.
- ✓Some recipes suggest pre-cooking the potatoes slightly to ensure they are tender.
🔄 Variations
- Add a layer of leeks along with the onions.
- Incorporate a small amount of grated horseradish for a subtle kick.
- Some traditional recipes might include a can of cream of chicken soup for added creaminess, though this is debated among purists.