Pytt i Panna

Pytt i panna is a Swedish fry-up of diced potato, onion and beef, served with a fried egg and beetroot. The name means something like "bits in a pan," and it is everyday home cooking in Sweden, often made to use up leftover meat and potatoes. Finland has a close relative called pyttipannu.

What it really is

Potatoes are cut into small dice and fried in a hot pan with onion and diced beef until the edges turn brown and crisp. The seasoning is simple, usually salt and pepper. Because the dish is fried rather than boiled, the potato stays firm, and the beef is often leftover cooked meat, so the texture depends on what the cook has to hand. A fried egg goes on top, and sliced beetroot is served alongside.

How it's served

• Hot from the pan, in a shallow dish or on a plate, with the egg on top.
• Beetroot on the side, usually sliced or pickled.
• As a main meal, often with bread on the side.

How to write it on the menu

• Name the meat: beef, diced, and say whether it is fresh or leftover.
• Flag the egg, which is an allergen, and say it is fried and served on top.
• Ask the kitchen whether the potatoes are fried in butter. Butter contains milk, so list it if it is used.
• Note that the beetroot is standard, and sell it as a separate portion if you serve it that way.
• Do not list it as vegetarian, because it contains beef.