Bananas, Chicken, And Chili Sauce Are The Start Of This Nostalgic '70s Comfort Dish

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Vintage recipes are iconic for a reason. Whether molded in Jell-O or baked in a casserole dish, there's something comforting about a meal that requires minimal ingredients and little time to prepare. The versatile, humble banana was often the star of nostalgic dishes, from banana scallops to ham and bananas Hollandaise (one of those vintage breakfasts that have faded away). What you may not know is that there's a classic comfort dish from Sweden that not only boasts bananas, but chicken, and chili sauce as well. It's called the "Flying Jacob," and it was created in the 1970s.

I know, I know — "Flying Jacob" sounds like some kind of stunt or trick from an action movie of the same era. In actuality, it's a quirky casserole born from the pantry of air-freight worker Ove Jacobsson, who tossed the only ingredients he had on hand into a casserole dish for a neighborhood dinner party. Surprisingly, it was a success, and the nickname inspired by Jacobsson and his occupation stuck the landing.

The Swedes swear by it. In Michelin-starred chef Magnus Nilsson's "The Nordic Cookbook," he describes it as "emblematic and unique to the contemporary food culture of Sweden." That said, it's not exactly what most people picture when they think of Nordic cuisine. The classic recipe features a topping of whipped cream mixed with chili sauce and salted peanuts, all baked in the oven. What a wild time to be alive.

Recreating Flygande Jakob at home is as easy as it sounds. Arrange cooked chicken breast strips or pieces in a casserole dish, then layer on fried bacon and sliced bananas. Gently fold chili sauce into whipped cream, spread the mixture over the top, and bake in a preheated 425-degree-Fahrenheit oven until caramelized in color. Serve as is or over rice or egg noodles. Perplexed? We get it. But trust us, this quirky combination is a rocking good time. Redditors report that it's tasty, easy to make, and even lends itself to substitutions, with pork making a delicious alternative.

A few tips for the wary: Above all, use a properly sized casserole dish to ensure the dish cooks evenly. Slice your bananas lengthwise to distribute their flavor throughout the casserole. For a smokier flavor, grill the chicken before assembling the dish. (Shredded rotisserie chicken works just as well, especially if you're in a pinch.) Take a cue from chef Magnus Nilsson and sprinkle store-bought dry Italian salad dressing over the chicken, as his recipe calls for. And if you prefer your Flying Jacob without the heat, opt for sweet chili sauce or even ketchup in place of the standard chili sauce.