If you're looking for a comforting and hearty meal, look no further than fish pie.
This classic British dish is a favourite for many, and for good reason.
It's a delicious combination of flaky fish, creamy sauce, and mashed potatoes, all baked together to create a dish that's both filling and satisfying.
Fish pie is a versatile dish that can be made with a variety of fish, from salmon and cod to haddock and prawns.
The fish is usually poached in milk and then combined with a creamy white sauce, before being topped with mashed potatoes and baked in the oven.
The result is a dish that's rich and flavourful, with a comforting texture that's perfect for a chilly evening.
Whether you're looking for a family-friendly meal or a dinner party showstopper, fish pie is a great choice.
With its simple yet satisfying flavours, it's a dish that's sure to please everyone at the table.
So why not give it a try and see for yourself how delicious it can be?
Key Takeaways
- Fish pie is a classic British dish that's both filling and satisfying.
- It can be made with a variety of fish, and is usually topped with mashed potatoes and baked in the oven.
- Fish pie is a versatile dish that's perfect for a family meal or a dinner party showstopper.
Recipe and Ingredients
Making a delicious fish pie is easy with the right ingredients and the right recipe.
There are a few things to keep in mind when selecting your fish, perfecting the potato mash and creating the sauce.
Selecting Your Fish
When it comes to selecting the fish for your pie, you can use a combination of smoked and unsmoked fish for optimum flavour and texture.
A fish pie mix that includes cod, salmon, and smoked haddock is a great option.
You can also use prawns or other seafood in your pie. Make sure to remove any bones from the fish before cooking.
Perfecting the Potato Mash
The potato mash is an important part of the fish pie, and getting it right is crucial.
Use floury potatoes like Maris Piper potatoes for the mash, as they are perfect for mashing.
Boil the potatoes until they are soft and then mash them with butter and milk.
For a creamier mash, you can add cream or cheese to the mix.
Creating the Sauce
The sauce is what brings the whole fish pie together.
Start by cooking onions and garlic in butter until they are soft.
Add flour to the mixture and cook for a few minutes until the flour is lightly browned.
Slowly add milk to the mixture and whisk until the sauce is smooth.
Add mustard, bay leaf, and nutmeg for flavour.
You can also add sweetcorn or peas to the sauce for extra texture and flavour.
To assemble the fish pie, place the fish in a baking dish and pour the sauce over the top.
Add the mashed potatoes on top of the sauce and sprinkle with cheddar cheese.
Bake the fish pie in the oven until the cheese is melted and the potatoes are golden brown.
Cooking and Nutrition
Baking the Perfect Fish Pie
To bake the perfect fish pie, preheat your oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas mark 6. Use a baking tray to avoid any spillage.
Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbling.
You can add a sprinkle of lemon zest to the top for extra flavour.
Health Benefits and Dietary Considerations
Fish pie is a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining good health.
It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin D and calcium, which are important for strong bones and teeth.
If you are watching your calorie intake, you can use low-fat milk and reduce the amount of double cream.
You can also add vegetables such as peas, carrots and spinach to increase the fibre content.
Serving Suggestions and Storage
Fish pie is best served with cheesy mash or boiled potatoes and a side of green vegetables.
You can store any leftovers in the fridge for up to three days.
To reheat, cover with foil and bake in the oven at 180°C/160°C fan/gas mark 4 for 20-25 minutes or until hot throughout.
Here are some tips to keep in mind when making fish pie:
- Use sustainable sources of fish such as trout and white fish to help protect the environment.
- Use free-range eggs for a richer flavour and better texture.
- Use cornflour to thicken the creamy sauce instead of flour to reduce carbs.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Use a blend of different types of fish to add texture and flavour.
- You can add baked beans or tomato ketchup to the filling for a twist on the classic recipe.
- The cost per serving can vary depending on the type of fish used and the season.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you whip up a simple fish pie?
Whipping up a simple fish pie is easier than you might think.
You can use any white fish you like, such as cod, haddock, or pollock, along with some smoked fish like haddock or salmon.
Poach the fish in milk for a few minutes and then flake it into chunks.
Next, mix the fish with some cooked peas and carrots, and place it in a baking dish.
Cover the fish mixture with mashed potatoes and bake in the oven for about 30 minutes until the top is golden brown.
What are the key components in a classic fish pie?
A classic fish pie consists of perfectly cooked flakes of fish in a rich, creamy sauce, made with the milk that the fish was poached in.
Typically, a combination of smoked and unsmoked fish is used, as well as peas, King prawns, and chopped up hard-boiled eggs.
The fish is then topped with a crispy, cheesy mashed potato.
Could you suggest a fish pie recipe from a renowned chef?
If you want to try a fish pie recipe from a renowned chef, then look no further than Jamie Oliver.
His fish pie recipe is simple to make and uses a variety of fish, including smoked haddock, salmon, and prawns.
The fish is then mixed with leeks, boiled eggs, and a creamy sauce, before being topped with mashed potatoes and cheddar cheese.
What's the secret to making the best fish pie ever?
The secret to making the best fish pie ever is to use a variety of fish, including smoked fish, and to make a rich, creamy sauce using the milk that the fish was poached in.
You can also add some chopped herbs, such as parsley or chives, to give the dish some extra flavour.
Finally, make sure to top the fish mixture with a generous amount of mashed potatoes and cheese before baking it in the oven.
Which accompaniments go well with a fish pie?
Fish pie is a hearty and filling dish that is perfect for cold winter nights.
It goes well with a variety of accompaniments, such as steamed vegetables, a fresh salad, or some crusty bread.
You can also serve it with some tartar sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice to give it some extra zing.
Where did the concept of fish pie originally come from?
The concept of fish pie can be traced back to medieval times when fish was often cooked in a pastry crust.
The modern version of fish pie, however, is believed to have originated in the UK in the 19th century. It was a popular dish among the working class, who would often use leftover fish and potatoes to make a hearty and filling meal.
Today, fish pie is a classic British dish that is enjoyed by people all over the world.