Fish Pie with Broccoli: A Comforting and Nutritious Meal
If you're looking for a comforting and satisfying meal, look no further than fish pie with broccoli. This classic British dish is a favourite for good reason. It's hearty, delicious, and perfect for a cold winter evening.
Preparing the ingredients for this dish is relatively simple. You'll need a mixture of fish, such as cod, smoked haddock, and salmon, along with some broccoli florets.
The fish is poached in milk, which gives it a lovely, creamy texture. Once the fish is cooked, it's mixed with the broccoli and a creamy, cheesy sauce, then topped with mashed potatoes and baked until golden brown.
Assembling and baking the pie is the final step in creating this delicious dish.
Once you've mixed the fish and broccoli with the sauce, you'll need to transfer it to a baking dish and top it with mashed potatoes.
You can get creative with the topping, adding cheese or breadcrumbs for extra texture. Then, simply bake the pie in the oven until it's hot and bubbly. Serve with a side of greens for a complete meal.
Key Takeaways
- Fish pie with broccoli is a comforting and satisfying dish that's perfect for a cold winter evening.
- To prepare the dish, you'll need a mixture of fish, broccoli, and a creamy sauce, which is topped with mashed potatoes and baked until golden brown.
- Serve the pie with a side of greens for a complete meal.
Preparing the Ingredients
Before you can make a delicious fish pie with broccoli, you need to prepare the ingredients. This section will guide you through selecting the fish, making the pie filling, and preparing the broccoli.
Selecting the Fish
When it comes to making a fish pie, there are many types of fish you can use. Some popular options include salmon, cod, haddock, and smoked haddock.
You can also use a fish pie mix, which typically includes a combination of white fish, smoked salmon, and prawns.
When selecting your fish, make sure to check for any bones and remove them before cooking. Season the fish with salt, pepper, and chopped parsley to add some flavour.
Making the Pie Filling
To make the filling for your fish pie, you will need to create a white sauce. Begin by melting some butter in a pan and adding flour to create a roux.
Gradually add milk to the pan, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens. You can also add some cream to the sauce for a richer flavour.
Next, add some dijon mustard, chopped tarragon, and dill to the sauce to give it some extra flavour.
You can also add some sautéed leeks and garlic to the mixture for some added depth.
Preparing the Broccoli
Before adding the broccoli to your fish pie, you'll need to prepare it properly. Begin by washing the broccoli florets and cutting them into bite-sized pieces.
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add the broccoli.
Cook for 2-3 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still firm. Drain the broccoli and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process.
Broccoli is a great source of vitamin C, so it's a healthy addition to your fish pie.
Assembling and Baking the Pie
Creating the Pie Base
To create the base of your broccoli fish pie, you can use either puff pastry or mashed potato.
If you opt for puff pastry, roll it out and place it into your oven dish. If you choose mashed potato, spread it evenly across the bottom of the dish.
Whichever base you choose, make sure it's evenly distributed and covers the entire bottom of the dish.
Adding the Toppings
Now it's time to add your fish and broccoli mixture to the pie. Start by spooning the mixture onto the base, making sure it's evenly distributed.
You can also add cheese and breadcrumbs to the top of the mixture for an extra golden brown finish.
If you're feeling extra cheesy, you can also mix some cheese into your mashed potato topping.
Baking the Pie
Preheat your oven to 200°C and place your pie in the oven.
Bake for 30-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the filling is cooked through.
To check if the filling is ready, insert a fork into the middle of the pie. If it comes out clean, your pie is ready to eat!
Frequently Asked Questions
What's a good white fish to use for a fish pie with broccoli?
There are several types of white fish that work well in a fish pie with broccoli. Cod, haddock, and pollock are popular choices. These fish are mild in flavour and flaky in texture, making them a great complement to the broccoli.
Can you suggest a simple way to make a crust for a salmon and broccoli pie?
A simple way to make a crust for a salmon and broccoli pie is to use mashed potatoes.
Spread a layer of mashed potatoes over the top of the pie filling and smooth it out with a fork.
You can also sprinkle some grated cheese on top of the mashed potatoes for added flavour.
What are some healthy alternatives to cream in a fish pie with broccoli?
If you're looking for a healthy alternative to cream in a fish pie with broccoli, you can use low-fat milk or yoghurt instead.
Another option is to use a mixture of cornflour and chicken or vegetable stock to create a creamy sauce.
How long should I bake a salmon and broccoli potato pie?
The baking time for a salmon and broccoli potato pie will depend on the size of the pie and the temperature of your oven.
As a general rule, you should bake the pie for 30-40 minutes at 180°C (350°F) until the top is golden brown and the filling is cooked through.
What veggies go well in a fish pie alongside broccoli?
In addition to broccoli, there are several other vegetables that go well in a fish pie. Carrots, peas, sweetcorn, and leeks are all popular choices.
You can also add some chopped herbs, such as parsley or dill, for extra flavour.
Could you tell me how to prep the broccoli for a fish pie to keep it from going soggy?
To prevent broccoli from going soggy in a fish pie, it's important to blanch it first.
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, add the broccoli florets, and cook for 2-3 minutes until they are bright green and tender-crisp.
Drain the broccoli and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Pat the broccoli dry with a paper towel before adding it to the pie filling.