Delicious and Easy Fish Pie Recipe for Home Cooks: A Must-Try Comfort Food Dish
Fish pie is more than just a meal; it's a hug in a dish that has nourished families for generations. This creamy delight pairs tender fish with a rich sauce, all topped by fluffy potato mash. Not only is it delicious; it's also straightforward to whip up, making it perfect for home cooks eager to impress loved ones or treat themselves after a busy day.
In this post, you will find a detailed recipe for a scrumptious fish pie, complete with fresh ingredients and expert tips to ensure it turns out wonderfully every time. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s embark on this tasty journey!
Ingredients You Will Need
Before we get started, let’s gather all the ingredients for the fish pie. Here’s a checklist to ensure you have everything at hand:
1 kg of potatoes, peeled and chopped
400 ml of milk, for creaminess
25 g of butter, to enrich the sauce
25 g of plain flour, to thicken the sauce
4 spring onions, sliced for a mild onion flavor
1 x 400 g pack of fish pie mix (or create your own using cod, salmon, and smoked haddock)
1 tsp mustard, for a subtle tang
Small bunch of chives, snipped for freshness
Handful of sweetcorn (about 100 g), adding sweetness and texture
Handful of peas (about 100 g), for color and nutrition
Handful of cheese (about 50 g), for a topping that's hard to resist
Be sure to check your pantry, so you have everything ready before you start cooking.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Start by peeling and chopping the potatoes, then place them in a large pot of salted water. Boil the potatoes for about 15-20 minutes until soft. Once cooked, drain them and return them to the pot.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
While the potatoes boil, let's create that luscious sauce. In a separate saucepan, melt 25 g of butter over medium heat. Add the 25 g of plain flour and whisk continuously for about a minute to form a roux. Gradually pour in the 400 ml of milk, whisking vigorously to avoid lumps. Stir until the sauce thickens, which takes about 5 minutes.
Incorporate the sliced spring onions, 1 tsp of mustard, snipped chives, sweetcorn, and peas, mixing well until everything is warmed through.
Step 3: Combine the Fish and Vegetables
Now it’s time to add the fish pie mix to your creamy sauce. If you’re crafting your own mix, consider a combination of 300 g of cod, 100 g of salmon, and 100 g of smoked haddock for a balance of flavors. Carefully fold the fish into the sauce, ensuring it's evenly coated. Let this mixture simmer on low heat for about 3-5 minutes until the fish is cooked through.
Step 4: Prepare the Potato Topping
Once the potatoes are cooked, mash them with a potato masher. Add a splash of milk or a knob of butter to make the mash even creamier. It should be smooth and fluffy, ready to crown your fish mixture.
Step 5: Assemble Your Fish Pie
In a casserole dish, pour in your fish and sauce mixture. Spread the creamy mashed potatoes evenly on top using a spatula. For a crispy finish, create some peaks with a fork on the potato topping.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 200°C (or 180°C for fan ovens) and bake your fish pie for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown. This time allows the flavors to meld and the potatoes to get beautifully crispy.
Tips and Variations
To elevate your fish pie even more, consider these suggestions:
Cheese Topping: For a rich finish, add 50 g of grated cheese on top of the mashed potatoes before baking to create a cheesy crust.
Herb Variations: Try fresh dill or parsley for a refreshing twist.
Vegetable Additions: Add other veggies such as carrots or celery to the filling. They enhance flavor and nutritional value.
Make it Your Own: Swap fish types or adjust the amount of milk and butter in the mash to suit your taste or dietary needs.
Perfect Pairings
Fish pie can stand alone, but for a balanced meal, serve it with a light green salad or steamed vegetables. For a delightful touch, pair your dish with a crisp white wine, enhancing the flavors of the fish beautifully.
A Final Thought
Fish pie is a classic dish that brings comfort and warmth to any table. With its customizable ingredients and flavors, it can easily become a favorite in your household.
Whether you're making it for a special occasion or simply enjoying a cozy dinner at home, this fish pie recipe promises richness and nostalgia that everyone will appreciate.
So gather your ingredients, follow the steps above, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this satisfying meal.
Happy cooking!
Comments