Tasty Fish Recipes

My fish pie

I shall give you recommended quantities of ingredients for this fish pie but you can adapt it to suit your family. This recipes uses white fish like cod but I often use smoked haddock instead because I think it gives more flavour. Use whatever fresh fish you can buy on special offer or is inexpensive because it is in season.

I adjust the quantities by instinct and experience, depending how many people I'm feeding. This recipe should produce 4 to 6 portions.

Ingredients
16oz white uncooked fish
32oz potatoes, boiled and mashed
1oz butter
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup fish stock
3 tbs flour
4oz grated cheese
2tbs chopped parsley (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

Method

1. Put the fish in a pan and cover with water. Bring to the boil and simmer for about 5 minutes. Drain off the water saving half a cup for the sauce.

2. When the fish is cool enough, remove any bones and use a fork to break the fish into flakes.

3. Melt the butter in a small pan. When it is melted stir in the flour with a wooden spoon. Keep stirring until the butter and flour are fully combined and have achieved a smooth consistency. Continue to cook the mixture (called a roux) over a low heat for 2 minutes.

4. Remove the pan from the heat and add half of the milk. Return to the heat but DO NOT STIR. Wait until the milk starts to boil then stir vigorously. You will see that the roux will take up the milk until it is fully absorbed. The roux will have expanded and will still be quite thick and smooth. If there are any lumps, keep stirring. Repeat this with the other half of the milk, then with the stock.

5. By the time the stock has been absorbed into the roux sauce, it will be much thinner. Now add 3oz grated cheese and stir in well. Season to taste and stir in the chopped parsley if used.

6. Mix the flaked fish into the sauce and put into and ovenproof dish, smoothing evenly over the dish. Now put the mashed potatoes on top and spread over the fish mixture. Draw lines all over the top with a fork, then sprinkle the remaining grated cheese evenly over the top.

7. Bake in a preheated oven (400 deg F or 200 deg C) for about 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown (I usually stand the dish on a metal oven tray in case the sauce leaks out). Serve hot with peas, carrots or other vegetables.