Craving a comforting, hearty meal that'll transport you straight to the cozy kitchens of Britain? Look no further than this ultimate Fish and Shellfish Pie - a dish that promises to be your new weekend comfort food obsession! Imagine a creamy, luxurious seafood filling topped with the most irresistibly golden and crispy mashed potato crust that'll make your taste buds dance with delight. Whether you're a seafood lover or looking to impress your dinner guests, this recipe is about to become your secret weapon in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: British
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 300g white fish (cod or haddock)
- 200g smoked haddock
- 200g prawns
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups milk
- 3 tbsp flour
- 4 large potatoes, for mash
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Peel and chop potatoes into even chunks, then place in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, approximately 15-20 minutes.
- While potatoes are cooking, prepare the fish. Cut white fish and smoked haddock into bite-sized pieces, ensuring no bones remain.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir continuously for 2 minutes to create a roux, which will help thicken the sauce.
- Gradually pour in milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
- Add fish pieces and prawns to the sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until fish is just cooked.
- Drain cooked potatoes and return to the pot. Mash with butter, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Transfer fish mixture to a large baking dish. Spread mashed potatoes evenly on top, creating a smooth surface.
- Use a fork to create decorative lines on the potato topping, which will crisp up during baking.
- Preheat oven to 200°C (390°F). Bake the fish pie for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the pie to set.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Fish: Use the freshest white fish and smoked haddock you can find. The quality of seafood makes a huge difference in the final flavor.
- Prevent a Soggy Bottom: Make sure to drain your potatoes thoroughly and let them steam dry for a few minutes to ensure your mashed potato topping stays crisp.
- Seasoning is Key: Don't be shy with salt and pepper. Seafood loves seasoning, so taste your sauce and adjust accordingly.
- Potato Topping Trick: Use a fork to create ridges on top of the mashed potatoes. These peaks will become deliciously crispy and golden brown when baked.
- Let it Rest: Allow the pie to sit for 5-10 minutes after baking. This helps the filling set and makes serving much easier.
- Variation Tip: Feel free to add some grated cheese to your mashed potatoes for extra richness and flavor.
- Make Ahead: This pie can be prepared in advance and refrigerated before baking, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 180mg
