Creamy Fish Blend Baked in a Pastry Crust
Revamped Fish Pie Recipe
Craving a comforting home-cooked meal worthy of Great Britain? This fish pie recipe, tailored for American cooks, swaps traditional smoked haddock for hot-smoked salmon and fresh white fish. The delightful concoction is crowned with a warm, fluffy Yukon Gold potato mash, much like a shepherd's pie.
What You'll Need:Instead of cold-smoked salmon, choose hot-smoked salmon, known for its firm texture, dryness, and strong smoky flavor. Select a thick, meaty white fish, such as cod or halibut, for a robust cooking experience.
Consider our tomato pie recipe for more mouthwatering, easy-to-make, and filling savory pies.
- Serves: 6-8
- Difficulty: Simple
- Total Time: 1 hr 40 mins
- Preparation Time: 30 mins
Ingredients (16)
For the Mash:
- 2.5 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered (if large) or halved (if small)
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt, plus additional (if needed)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (1/2 stick)
- 1/2 cup warm whole milk, plus more (if required)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Filling:
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (3/4 stick), room temperature
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 small carrot, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
- 2 tablespoons minced chives
- Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 lb hot-smoked salmon, without skin and bones, broken into small pieces
- 1.5 lbs white fish fillets (like halibut or cod), without skin and bones, cut into bite-size pieces
Instructions
To Prepare the Mash:
- Place the potatoes in a pot, adding cold water to cover by 2 inches. Include 2 tablespoons of salt and bring to a boil over high heat. Lower the heat, simmer, and cook for about 20 minutes, occasionally stirring. Drain the potatoes, return them to the pot, and proceed to the next step.
- Add the butter and milk. Mash the potatoes using a potato masher or a ricer. Ensure additional milk is added for creaminess, provided the mash remains thick. Season with salt, if needed, and pepper to taste. Cover and set aside.
To Prepare the Filling & Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and set a rack in the middle. Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Incorporate the onion and carrot, cook until golden and tender (around 5 minutes).
- Add the flour and whisk well to combine.
- Gradually add the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Simmer for a few minutes, then add the parsley and chives. Remove from the heat and season with salt and pepper. Mix in the smoked and white fish.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 2-quart baking dish. Top with spoonfuls of the reserved mashed potatoes, distributing evenly. With a fork, rake the top to create a rough texture and dot with the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Bake until bubbly and the top is beautifully golden (approx. 30 minutes).
Did you know?In traditional UK fish pies, particularly those inspired by Cornish or Scottish recipes, fish like haddock, cod, herring, pilchards, or mackerel are commonly used. For dishes like Stargazy pie, smaller oily fish like sardines or anchovies are often preferred, although other oily fish can be used as substitutes.
In the United States, you can use firm white fish as alternatives for a fish pie. Popular American options include cod, pollock, halibut, tilapia, or snapper. Firm white fish generally works better than oily fish, ensuring the fish holds its shape and provides a flaky texture. However, if you're looking to replicate a Stargazy pie feel, consider using smaller oily fish like sardines or anchovies. Enjoy your culinary adventure!
- This revamped fish pie recipe swaps traditional smoked haddock with hot-smoked salmon and fresh white fish like cod or halibut, providing a unique American twist on the British classic.
- The uncategorized tomato pie recipe, another mouthwatering and filling savory pie, can be found on our website for those seeking more recipes to try.
- Ensure the nutrition quality of your dish by following the precise instructions for both the mash and filling, which include details on temperature, ingredients, and quantities.
- Before serving, double-check the temperature of the fish mixture to ensure it’s sure and safe to eat, adding an extra layer of assurance to your comforting home-cooked meal.
