Traditional British Fish Pie

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Description

A rendering of the classic British fish pie. This is a very tasty fish pie without the ‘tweaks’ of some newer versions; it was traditionally a relatively simple dish.

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 bay leaf
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 (1 pound) fillet cod
  • ½ cup butter, divided
  • 1 medium leek, white part only, chopped
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 ounces grated sharp Cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 cup peas (Optional)
  • salt and ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 hard-boiled eggs, quartered (Optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  2. Place potatoes into a large pot and cover with salted water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until tender
  3. about 20 minutes. Drain and let cool.
  4. Combine milk
  5. bay leaf
  6. and nutmeg in a large pan and bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Add cod and poach until flaky
  7. about 5 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer cod onto a plate; reserve poaching liquid. Use a fork to flake fish into bite-sized pieces.
  8. Mash potatoes in a large bowl. Mix in 3 tablespoons butter and 2 tablespoons poaching liquid until potatoes are fairly stiff and not too runny.
  9. Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium heat and stir in leek. Cook and stir until softened and translucent
  10. about 5 minutes. Set aside.
  11. Melt remaining 1/4 cup butter over medium heat in a large
  12. deep skillet until it just stops bubbling. Add flour and stir roux continuously for 1 minute. Slowly pour in remaining poaching liquid
  13. stirring continuously
  14. to make base of sauce. Add 1/2 the sharp Cheddar cheese and stir until melted. Fold in flaked cod
  15. leek
  16. and peas. Season with salt and pepper.
  17. Place fish mixture in an oven-proof dish; press boiled eggs gently into the filling across the surface. Cover with a thick layer of mashed potatoes. Sprinkle with remaining Cheddar cheese.
  18. Bake in the preheated oven until top is starting to brown
  19. about 30 minutes. Serve immediately.

Prep Time: 25 mins

Cook Time: 1 hr 15 mins

Total Time: 1 hr 40 mins

Servings: 6

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