Fish Pie Recipe | Comforting Homemade Tips | Tasty Comforts

Welcome to my article, where I share with you a delicious fish pie recipe that will warm your heart and please your taste buds.

This homemade fish pie is the epitome of comforting homemade classics, perfect for cosy family dinners or any occasion that calls for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Whether it’s a chilly evening or a special occasion, this recipe is both delicious and comforting. There is something about this classic dish that never fails to evoke a nostalgic feeling.

Get ready to enjoy the delightful combination of tender fish and creamy mashed potatoes that come together to create a memorable meal.

Throughout this article, I will guide you through each step of making this tasty wonder. From the key ingredients to preparing the fish filling to the final product, I will provide tips and variations to help you make the perfect fish pie. So, let’s dive in and create some tasty comforts!

Why Choose a Fish Pie?

A fish pie is an iconic British dish that has been enjoyed across generations. It’s a meal that not only comforts you but also delights your taste buds, with its delicious blend of fresh fish and creamy mashed potatoes.

Considered a classic fish pie recipe, this dish is a popular choice for cozy family dinners, special occasions, and everything in between.

Many people love fish pies for its rich and satisfying taste, which makes it a perfect choice for all occasions.

The classic fish pie recipe combines several seafood ingredients, creating a delightful flavour that’s well suited for a variety of preferences. Whether you’re a fish lover or not, you can still enjoy a sumptuous dish by trying out a classic fish pie recipe.

If you’re looking to indulge in some traditional comfort food with a touch of sophistication, this recipe is your perfect choice. The traditional fish pie recipe has been passed down generations by UK families as a dish guaranteed to warm your heart and soul.

“A good fish pie ticks every single box possible – comforting, delicious, hearty, and fulfilling. It’s my favourite meal to make my family and friends, and it’s always a hit” – Jamie Oliver

The delicious combination of mashed potatoes and fresh fish is unmatched, making fish pies the perfect go-to meal for simple family dinners. Plus, it is effortless to prepare. So if you’re looking for a classic dish that doesn’t require a lot of fuss, the traditional fish pie is an excellent option.

A Brief History of Fish Pies

Fish pies have a long and storied history in the UK, dating back to the Medieval period when they were considered a luxury food item. These early versions of fish pies were a far cry from the elaborate creations we know today.

The humble fish pie has been popular in the home for over 200 years, although it reached its height in the 19th century when it was served at grand banquets as a sign of affluence.

Today, they still hold as much reverence and are still regarded as a beloved dish for many UK citizens. While traditional fish pies consisted of fish and mashed potatoes only, many chefs and home cooks have innovated on the recipe to create variations that put a unique spin on the classic dish.

The Nutritional Benefits of Fish Pies

A fish pie is a delicious and nutritious meal that offers a wide range of benefits to its consumers.

The dish is high in protein and also contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential in promoting visible skin health. Moreover, it is rich in vitamins and minerals like vitamin B12, selenium, and iodine, which help to improve brain function, regulate hormone production, and boost general health.

The nutritional information reveals that fish pies are healthy as they contain little to no artificial additives, preservatives or high salt/sugar content. You can confidently indulge in fish pie recipes knowing that they offer wholesome and tasty nutritional benefits for you and your family.

Fish Pie Ingredients

To make a creamy fish pie with a comforting mashed potato crust, you’ll need a few staple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

As for the fish and potato pie seasoning, add salt and pepper to taste. You can also use herbs and spices like parsley, thyme, or nutmeg for extra flavor.

Freshness is key when it comes to fish, so try to get the best quality you can find. You can also add other types of seafood, like mussels or scallops, to make the dish more interesting.

Preparing the Fish Filling

Before assembling the pie, it’s important to prepare the fish filling. Poaching the fish in milk and bay leaves until it is just cooked ensures that the fish stays moist and flavorful in the pie recipe. Remove the fish from the poaching liquid, flake it into bite-sized pieces, and set aside. Cook any other seafood you’re using at this stage.

If you’re looking for a healthy fish pie recipe, choose low-fat options such as cod and prawns for your filling. Seafood pie recipes can also include salmon or smoked haddock to add extra flavour and nutrition.

To create a table that compares different types of fish for your seafood pie recipe:

To make your fish pie even healthier, you can reduce the amount of mashed potato in your recipe and add more vegetables such as carrots, peas, and spinach. This will increase the nutritional value of your meal and give it a vibrant, colorful appearance!

Making the Creamy Sauce

The creamy sauce is an essential element in making a perfect fish pie, and it’s actually quite easy to make. Here’s how I do it:

1. Melt the butter: Start by melting 50g of unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat.

2. Create a smooth paste: Once the butter has melted, add 50g of plain flour to the pan and stir until you have a smooth paste, also known as a roux.

3. Add milk and stock: Gradually add about 600ml of whole milk and 300ml of fish stock to the pan, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.

4. Thicken the sauce: Cook the mixture over medium-low heat until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon. This should take around 10-15 minutes.

5. Season: Once the sauce has thickened, add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste, along with any other herbs or spices you like. This is where you can really customize the flavor of your creamy fish pie!

That’s it! Once you’ve made the sauce, you can combine it with the fish mixture and assemble your fish pie as desired. This recipe is for a basic creamy sauce, but there are plenty of variations you can try to change up the flavor.

Alternative ingredients

If you’re looking for a lighter sauce, you can use half milk and half single cream instead of using all milk. Alternatively, for a richer sauce, you can use double cream instead of milk. You can also add grated cheese to the sauce for an extra cheesy flavor.

Assembling and Baking the Pie

With the fish filling and creamy sauce both ready, it’s time to assemble the fish pie. Preheat your oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas mark 6.

Start by placing the fish filling in a baking dish. Pour the sauce over it, ensuring all the fish is well-coated. This will keep the fish moist and add flavor to the pie.

Next, top the dish with a generous layer of creamy mashed potatoes, using a fork to create an attractive texture. The mashed potatoes form a comforting crust on top of the fish and sauce.

Place the fish pie in the oven and bake for around 30-35 minutes, until the top is golden and the filling is heated through. Keep an eye on the pie to avoid over-browning the topping.

The delicious aroma will fill your kitchen, getting everyone’s stomachs growling in anticipation!

Tips for Perfect Fish Pie

• Try adding cheese to the mashed potatoes for a golden, cheesy crust.
• Experiment with different types of fish and seafood to create new flavor combinations.
• If you are looking for a healthy fish pie, reduce the amount of butter and use skimmed milk instead of full-fat.

With these tips in mind, you’re sure to impress your family and loved ones with a delicious and simple fish pie recipe.

Serving and Enjoying

After baking your easy fish pie recipe to perfection, it’s time to enjoy this comforting homemade dish. First, allow it to cool for a few minutes before cutting it into generous portions. This will prevent the creamy filling from spilling out and burning your tongue.

Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp salad to balance out the deliciousness of the fish and mashed potatoes. The fresh veggies will add texture and provide valuable nutrients to your meal.

The creamy, flavorful filling coupled with the comforting mashed potato topping will leave you and your family wanting more. Take your time savoring every bite and enjoy the warmth and comfort this dish brings. It’s the perfect meal for a cozy dinner at home.

“Fish pie smothered in cheesy mashed potatoes makes a great family supper dish. If you don’t have a lot of time, use ready-made mash.” – Jamie Oliver

Tips and Variations

If you’re feeling adventurous, here are some tips and creative variations on the classic fish pie recipe:

1. Try different types of fish. While this recipe calls for white fish, feel free to experiment with other types of seafood like salmon, tuna, or prawns to create new flavor combinations.
2. Add some veggies for extra nutrition. To make your fish pie even healthier, incorporate vegetables like peas, carrots, or spinach into the dish. Simply boil or steam them before adding them to the filling.
3. Create a cheesy crust. For an extra indulgent touch, add grated cheese to your mashed potato topping before baking. The result will be a delicious golden crust that is sure to impress.
4. Spice it up. If you love bold flavors, add some spices to your fish pie filling, such as paprika, cumin, or chili flakes. This will give your dish an extra kick and make it even more delicious.
5. Make mini pies. If you’re cooking for a smaller group or want to try something different, consider making individual-sized fish pies instead. Simply divide the filling and mashed potatoes into smaller dishes before baking.

Whether you’re looking for a simple fish pie recipe or want to get creative with your cooking, the possibilities are endless with this hearty and comforting dish. Try out some of these tips and variations to make this classic recipe your own!

Famous Chef’s Variations

Jamie Oliver Fish Pie

Instructions:

1. Poach the Fish: In a pan, heat 500ml of milk with a bay leaf. Add 400g of mixed fish fillets (salmon, cod, and smoked haddock) and poach for about 5 minutes until just cooked. Remove the fish and set aside.
2. Make the Sauce: In the same pan, melt 50g of butter, stir in 50g of flour, and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually add the poaching milk, whisking constantly until smooth and thickened.
3. Add Vegetables: Stir in some chopped spinach, peas, and 1 tablespoon of mustard. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
4. Assemble: Break the poached fish into large chunks and place it in an ovenproof dish. Pour the sauce over the fish.
5. Top with Mash: Boil and mash 1kg of potatoes, adding butter, milk, and seasoning. Spread the mashed potato over the fish mixture.
6. Bake: Bake at 200°C (180°C fan) for 30-35 minutes until golden and bubbling.
7. Serve: Garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot.

Difference: Jamie Oliver’s recipe includes mustard, spinach, and peas in the sauce for added flavor and texture, making it a veggie-packed fish pie.

Mary Berry Fish Pie

Instructions:

1. Poach the Fish: Heat 500ml of milk with a bay leaf. Poach 450g of mixed fish (haddock, salmon, and prawns) for about 5 minutes. Remove the fish and set aside.
2. Make the Sauce: In a separate pan, melt 50g of butter and stir in 50g of flour. Gradually whisk in the poaching milk until smooth and thickened. Add 100g of grated cheese and 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard.
3. Assemble: Flake the fish into chunks and place them in a greased dish. Pour the sauce over the fish.
4. Top with Mash: Boil and mash 1kg of potatoes, adding butter and seasoning. Spread the mash on top.
5. Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (180°C fan) for 30 minutes until golden and bubbling.
6. Serve: Serve hot with a side of green vegetables.

Difference: Mary Berry’s version incorporates cheese and mustard into the sauce, adding creaminess and tang to the flavor.

BBC Good Food Fish Pie

Instructions:

1. Poach the Fish: Poach 400g of fish (cod, salmon, smoked haddock) in 600ml of milk for about 5 minutes. Remove the fish and strain the milk.
2. Make the Sauce: In a pan, melt 50g of butter, stir in 50g of flour, and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the poaching milk until smooth. Add 2 tablespoons of double cream and a handful of chopped parsley.
3. Assemble: Place the fish in a baking dish, along with some prawns. Pour the sauce over the fish.
4. Top with Mash: Boil and mash 1kg of potatoes, adding butter, milk, and seasoning. Spoon the mashed potato over the fish mixture.
5. Bake: Bake at 200°C (180°C fan) for 25-30 minutes until golden and crisp.
6. Serve: Serve with a side of vegetables or salad.

Difference: This version adds double cream and parsley to the sauce, creating a rich and herbaceous flavor.

Rick Stein Seafood Pie

Instructions:

1. Poach the Seafood: Heat 500ml of milk with a bay leaf. Poach 500g of mixed seafood (cod, haddock, mussels, prawns, and scallops) for 5 minutes. Remove the seafood and set aside.
2. Make the Sauce: Melt 50g of butter in a pan, stir in 50g of flour, and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add the poaching milk and 100ml of white wine. Stir until thickened.
3. Add Vegetables: Add cooked leeks and 2 tablespoons of parsley to the sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and a dash of lemon juice.
4. Assemble: Place the seafood in a large baking dish and pour the sauce over it.
5. Top with Mash: Boil and mash 1kg of potatoes with butter and cream. Spread over the seafood mixture.
6. Bake: Bake at 200°C (180°C fan) for 30-35 minutes until golden and crispy.
7. Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve with green beans or a salad.

Difference: Rick Stein’s seafood pie includes a mixture of seafood and uses white wine in the sauce for added depth of flavor.

Hairy Bikers Fish Pie

Instructions:

1. Poach the Fish: Heat 500ml of milk with bay leaves and poach 500g of mixed fish (cod, smoked haddock, and salmon) for 5 minutes. Remove the fish and strain the milk.
2. Make the Sauce: In a pan, melt 50g of butter, stir in 50g of flour, and gradually add the poaching milk until smooth and thick. Add 100ml of double cream and a tablespoon of parsley.
3. Assemble: Place the fish and a few prawns in a baking dish. Pour the sauce over the fish.
4. Top with Mash: Mash 1kg of potatoes with butter and seasoning. Spread over the fish mixture.
5. Bake: Bake at 200°C (180°C fan) for 30 minutes until golden and crisp.
6. Serve: Serve with peas or other green vegetables.

Difference: Hairy Bikers’ fish pie is more straightforward, with the addition of prawns and double cream for extra richness.

James Martin Fish Pie

Instructions:

1. Poach the Fish: Heat 500ml of milk with a bay leaf. Poach 500g of mixed fish (haddock, salmon, prawns) for 5 minutes. Remove the fish and set aside.
2. Make the Sauce: In a pan, melt 50g of butter, stir in 50g of flour, and gradually add the poaching milk until thick. Stir in 100g of grated cheddar cheese and a pinch of nutmeg.
3. Assemble: Place the fish and prawns in a baking dish. Pour the sauce over the fish.
4. Top with Mash: Boil and mash 1kg of potatoes with butter and milk. Spread over the fish mixture.
5. Bake: Bake at 200°C (180°C fan) for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
6. Serve: Serve with steamed vegetables or salad.

Difference: James Martin’s recipe adds cheddar cheese and nutmeg to the sauce for a flavorful and creamy finish.

Delia Smith Fisherman’s Pie

Instructions:

1. Poach the Fish: Poach 450g of mixed fish (haddock, cod, and smoked haddock) in 600ml of milk for 5 minutes. Remove the fish and set aside.
2. Make the Sauce: In a pan, melt 40g of butter, stir in 40g of flour, and gradually add the poaching milk. Stir until thickened and season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
3. Assemble: Flake the fish into large pieces and place them in a baking dish. Pour the sauce over the fish.
4. Top with Mash: Boil and mash 750g of potatoes with butter and cream. Spread the mashed potatoes over the fish mixture.
5. Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (180°C fan) for 30-35 minutes until golden and bubbling.
6. Serve: Serve with vegetables or a green salad.

Difference: Delia Smith’s Fisherman’s Pie uses a mixture of white and smoked fish, with lemon juice for added brightness and a slightly lighter mash topping.

Conclusion: Enjoy the Comfort of Homemade Fish Pie

Now that I’ve shared with you a comforting fish pie recipe, complete with delicious tips and variations, you can easily whip up this classic British dish for your loved ones.

This homemade meal is perfect for enjoying on a cozy weeknight or serving on a special occasion. The combination of tender fish and creamy mashed potatoes will surely please your taste buds and warm your heart.

Remember to choose fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best results. Poaching the fish in milk and bay leaves ensures it stays moist and flavorful in the pie.

The creamy sauce is key to achieving a delicious fish pie, so take your time to make a smooth and flavorful sauce. And don’t forget to get creative with your toppings and sides!

As a professional copywriting journalist, I can attest that this simple fish pie recipe is easy to follow and produces fantastic results. It’s the perfect comfort food for any occasion. So why not give it a try and indulge in the creamy deliciousness of a homemade fish pie?

Thank you for reading, and happy cooking!

FAQ

Why is fish pie a popular dish?

Fish pie is a popular dish because it is a comforting and hearty meal that combines the flavors of fresh fish and creamy mashed potatoes. It is a classic British dish that has been enjoyed for generations and continues to be loved by many.

What are the key ingredients in a fish pie?

The key ingredients in a fish pie include fresh white fish, such as cod or haddock, other seafood like prawns or smoked salmon, a creamy sauce made with butter, flour, milk, and fish stock, and a layer of mashed potatoes on top.

How do I prepare the fish filling for a fish pie?

To prepare the fish filling, poach the fish in milk and bay leaves until it is just cooked. Remove the fish from the poaching liquid and flake it into bite-sized pieces. You can also cook any other seafood you’re using at this stage.

How do I make the creamy sauce for a fish pie?

To make the creamy sauce, melt butter in a saucepan and stir in flour to create a smooth paste. Gradually add milk and fish stock, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook the sauce until it thickens and season with salt, pepper, and herbs or spices of your choice.

How do I assemble and bake a fish pie?

To assemble the fish pie, place the fish filling in a baking dish and pour the creamy sauce over it. Top with a layer of mashed potatoes and use a fork to create an attractive texture. Bake the pie in the oven until the top is golden and the filling is heated through.

How should I serve and enjoy a fish pie?

Allow the fish pie to cool for a few minutes before cutting into portions. Serve with steamed vegetables or a crisp salad for a balanced meal. The creamy filling and comforting mashed potato topping make it a delicious dish for a cozy dinner at home.

Are there any tips or variations for making a fish pie?

Yes, you can try different types of fish and seafood for new flavor combinations. Adding grated cheese to the mashed potato topping can create a golden, cheesy crust. Feel free to get creative and make this recipe your own!

Fish Pie Recipe

Freya

This homemade fish pie is perfect for enjoying on a cozy weeknight or serving on a special occasion. The combination of tender fish and creamy mashed potatoes will surely please your taste buds and warm your heart.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 4 people

Ingredients

  

• 500 g Fresh white fish such as cod or haddock
• 150 g Prawns or smoked salmon optional
• 50 g Butter
• 50 g Flour
• 500 ml Milk
• 200 ml Fish stock
• 1 kg Potatoes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Herbs and spices like parsley thyme, or nutmeg for extra flavor

Instructions

 

• Poach the fish in milk and bay leaves until just cooked. Remove, flake into bite-sized pieces, and set aside.
• Cook any other seafood you're using at this point.
• Melt butter in a saucepan, add flour to make a roux.
• Gradually add milk and fish stock while whisking to avoid lumps.
• Cook over medium-low heat until thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs/spices.
• Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas mark 6.
• Place the fish filling in a baking dish. Pour the sauce over it.
• Top with a layer of creamy mashed potatoes and create a textured surface with a fork.
• Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden on top and heated through.

Keyword fish pie recipe