ELEGANT CREAMY FISH AU GRATIN

Elegant Creamy Fish au Gratin image

Provided by Martha Price

Categories Fish

Time 35m

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 c chicken or vegetable broth or stock
1 Tbsp flour
1 Tbsp butter
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp dried parsley flakes
1/4 tsp pepper
pinch ground thyme
1/4 c heavy cream
1 and 1/2 lb sole, trout, pike or other white fish
1/2 c sliced, sauteed mushrooms (or use canned) (optional)
3 Tbsp grated parmesan, swiss, or gruyere cheese
2 Tbsp dry bread crumbs
1 Tbsp melted butter
1 tsp lemon juice (optional)
fresh chopped parsley

Steps:

1. Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Bring broth to a boil in a small sauce pan. Blend flour into 1 tablespoon butter and stir into broth. Cook, stirring, until thickened. Reduce heat, stir in salt, parsley flakes, pepper, thyme and cream.
3. Place fish in a well-buttered baking dish. Pour sauce over fish. Bake at 375 degrees for 15 minutes.
4. If using mushrooms, spread on top of fish. Mix together cheese, bread crumbs, melted butter, and lemon juice (if desired). Sprinkle over fish in pan. Bake about 15 minutes longer, or until fish flakes easily. Top with chopped fresh parsley.
5. *Variation: Top fish with 1/2 cup chopped tomato before covering with sauce.