TRADITIONAL BRITISH FISH PIE

Traditional British Fish Pie image

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.

Provided by Al G

Categories World Cuisine Recipes European UK and Ireland English

Time 1h40m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 12

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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
salt and ground black pepper to taste
2 hard-boiled eggs, quartered

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Place potatoes into a large pot and cover with salted water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until tender, about 20 minutes. Drain and let cool.
Combine milk, bay leaf, and nutmeg in a large pan and bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Add cod and poach until flaky, 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.
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.
Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium heat and stir in leek. Cook and stir until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Set aside.
Melt remaining 1/4 cup butter over medium heat in a large, deep skillet until it just stops bubbling. Add flour and stir roux continuously for 1 minute. Slowly pour in remaining poaching liquid, stirring continuously, to make base of sauce. Add 1/2 the sharp Cheddar cheese and stir until melted. Fold in flaked cod, leek, and peas. Season with salt and pepper.
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.
Bake in the preheated oven until top is starting to brown, about 30 minutes. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 504.1 calories, Carbohydrate 40.4 g, Cholesterol 165 mg, Fat 25.9 g, Fiber 4.9 g, Protein 28 g, SaturatedFat 15.5 g, Sodium 393.7 mg, Sugar 7.3 g