Family Meal: Easy Fish Pie Recipe

Fish pie is a classic comfort food that's both nutritious and satisfying, making it an ideal choice for family meals. This Easy Fish Pie recipe is designed to be quick and straightforward, perfect for busy parents and growing toddlers. You can cook it in a large dish for a family supper or portion it into ramekins and freeze for convenient, ready-to-eat toddler meals. With a creamy fish filling and a golden, mashed potato topping, this fish pie will quickly become a household favorite. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!

Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (450g) mixed fish fillets (such as cod, salmon, and haddock), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
• 1 cup (240ml) vegetable or fish stock
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 carrot, finely chopped
• 1 cup (150g) frozen peas
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/2 cup (120ml) milk (for mashed potatoes)
• 2 tablespoons butter (for mashed potatoes)
• 1/2 cup (60g) grated cheddar cheese

Directions:

1. Prepare the Fish and Vegetables:

   • In a large pot, combine the fish fillets, whole milk, vegetable or fish stock, bay leaf, and chopped onion. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes until the fish is just cooked through. Remove the fish with a slotted spoon and set aside. Discard the bay leaf and reserve the cooking liquid.

2. Make the Sauce:

   • In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 2-3 minutes until it forms a smooth paste (roux). Gradually whisk in the reserved cooking liquid and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
   • Add the chopped carrot and cook for another 5 minutes until the carrot is tender. Stir in the peas, cooked fish, and chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:

   • While the sauce is cooking, boil the cubed potatoes in a separate pot of salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and mash with the milk and butter until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Assemble the Fish Pie:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Transfer the fish mixture to a large baking dish or portion into individual ramekins. Spoon the mashed potatoes over the top, spreading them evenly. Use a fork to create a decorative pattern on the potatoes. Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese over the top.

5. Bake:

   • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling.

Preparation Time:

• Active preparation time: 25 minutes
• Cooking time: 30 minutes

Servings:

This recipe serves 4-6 people.

FAQs:

• Can I use frozen fish for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen fish. Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking.

• Can I add other vegetables to the fish pie? Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, corn, or leeks to the filling.

• How long can I freeze the fish pie? The fish pie can be frozen for up to 2 months. Make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.

• Can I make the mashed potatoes ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the mashed potatoes up to a day in advance. Store them in the fridge and bring them to room temperature before assembling the pie.

• Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe? You can substitute the milk and cream with dairy-free alternatives like almond milk or coconut milk, and use dairy-free butter and cheese.

Conclusion:

This Easy Fish Pie is a fantastic recipe for family dinners, offering a delicious and comforting meal that's simple to prepare. Whether you choose to bake it in a large dish for a family supper or portion it into ramekins for quick toddler meals, this fish pie is sure to please. The combination of creamy fish filling and golden mashed potato topping is both satisfying and nutritious. Perfect for busy parents and growing kids, this recipe is a must-have in your meal rotation. Enjoy the ease and flavor of homemade fish pie and make dinner time a delightful experience for the whole family. Happy cooking!