Deconstructed fish pie

Fish pie is a comforting dish filled with succulent seafood, creamy sauce, and topped with fluffy mashed potatoes. It offers a delightful blend of flavours and textures, perfect for a family meal.

By Matt Tebbutt
From Saturday Kitchen

This dish provides a balanced nutritional profile, making it a healthy choice for any meal. (Nutri-score)

Equipment

• Large saucepan
• Frying pan
• Piping bag
• Ovenproof dish
• Colander

Ingredients

For the stock

• Mussels – 500g/1lb 2oz, scrubbed and debearded
• White wine – 125ml/4fl oz
• Shallot – 1, peeled and finely chopped
• Garlic clove – 1, smashed
• Fresh thyme sprigs – few
• Bay leaf – 1

For the filling

• Unsalted butter – 30g/1oz
• Onion – 1, chopped
• Celery stick – 1, chopped
• Garlic clove – 1, crushed
• Double cream – 50ml/2fl oz
• King scallops – 3, shucked and cleaned
• Raw prawns – 6, heads removed, shells removed, de-veined
• Brown shrimps – 200g/7oz
• Hard-boiled free-range egg – 1, cut into quarters
• Fresh dill – bunch, chopped
• Fresh tarragon – 1 tbsp, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the topping

• Unsalted butter, melted – 50g/1¾oz
• Double cream – 50ml/2fl oz
• Mashed potatoes – 300g/10½oz
• Free-range egg yolks – 2
• Olive oil – 2 tbsp
• Smoked haddock fillet – 2 (200g/7oz each)

Nutritional Health Check

This fish pie scores a Nutri-Score of A. This rating indicates that it is one of the healthiest options available due to its high protein content from seafood and beneficial fats while being lower in saturated fats. The score has been automatically calculated from the ingredients in the recipe and is only a guide.

Recipe FAQ

• Can I use frozen seafood? Yes, frozen seafood works well in this recipe as long as it is thawed properly before cooking.
• How can I make this dish gluten-free? Use gluten-free flour for thickening instead of regular flour.
• Can I prepare this pie in advance? Yes, you can prepare it up to baking; just store it in the fridge until ready to bake.
• What can I substitute for smoked haddock? You can use any firm white fish if you prefer.
• How long does this dish last in the fridge? It lasts up to 3 days when stored properly in an airtight container.
• Can I add vegetables to this pie? Yes! Peas or spinach work well for added nutrition.
• Is this recipe suitable for children? Yes, it is generally suitable; just ensure there are no shellfish allergies.
• How do I reheat leftovers? Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until heated through.
• Can I freeze this dish? Yes, it freezes well; just ensure it’s fully cooled before freezing.
• What sides go well with fish pie? Serve with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for balance.
• Can I use other types of fish? Yes! Feel free to mix different types of fish according to your preference.
• How do I know when it’s done baking? The top should be golden brown and bubbling when done.
• What type of potatoes are best for mashing? Use starchy potatoes like Maris Piper or Russet for creamy mash.
• Can I make this recipe dairy-free? Substitute butter and cream with plant-based alternatives if needed.
• What is the best way to store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.