Perfect Fish Pie (with all the trimmings)

This is THE comfort food of England in many ways. Although many countries have their version, I cannot think of a more comfort food than a simple English fish pie. You cook this - and everyone eating it goes quiet. And when they have cleaned their plates with lots of "mmm" noises...they all sit back. Happy and content. Its just one of those dishes that does that.

Simple, perfect, fit for a king...Fish Pie. With all the trimmings.

Ingredients:    (Serves 4-6)

3-4 large white potatoes
knob of butter
3 cod fillets, chopped into 1 inch pieces
2 skinless salmon fillets, chopped into 1 inch pieces
175g cooked small prawns
2 eggs, boiled & sliced
250g spinach, wilted for a few minutes in a lidded pan (no water)
50g butter
1 small leek, sliced
1 clove garlic, chopped
50g flour
about 400ml milk
grate of nutmeg
15g fresh dill OR 1 tsp. dried parsley


Method:

Peel and cut the potatoes into cubes and boil for 15-20 minutes until soft. Drain, add the butter and mash. Season with a little salt & pepper and set to one side.

Put the raw cod, raw salmon & cooked prawns into a oven dish (about 10 inches) and top with the sliced egg and spread over the wilted spinach.

Make the sauce by heating the butter and frying the leek with the garlic on a low heat. In about 4-5 minutes when the leek is soft, add the flour and stir in, letting it cook dry for 2 minutes, whilst stirring. Then add the milk slowly until you have a double cream consistency. Add the dill and nutmeg.  It will thicken as you cook. When ready, turn off the heat and pour over the fish/spinach mix.

The best way to top with the potato is with the back of a dessert spoon. Take small amounts and 'wipe' onto the sides on the dish until you have gone all the way around (this way makes sure you have covered all the sides). Then fill the middle in with the remaining mashed potatoes. Use a fork to 'roughen up' the top and dot with a little butter, if liked.

Put in the oven at 180 C for 30 minutes and serve with broccoli.

Delicious...and a definite people pleaser!!

When I say with all the trimmings - I mean they are all inside. Fish, egg, spinach, dill sauce... all you need is simple steamed broccoli on the side. Perfect!