Fish Pie with Potato and Spring Onion Mash

The addition of smoked haddock gives this pie depth while staying true to its roots as a true British classic

INGREDIENTS:

For the mash topping :
1kg potatoes (Maris Piper, King Edwards or Desiree are good for this)
30g butter
100ml milk, warmed
6 spring onions, finely sliced

For the filling :
750g cod or haddock
150g smoked haddock
700ml full-cream milk
45g butter
45g flour
4 tbsp freshly chopped parsley
freshly ground nutmeg (optional)
juice of ½ lemon
salt and freshly ground black pepper

PREPARATION:

1. Peel the potatoes and cut into even-size chunks. Place in a steamer and cook for 15-20 minutes or until tender.

2. While the potatoes are cooking, lay the fish in a large frying pan and pour over the milk. Cover with a lid or baking sheet and bring slowly to the boil. Simmer gently for 5-7 minutes or until the fish flakes apart. Remove to a plate, peel away the skin and pull out any bones. Pass the milk through a sieve into a jug.

3. Melt the butter in a saucepan and add the flour, stirring for 2 minutes. Draw off the heat and slowly add the strained milk, stirring continuously. Return to the heat and simmer until the mixture thickens. Add the parsley, nutmeg (if using), the lemon juice, salt and pepper.

4. Once the potatoes are ready, discard the water from the pan underneath then pour in the milk to warm through. Add the potatoes and butter and mash with a potato masher until smooth. For a really smooth and lump-free mash, use a potato ricer and stir through the warm milk and butter. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.

5. Preheat the oven to 190C/375F/gas mark 5. Tip the fish into a pie or baking dish, keeping the flakes fairly large. Pour over the sauce and fold gently to combine. Spoon over the potatoes and spring onion and smooth the top. Bake for 25 minutes or until the potatoes are beginning to turn golden and the fish filling is hot and bubbling.

PREP/COOK INFORMATION: Prep time: 40 minutes Cook time: 25 minutes Serves: 6

Source: Terry Farris