Fish pie
The classic fish pie recipe usually consists of white fish or a mix of different types of seafood, creamy white sauce and potatoes cooked on the top. Although this traditional version has its charms, there is also a wealth of opportunities to mix things up and experiment with different combinations. You can switch out some of the fish for cheese, add capers and leeks for an added layer of flavour, or even top the pie with a delicious cheese and herb crust.
Fish pie is a great way to incorporate more fresh fish into your diet. Experimenting with different varieties of fish is a great way to vary the flavours and create a unique and delicious twist on this classic dish. From mild and delicate whiting and perch, to heartier and more robust salmon and mackerel, there is something to suit every palate. The beauty of this dish is that it works well with any type of fish, allowing you to be as creative as you like with your ingredients.
Another key element to making a great fish pie is the cooking time. Oven baking is one of the best methods to make sure that the fish comes out juicy and tender, the sauce is thickened to the right consistency, and the potatoes are fluffy and golden. This heavenly combination of textures and flavours will ensure your fish pie is a hit with the entire family.
No matter how you choose to flavour and cook your fish pie, there's no doubt that it will be scrumptious, hygge-inducing and sure to fill your tummies with joy. So why not try something new and whip up a delicious fish pie tonight?
Fish pie recipes
Amazing Fish pie recipes sourced from the web.
The origin of Fish pie
For centuries, Fish pie has been a beloved dish in the United Kingdom. But its origins can actually be traced back to a slightly less savoury moment in history.
The very first iterations of fish pie are thought to have evolved from the rationed meals served to British sailors during the Napoleonic War. As such, the dish was intended to be a frugal and nutrient-packed way to keep the sailors fed across long sea voyages. As fish was known for being both plentiful and hardy, it was the obvious choice for the filling.
The traditional recipe saw tinned or dried fish, such as herring or cod, combined with various vegetables, spices and herbs and encased in sturdy pastry. Pepper, thyme and parsley were believed to be some of the most popular additions, while butter was seen as an optional – but highly desirable – upgrade.
This same basic recipe endured until the 19th century when the Industrial Revolution began to make more exotic ingredients more readily available. This saw game such as grouse, hares, rabbits and partridge as well as spices like cumin and coriander making their way into the mix. Savoury pies thus came to be seen as a popular way to celebrate special occasions such as Christmas and Easter.
While, over the years, modern technology has made Fish Pie increasingly easy and accessible to make, it remains a beloved British classic – one which will never truly go out of style.
Types of Fish pie
Ah, fish pie - a truly delightful and delicious dish that can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or even a late-night snack. Whether your fish pie of choice is a classic English style, made with smoked haddock or salmon, or a more modern version filled with juicy chunks of cod, tuna, and prawns, this hearty meal always seems to hit the spot. But there's more to fish pie than meets the eye - let us explore the various types and variants of this beloved cuisine so you can expand your palate and find the perfect fish pie for your family’s dinner table.
To start off, let’s talk about the classic: English-style fish pie. As mentioned earlier, this popular version typically features smoked haddock, salmon, or a combination of both, as well as mashed potatoes, butter, and cream. This creamy, flavourful concoction is often topped off with crispy and crunchy baked pastry, like puff pastry or shortcrust pastry for a delicious golden crust.
Next up, we have French-style fish pie - certainly a daring one! Whereas the English-style is laced with creamy béchamel sauce and drenched with flavourful herbs, the French-style relies on a zesty, tomato-based sauce, making it a lighter, yet just as scrumptious, option. Plus, it’s loaded with vegetables, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, and leeks for an added health boost.
Moving away from the European styles of fish pie, let’s take a look at the Japanese-style, also known as a ‘seafood gratin’ in Japan. This delectable dish was born out of the country’s love of mayonnaise, and is usually made with a mixture of seafood like scallops, squid, or shrimp, and thick mayonnaise-based sauce. The mix of savoury, sweet, and tangy flavours makes it a truly unique and sensational experience!
We can’t forget about the American-style fish pie either. Unlike its European counterparts, this dish uses a toppings-laden approach, adding crunchy and flavoursome ingredients like crumbs, cheese, bacon bits, and dried herbs on top of the fish and potato mix. It’s essentially the all-in-one solution to fish pie, no extra sides required.
Finally, there’s the Italian-style fish pie. Made with succulent chunks of fish, sautéed vegetables, and plenty of garlic, this fish pie has a flavour explosion that will tantalize your taste buds and make your mouth water. Then, it’s all sealed up and baked to perfection with a cheesy and buttery topping, creating an irresistible crunch that simply can’t be beaten.
So, no matter what type of fish pie you prefer, you can be sure that there’s a version out there that’s sure to please any palate. So, why not put your own spin on a classic recipe and try a new style of fish pie for yourself? You’ll be glad you did!