Three Fish Pie

Story behind the dish

Cradled in the comforting embrace of buttery mashed potatoes and a luscious fish filling, the Three Fish Pie is a classic dish celebrated for its rich flavors and hearty nature. Perfect for warming up chilly evenings, this pie combines the delicate flavors of salmon, haddock, and smoked haddock with a fragrant leek sauce, creating a symphony of textures and tastes. It’s a beloved dish that has been passed down through generations, bringing families together around the dinner table with its irresistible aroma and homey appeal.

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 lbs (1 kg) potatoes, peeled and chopped
• Knob of butter (about 2 tablespoons or 1 oz / 28 g)
• Dash of milk (about 2 tablespoons or 1 fl oz / 30 ml)
• 2 oz (50 g) Gruyère cheese, grated
• 2 oz (75 g) butter
• 2 sliced leeks
• 2 tablespoons (1 oz / 28 g) plain flour
• 5 fl oz (150 ml) white wine
• 19 oz (568 ml) milk
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• 8 oz (250 g) salmon fillet, cut into chunks
• 8 oz (250 g) haddock fillet, cut into chunks
• 8 oz (250 g) smoked haddock fillet, cut into chunks
• 6 eggs

Step-by-step

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C / Gas 6 / 180°C fan).
2. Place the potatoes into a large saucepan of cold, salted water. Bring to a boil and simmer until soft, about 15-20 minutes. Drain thoroughly and mash with the butter and dash of milk. Season with pepper and salt to taste, then set aside.
3. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter and add the sliced leeks. Cover with a lid and gently cook for 10 minutes until soft.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and white wine until smooth.
5. Add the milk to the leeks, bring to a boil, then stir in the wine mixture. Cook and stir vigorously until the sauce thickens.
6. Season the sauce with salt and pepper, then stir in the chopped parsley. Gently fold in the fish chunks and cook for another 2 minutes.
7. Transfer the fish and leek filling into an ovenproof casserole dish. Carefully crack the eggs on top and let the mixture cool until it firms up a bit.
8. Spread the mashed potatoes over the fish filling, smoothing the surface and marking with a fork for a textured finish.
9. Scatter the grated Gruyère cheese evenly over the top.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and bubbling around the edges.

Chef’s tips & serving ideas

• For extra flavor, add a dash of lemon juice or herbs like dill or thyme to the fish filling before baking.
• Serve this comforting pie with a crisp green salad or steamed seasonal vegetables for a complete, satisfying meal.

Closing thoughts

Imagine the warm, savory aroma filling your kitchen as this classic fish pie turns golden and bubbling. It’s a dish that speaks of cozy family gatherings and hearty, nourishing comfort. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving something delicious, this Three Fish Pie offers the perfect blend of textures and flavors to delight your taste buds and warm your heart. Enjoy every forkful!