Mary berry fish pie recipe
Mary berry fish pie recipe is a classic British dish that combines flaky white fish, smoked haddock, and prawns in a creamy sauce made with milk and butter. The mixture is then topped with mashed potatoes before being baked to perfection. This hearty meal is perfect for any occasion and can be served as a main course or even as a side dish. Mary Berry’s recipe is easy to follow and produces delicious results every time!
Why people also love Mary berry fish pie recipe
People love Mary Berry’s fish pie recipe for its comforting and hearty flavors, as well as its simplicity to make. The combination of tender white fish, smoked haddock, and prawns in a creamy sauce is not only delicious but also provides a good source of protein. Additionally, the mashed potato topping adds an extra layer of texture that complements the filling perfectly. Many people appreciate how easy it is to prepare this dish with Mary Berry’s step-by-step instructions, making it accessible even for beginner cooks. Overall, Mary Berry’s fish pie recipe is loved by many because it’s a classic comfort food that tastes great and can be enjoyed by the whole family!
Ingredients:
- 500g mixed white fish fillets (cod, haddock, salmon), skinned and cut into chunks
- 250g smoked haddock fillet, skin removed and cut into small chunks
- 150g cooked peeled prawns
- 50g butter
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 50g plain flour
- 300ml milk
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to according taste
- A pinch of grated nutmeg
For the topping:
- 900g potatoes (peeled weight), cut into even-sized pieces
- 100ml milk
- 25g butter
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to gas mark 4 / 180°C / fan 160°C.
- Prepare the Fish:
- In a large saucepan, place mixed white fish fillets and smoked haddock. Cover with enough water, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and drain.
- Make the Sauce:
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened but not browned.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for about approximately 1 minute, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened.Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to stir until the sauce is smooth.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and grated nutmeg to taste.
- Combine Fish and Sauce:
- Gently mix the cooked fish chunks and prawns into the creamy white sauce, being careful not to break up the fish too much.
- Transfer to Dish:
- Pour the fish mixture into an ovenproof dish (about 1-2 litre capacity).
- Prepare the Mashed Potato Topping:
- Cook the potatoes until tender, then mash them using a masher or potato ricer. Add milk and butter, seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Top the fish mixture with mashed potato, using a fork to create ridges on the surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until golden brown on top.
- Serve:
- Enjoy hot, ideally with steamed vegetables or a side salad.
Quick Facts
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Yield: Serves 6
Servings suggestions:
This fish pie can be served as a main course dish with some steamed vegetables or a side salad.
Expert Tips & Tricks:
To make this dish even more flavorful, you can add in some chopped fresh herbs such as parsley, dill or chives to your white sauce mixture. You can also use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for the topping if you prefer.
Nutrition Information (per serving):
- Calories – 475 kcal,
- Fat -16g,
- Saturated Fat -9g,
- Cholesterol -139mg,
- Carbohydrates -41g ,
- Protein -42g,
- Fiber -3g ,
- Sugar -7g,
- Sodium -553mg
Presentation:
This fish pie can be presented in a large ovenproof dish or individual ramekins. The mashed potato topping can be piped using a piping bag to create decorative swirls on top, and garnished with some fresh herbs for an added touch of color.
Variations and substitutions for Mary berry fish pie recipe:
Seafood Variations:
- Add More Seafood: Incorporate salmon, scallops, or your favorite seafood along with the white fish, smoked haddock, and prawns.
Vegetable Additions:
- Healthier Twist: Add vegetables like peas, carrots, or spinach to the white sauce mixture before adding the fish.
Topping Alternatives:
- Indulgent Topping: Use puff pastry or filo pastry sheets instead of mashed potatoes for a flaky topping.
Dietary Adjustments:
- Dairy-Free: Substitute butter with olive oil and regular milk with coconut milk.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour for the sauce and replace breadcrumbs with almond meal or cornmeal.
Flavor Enhancements:
- Spices: Add cayenne pepper or paprika for a spicy kick.
- Cheesy Option: Mix in grated cheddar cheese on top of the mashed potato before baking.
- Meaty Twist: Include bacon bits or diced ham in the filling.
- Herbaceous Touch: Stir in chopped fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil into the sauce, and sprinkle more on top after baking.
- Ethnic Flavors: Incorporate curry powder and replace cream with coconut milk for a unique spin.
Recommendations and notices:
- Use Fresh Fish:
- For the best taste and texture, opt for fresh fish instead of frozen.
- Poach the Fish Gently:
- To avoid overcooking, poach the fish in milk or water until just cooked through before adding it to the white sauce mixture.
- Thicken Your Sauce:
- Ensure your white sauce is thickened properly by whisking continuously while adding flour to prevent lumps from forming.
- Season Well:
- Season each layer of your dish with salt and pepper as you prepare to enhance the flavor.
- Let It Cool Down Before Serving:
- Allow the pie to rest for 10-15 minutes after removing it from the oven to set properly before slicing.
- Store Leftovers Correctly:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to approximately 3 days.
- Customize It:
- Feel free to experiment with different herbs, spices, or toppings to add your personal touch.
- Use Oven-Safe Dishware:
- Ensure you use oven-safe dishware for baking and don’t forget to preheat your oven.
- Double-Check Ingredients:
- Before starting the recipe, verify that you have all necessary ingredients and equipment on hand.
- Serve with Sides:
- Fish pie pairs well with peas or other green vegetables, so consider adding some greens for a balanced meal.
FAQ for Mary berry fish pie recipe
Yes! You can assemble the pie up to 24 hours in advance, cover it with cling film and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
Mary Berry’s recipe calls for white fish, smoked haddock and prawns. However, feel free to experiment with other types of seafood such as salmon or scallops!
Yes! This dish freezes well. Simply allow it to cool completely before wrapping tightly in foil or plastic wrap and storing in the freezer for up to three months.
The total cooking time is approximately one hour – 30 minutes for poaching the fish and preparing the sauce, and 30 minutes in the oven to bake.
Yes! Mary Berry’s recipe calls for mashed potatoes, but you can also try using sweet potatoes or even parsnips as an alternative.
This recipe serves six people. However, you can easily adjust it to serve more or less by changing the quantities of ingredients used.
Conclusion:
Mary Berry’s fish pie recipe is an easy-to-follow classic British dish that is perfect for any occasion! With its creamy white sauce filled with chunks of tender white fish, smoked haddock and prawns topped off with fluffy mashed potatoes, it’s no wonder why this dish has become so popular among food lovers everywhere! Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this recipe will surely impress your guests while satisfying their cravings for comfort food at the same time. So why not give it a try and see for yourself how delicious this fish pie can be?
