Nigella Lawson Fish Pie

Name: Nigella Lawson's Fish Pie
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Yield: Serves 6
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 1½ kg floury potatoes; 150g butter; 750g haddock; 1kg smoked haddock; 500ml full-fat milk; 3 bay leaves; 1 tbsp white peppercorns; 125g frozen peas; 75g plain flour; 125g grated cheddar cheese; 3 large hard-boiled eggs

Nigella Lawson's Fish Pie is a comforting, creamy dish that combines the delicate flavors of fish with rich mashed potatoes and a savory sauce. This recipe, featured in Nigella's "FEAST" book, is a testament to traditional British cooking, providing a homely and satisfying meal.

Nigella Lawson's Fish Pie, also known as Nursery Fish Pie, is a quintessential British dish that encapsulates the comfort of home cooking. It uses a blend of haddock and smoked haddock, submerged in a creamy sauce, and topped with a layer of fluffy mashed potatoes. The pie is then baked until golden, offering a delightful combination of textures and flavors.

Cultural Context

Fish pie holds a special place in British cuisine, often enjoyed during colder months for its warming qualities. Nigella's version pays homage to this tradition, using classic ingredients to create a dish that's both nostalgic and timeless.

Ingredients List for Nigella Lawson Fish Pie

Floury potatoes (1½ kilograms)
Butter (150 grams)
Haddock (750 grams)
Smoked haddock (1 kilogram)
Full-fat milk (500 millilitres)
Bay leaves (3)
White peppercorns (1 tablespoon)
Frozen peas (125 grams)
Plain flour (75 grams)
Cheddar cheese, grated (125 grams)
Large hard-boiled eggs (3)

Preparation Instructions

Potato Preparation: Start with boiling the potatoes until tender, then mash with butter and seasoning.
Cook the Fish: Combine both haddocks with milk, bay leaves, and peppercorns in a frying pan, simmering until cooked. Strain and keep the liquid.
Make the Sauce: Use the fishy milk to create a roux with flour and butter, adding cheese and peas after thickening.
Assemble the Pie: Layer flaked fish in a dish, cover with sauce and sliced hard-boiled eggs, and top with mashed potatoes.
Bake: Create texture on the potato with a fork and sprinkle with cheese before baking until golden.

Storage and Reheating

The pie can be assembled in advance, refrigerated, and baked when needed. It's important that the fish and sauce cool before assembling if not baking immediately. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge and reheated, ensuring the dish remains moist.

Nutritional Information

This fish pie is rich in protein from the fish and eggs, provides carbohydrates through the potatoes, and offers calcium from the cheese and milk. The exact nutritional values will depend on the specific ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use different types of fish? Yes, you can adjust based on preference or availability, maintaining the total weight of fish.
Is it possible to freeze the fish pie? Yes, it can be frozen either before or after baking, with adjustments to cooking times when reheating from frozen.

Original recipe by Nigella Lawson, found in her "FEAST" book and on her official website.

Nigella's Fish Pie is a comforting dish perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Its creamy texture, combined with the flavors of the sea, makes it a beloved recipe in many households.

For more detailed instructions and additional tips, you can visit Nigella Lawson's official website.