RECIPE: How To Make Fish Pie | Ingredients, Preparation, Procedure

Fish Pie | Img src @ diaryofakitchenlover via YouTube

Fish pie is a classic British dish that combines the goodness of seafood with a comforting creamy sauce, all topped with a layer of crispy mashed potatoes. 

It is a hearty and satisfying meal, perfect for a cold winter evening or any time when you crave for some delicious comfort food. 

Traditionally, fish pie consists of a mixture of various types of fish, such as cod, salmon, and smoked haddock. These fish are poached gently in milk, which not only helps to cook them but also infuses the milk with their flavors. The fish is then flaked and placed in a baking dish along with hard-boiled eggs, prawns, and sometimes even peas or spinach for added texture and taste. 

The creamy sauce that binds all the ingredients together is made by thickening the infused milk with a roux (a mixture of butter and flour) and adding some grated cheese. This sauce acts as a velvety blanket over the fish and other ingredients, making every bite rich, creamy, and indulgent. 

The dish is then topped with a generous layer of mashed potatoes, which are spread over the filling and can be piped or forked for an attractive finish. The mashed potatoes form a golden crust when baked, providing a delightful contrast to the creamy filling beneath. This crispy layer adds a textural element and enhances the overall presentation of the dish. 

To make the mashed potatoes more flavorful, they can be mixed with butter, cream, or cheese before being spread on top, making them even more irresistible. Fish pie is versatile and can be customized according to personal preferences. Some may choose to add additional seafood, like scallops or mussels, to elevate the flavors further. Others might opt for a mix of fresh herbs, such as dill or parsley, to give the dish a burst of freshness. 

The choice of fish can also vary based on what is readily available or preferred, making it adaptable to different tastes and preferences. 

Whether enjoyed as a family dinner or served at a gathering, fish pie is a dish that brings people together. Its warm and comforting nature makes it a staple in many households, especially in the coastal regions where seafood is abundant. With its combination of flavors and textures, fish pie truly represents the best of Nigerian cuisine and serves as food to people from many parts of the world.

Fish Pie Ingredients

1. Potato
2. Flour
3. Butter
4. Thyme
5. Curry
6. Onion
7. Seasoning
8. Vegetable oil
9. Pepper

Preparation Procedure

1. Parboil the fish for five (5) minutes.
2. Drain the water and pieces the fish.
3. Gently apply (rub) oil inside a fry pan and heat it on fire. Use vegetable oil for the process.
4. Mix the flour and butter very well and add water to make it firm.
5. Add onion, curry, thyme and fish, and leave for 5 minutes.
6. Roll the pasty on a flat clean surface with rolling pin.
7. Cut into sizeable sizes.
8. Bake in the oven or fry in the fry pan.