A Hearty Irish Fish Pie Recipe to Warm Your Heart
This traditional Irish Fish Pie blends the richness of cod, salmon, and smoked haddock with a medley of vegetables and a creamy, cheesy sauce, all topped with fluffy mashed potatoes. It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a cozy family dinner.
History
Irish Fish Pie, also known as Fisherman’s Pie, has its roots in the coastal regions of Ireland, where fishing is a way of life. This dish traditionally utilizes the fresh catch of the day, combined with simple, hearty ingredients readily available in Irish households. The combination of fish, potatoes, and a creamy sauce reflects the country’s agricultural and maritime heritage.
Serving Suggestions
This delightful Irish Fish Pie pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed green beans or a fresh green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. For an added touch, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or chives over the top before serving. To round out the meal, consider serving it with a slice of crusty Irish soda bread to soak up every bit of the delicious sauce.
Storing Instructions
To store any leftovers, transfer the pie to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze the pie. Make sure to wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or use a freezer-safe container. Frozen fish pie can be kept for up to three months.
Reheating Instructions
When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat the fish pie in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. If reheating from frozen, it’s best to let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Alternatively, you can reheat it directly from frozen, though it will take longer—approximately 45-50 minutes. Ensure the pie is piping hot throughout before serving.
Conclusion
We hope you savor every bite of this comforting Irish Fish Pie! We’d love to hear how your version turned out—share your experience and any tweaks you made in the comments below. Don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter to receive more delicious recipes straight to your inbox! See recipe below
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A Hearty Irish Fish Pie Recipe to Warm Your Heart
Description
This Irish Fish Pie combines a variety of fresh fish, including cod, salmon, and smoked haddock, with a medley of vegetables in a creamy, cheesy sauce, all topped with a layer of golden, fluffy mashed potatoes. It's a hearty and satisfying dish that's perfect for family dinners, bringing a taste of Ireland's rich culinary heritage to your table.
For the Mashed Potato Topping:
For the Fish Filling:
Instructions
Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:
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Place the potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well.
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Mash the potatoes with 100 ml of milk and 100 g of butter. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
Cook the Fish:
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In a large saucepan, bring 600 ml of milk and the bay leaf to a simmer over medium heat.
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Add the cod, salmon, and smoked haddock. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until the fish is just cooked through.
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Remove the fish with a slotted spoon and set aside. Reserve the milk.
Prepare the Filling:
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In a large skillet, melt 50 g of butter over medium heat.
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Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 7-8 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
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Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
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Gradually add the reserved milk, whisking to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
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Stir in the peas, parsley, Dijon mustard, and grated Cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
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Gently fold in the cooked fish and shrimp (if using).
Assemble the Pie:
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Preheat the oven to 180°C (fan 160°C) or Gas Mark 4.
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Transfer the fish mixture to a large ovenproof dish. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the top.
Bake:
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Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
Serve:
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Let the pie rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional chopped parsley if desired.
Equipment
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Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 450kcal
- Calories from Fat 180kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 20g31%
- Saturated Fat 10g50%
- Cholesterol 125mg42%
- Sodium 900mg38%
- Potassium 1200mg35%
- Total Carbohydrate 40g14%
- Dietary Fiber 5g20%
- Sugars 5g
- Protein 30g60%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
For a lighter version, you can use low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheese.
Feel free to substitute other vegetables such as leeks or sweet corn.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a bit more flour to the vegetable mixture.
This pie is versatile; try experimenting with different types of fish or seafood according to your preference.
Ensure that the fish is fully cooked and the sauce is thickened properly before baking to avoid a runny pie.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can substitute or add other types of fish, such as haddock, tilapia, or even prawns, depending on what you have available.
You can use any mustard you prefer, or even leave it out if you don’t have any on hand. The mustard adds a bit of tangy flavor, but the pie will still be delicious without it.
Absolutely! You can prepare the pie up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate it for up to a day before baking. When you're ready to bake, add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
Yes, you can substitute the milk with a plant-based milk and use a dairy-free butter alternative. There are also many dairy-free cheese options available that would work well in this recipe.
To make the recipe gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the plain flour. Ensure that any other ingredients, such as mustard and cheese, are also gluten-free.
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Fiona O'Sullivan
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