Delia Smith Fish Pie With Leeks

Delia Smith’s Fish Pie With Leeks is a comforting, creamy dish that brings together tender white fish, smoked fish, and leeks, all baked under a rich mashed potato topping. This fish pie is the perfect balance of creamy sauce and hearty vegetables, offering a flavorful and satisfying meal that works just as well for a weeknight dinner as it does for a special occasion. Delia’s take on this classic elevates the dish with her signature touch of simplicity and elegance.

Delia Smith Fish Pie With Leeks

Delia Smith’s Fish Pie With Leeks combines fresh, flaky fish with sweet, soft leeks in a creamy white sauce, topped with a layer of mashed potatoes. The use of smoked fish alongside the white fish adds a deeper, more complex flavor to the dish, while the leeks bring a delicate sweetness that complements the fish perfectly. This comforting pie is easy to prepare and is a wonderful way to bring warmth and flavor to your dinner table.

Other Popular Recipes

• Mary Berry Lyonnaise Potatoes
• Jamie Oliver Twice Roasted Potatoes
• Mary Berry Roast Potatoes With Semolina

Why You Should Try This Recipe

• Comforting and hearty: The creamy filling and mashed potato topping make this the ultimate comfort food.
• Flavorful: Smoked fish adds depth to the dish, while leeks bring a mild sweetness.
• Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a family meal or a special dinner, this fish pie is always a hit.
• Balanced meal: With fish, vegetables, and potatoes, it’s a satisfying one-dish dinner.
• Easy to prepare: Delia’s recipe is straightforward, making it accessible for home cooks of any skill level.

Ingredients Needed to Make Delia Smith Fish Pie With Leeks

• White fish fillets (300g, skinless and boneless): Haddock or cod works well.
• Smoked fish fillets (200g, skinless and boneless): Adds depth of flavor to the pie.
• Leeks (2 large, thinly sliced): Provides sweetness and texture.
• Milk (500ml): Used for poaching the fish and creating a creamy sauce.
• Butter (50g): For sautéing the leeks and enriching the sauce.
• Flour (50g): Helps thicken the sauce.
• Double cream (100ml): Adds richness to the sauce.
• Mashed potatoes (made from 1kg of potatoes, peeled and boiled): For the topping.
• Cheddar cheese (optional, 50g grated): Sprinkle over the mashed potato topping.
• Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning.

Equipment

• Large saucepan for poaching the fish and making the sauce
• Frying pan for sautéing the leeks
• The ovenproof dish for baking the pie
• Potato masher for preparing the mashed potato topping

Instructions to Make Delia Smith Fish Pie With Leeks

Step 1: Poach the fish

• In a large saucepan, add the white fish fillets and smoked fish fillets.
• Pour the milk over the fish and gently poach over low heat for 8-10 minutes until the fish is just cooked through.
• Remove the fish from the milk with a slotted spoon, flake it into large pieces, and set aside. Reserve the poaching milk for the sauce.

Step 2: Prepare the mashed potato topping

• While the fish is poaching, prepare the mashed potatoes.
• Peel and boil the potatoes until tender, then mash with butter, cream, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the leeks

• In a frying pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
• Add the sliced leeks and sauté for 8-10 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized.
• Remove from the heat and set aside.

Step 4: Make the creamy sauce

• In the same saucepan used for poaching, melt 50g of butter over low heat.
• Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
• Gradually whisk in the reserved poaching milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
• Cook the sauce for 5-6 minutes until thickened, then stir in the double cream.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Assemble the fish pie

• In an ovenproof dish, layer the flaked fish evenly on the bottom.
• Add the sautéed leeks over the fish.
• Pour the creamy sauce over the fish and leeks, spreading it out evenly.
• Spoon the mashed potatoes over the top, spreading it out in an even layer.
• For an extra golden finish, sprinkle grated cheddar cheese over the mashed potatoes (optional).

Step 6: Bake the fish pie

• Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
• Place the assembled fish pie in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

Step 7: Serve

• Once baked, remove the fish pie from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
• Serve hot with steamed vegetables or a green salad.

What Goes Well With Delia Smith Fish Pie With Leeks

• Steamed broccoli: A fresh green vegetable balances the richness of the pie.
• Green beans: The crisp texture contrasts nicely with the creamy filling.
• Roasted carrots: Add sweetness and complement the savory fish.
• Crisp salad: A light salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the dish.
• Crusty bread: Perfect for mopping up the creamy sauce.
• Peas: A simple side of peas provides color and sweetness.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Delia Smith Fish Pie With Leeks

• Use a mix of fish: Combining smoked and white fish gives the pie a deeper flavor.
• Don’t overcook the fish: Poach the fish gently to keep it tender and flaky.
• Flake the fish carefully: Large, tender flakes of fish provide texture and prevent the filling from becoming mushy.
• Creamy mashed potatoes: Adding butter and cream to the mashed potatoes ensures a rich, smooth topping.
• Let it rest: After baking, allow the pie to rest for a few minutes to let the filling set slightly.

Easy Variations of Delia Smith Fish Pie With Leeks

• Add spinach: Stir in fresh or frozen spinach for extra nutrients.
• Swap the topping: Use puff pastry or a breadcrumb topping instead of mashed potatoes for a different texture.
• Cheesy fish pie: Mix grated cheddar or gruyère into the sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
• Herb addition: Add fresh parsley or dill to the sauce for a herby kick.
• Vegetable addition: Incorporate peas, sweetcorn, or mushrooms into the filling for added texture.

Best Practices to Store Delia Smith Fish Pie With Leeks

• Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the assembled but unbaked pie. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
• Reheat once: Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) to ensure the topping stays crisp.

Best Practices to Reheat Delia Smith Fish Pie With Leeks

• Oven method: Reheat the pie in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 20-25 minutes until heated through and the top is crispy.
• Microwave method: Reheat individual portions in the microwave, but note that the topping may not stay as crisp.

How Can I Make Delia Smith Fish Pie With Leeks Healthier?

• Use low-fat milk: Swap full-fat milk for a low-fat or plant-based alternative.
• Reduce the cream: Use a smaller amount of cream or replace it with additional milk for a lighter sauce.
• Add vegetables: Incorporate extra vegetables like spinach or peas for added nutrients.
• Use less butter: Cut down on butter in the mashed potatoes to reduce fat content.

Nutrition Value (per serving):

• Calories: 480
• Fat: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Protein: 30g

FAQs

Can I make Delia Smith Fish Pie With Leeks ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the pie ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake it directly from the fridge, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it is heated through.

How do I prevent my fish pie from being watery?

To prevent a watery fish pie, make sure to poach the fish gently and drain off any excess liquid before adding it to the pie. Also, ensure the sauce thickens properly by cooking the flour and milk mixture for a few extra minutes.

Can I use frozen fish for Delia Smith’s Fish Pie With Leeks?

Yes, you can use frozen fish. Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before using it in the recipe. This will help avoid excess water in the pie.

How do I reheat leftover fish pie?

To reheat leftover fish pie, place it in an oven-safe dish and heat at 180°C (350°F) for 20-25 minutes until heated through and the topping is crispy. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the mashed potato topping soggy.

Final Words

Delia Smith’s Fish Pie With Leeks is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of creamy fish, sweet leeks, and a golden mashed potato topping makes this pie a true family favorite.

Try this recipe today for a satisfying, hearty meal that brings the flavors of the sea straight to your table!

More By British Baking Recipes

• Delia Smith Dauphinoise Potatoes
• Nigella Dauphinoise Potatoes
• Mary Berry Potato Gratin
• James Martin Lyonnaise Potatoes

Print