Mary Berry Fish Pie With Leeks Recipe

The Mary Berry Fish Pie with Leeks is a comforting, creamy dish that’s perfect for a family meal. This classic fish pie features tender pieces of fish and prawns in a creamy leek sauce, topped with buttery mashed potatoes. The combination of fresh seafood, flavorful leeks, and a crispy golden top makes this recipe a crowd-pleaser. It’s a dish that can be prepared in advance and baked when ready, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special dinners.

What is Mary Berry Fish Pie with Leeks?

Mary Berry’s Fish Pie with Leeks is a traditional British dish where fish such as cod, haddock, and prawns are cooked in a creamy sauce made with leeks, milk, and a hint of mustard. The mixture is then topped with a layer of mashed potatoes and baked until golden. The dish is rich and flavorful, and the leeks add a wonderful sweetness to complement the seafood.

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Why You Should Try This Recipe

• Family-Friendly: This dish is perfect for family meals, offering a creamy, mild flavor that everyone will love.
• Comfort Food at Its Best: The combination of creamy fish and leeks with mashed potatoes is the ultimate comfort food.
• Easy to Make Ahead: You can assemble the pie in advance and bake it later, making it convenient for busy days.
• Nutrient-Rich: Packed with protein from the fish and vegetables from the leeks, this dish is as nutritious as it is delicious.
• Perfect for Leftovers: Reheats beautifully for the next day’s meal.

Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Fish Pie with Leeks

• White Fish (300g, such as cod or haddock): Boneless and skinless.
• Smoked Haddock (300g): For a slightly smoky flavor.
• Prawns (150g, cooked and peeled): Adds sweetness and texture.
• Leeks (2 medium, sliced): Adds a mild, sweet onion flavor.
• Milk (600ml): To create the creamy sauce.
• Butter (75g): For the sauce and mashed potatoes.
• Plain Flour (50g): Helps thicken the sauce.
• Dijon Mustard (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle kick to the sauce.
• Mashed Potatoes (1kg, prepared): Smooth and buttery, for the topping.
• Cheddar Cheese (50g, grated): For a cheesy, golden topping.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning.

Equipment

• Large Saucepan: For making the sauce and cooking the fish.
• Frying Pan: To soften the leeks.
• Whisk: For stirring the sauce and avoiding lumps.
• Baking Dish (medium-sized): For assembling and baking the pie.
• Masher: For preparing the mashed potatoes.

Instructions to Make Mary Berry Fish Pie with Leeks

Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

• Peel and boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
• Drain the potatoes and mash them with a little butter and milk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper, then set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Leeks

• In a frying pan, melt a knob of butter over medium heat.
• Add the sliced leeks and cook gently for 5-7 minutes until soft and translucent. Set aside.

Step 3: Poach the Fish

• In a large saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat.
• Add the white fish and smoked haddock, and simmer for 5-6 minutes until the fish is just cooked through.
• Remove the fish with a slotted spoon and set aside, reserving the milk for the sauce.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

• In the same saucepan, melt the butter and stir in the flour to make a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
• Gradually add the reserved milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps, until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
• Stir in the Dijon mustard, and season with salt and pepper.
• Add the cooked leeks to the sauce, and gently fold in the fish and prawns.

Step 5: Assemble the Fish Pie

• Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan).
• Spoon the fish mixture into a medium-sized baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
• Top with the mashed potatoes, spreading them evenly over the fish mixture. Use a fork to create some texture on top.
• Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese over the mashed potatoes.

Step 6: Bake the Fish Pie

• Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
• Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Step 7: Serve the Fish Pie

• Serve hot with steamed green vegetables or a crisp salad for a complete meal.

What Goes Well With Mary Berry Fish Pie with Leeks

• Steamed Green Beans: Adds freshness and crunch to balance the creamy pie.
• Roasted Carrots: The sweetness of roasted carrots pairs well with the rich fish pie.
• Peas: A classic side dish that complements the creamy sauce.
• Green Salad: A light salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the pie.
• Garlic Bread: Perfect for mopping up the creamy sauce.

Expert Tips for Making the Best Mary Berry Fish Pie with Leeks

• Don’t Overcook the Fish: Be careful not to overcook the fish when poaching, as it will cook further in the oven.
• Smooth Mashed Potatoes: Ensure the mashed potatoes are creamy and smooth for an even topping.
• Use Fresh Leeks: Leeks add a sweet, subtle onion flavor that complements the fish, so make sure they are fresh.
• Golden Topping: For an extra golden and crispy topping, add a little extra cheese and breadcrumbs.
• Prep in Advance: You can assemble the fish pie in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to bake.

Easy Variations of Mary Berry Fish Pie with Leeks

• Use Different Fish: You can swap the cod and haddock for salmon or other white fish of your choice.
• Add Spinach: Stir in some fresh spinach to the sauce for added greens.
• Top with Breadcrumbs: For a crunchy topping, mix breadcrumbs with grated cheese and sprinkle on top before baking.
• Creamy Sauce Alternative: For a lighter option, replace some of the milk with fish stock.
• Smoked Fish Only: If you prefer a smokier flavor, use only smoked haddock or add more to the mix.

Best Practices to Store Mary Berry Fish Pie with Leeks

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Reheat: Reheat in the oven at 180°C for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent the top from burning.
• Freeze: You can freeze the unbaked pie. Assemble the pie and cover it tightly before freezing for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Best Practices to Reheat Mary Berry Fish Pie with Leeks

• Oven Reheating: Preheat your oven to 180°C and reheat the pie for 10-15 minutes. Cover with foil to retain moisture.
• Microwave Option: Reheat individual portions in the microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Avoid Overheating: Reheat gently to maintain the creamy texture of the sauce and avoid drying out the fish.

How Can I Make Mary Berry Fish Pie with Leeks Healthier?

• Use Low-Fat Milk: Substitute whole milk with semi-skimmed or skimmed milk to reduce calories.
• Reduce Butter: Cut back on the amount of butter used in the sauce and mashed potatoes.
• Add More Vegetables: Include more leeks, spinach, or peas in the filling to boost the vegetable content.
• Lean Fish: Use lean white fish like cod or haddock for a lower-calorie option.
• Smaller Portions: Serve smaller portions with a large side of salad or vegetables for a balanced meal.

Nutrition Value (per serving):

• Calories: 600 kcal
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fat: 30g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg

FAQs

Can you freeze Mary Berry Fish Pie with Leeks?

Yes, you can freeze Mary Berry Fish Pie with Leeks. Assemble the pie but do not bake it. Cover it tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed. This ensures the pie retains its texture and flavor when reheated.

How do you prevent fish pie from being watery?

To prevent the fish pie from being watery, drain the cooked fish and prawns well before mixing them with the sauce. Ensure the sauce is thick enough by cooking the roux for a few minutes and letting the sauce reduce slightly before assembling the pie.

Can I make a fish pie with leeks ahead of time?

Yes, fish pie with leeks can be made ahead of time. You can prepare and assemble the pie up to 24 hours in advance, cover it, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake the pie as instructed, adding a few extra minutes to ensure it’s heated through.

What’s the best fish to use in fish pie?

The best fish for fish pie includes a combination of white fish like cod or haddock and smoked haddock for a smoky flavor. You can also add salmon or prawns for added texture and richness. A mix of different fish adds depth to the dish.

Final Words

The Mary Berry Fish Pie with Leeks is a delicious, comforting dish that’s perfect for family meals or entertaining guests. With its rich, creamy filling and golden mashed potato topping, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress.

More By British Baking Recipes

• Nigella Chicken And Leek Pie
• Mary Berry Chicken And Leek Pie

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