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Mary Berry Fish Pie With Leeks Recipe

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.

Ingredients

  • 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.

Instructions

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.