Old-fashioned fish pie

Old-Fashioned Fish Pie: A Nostalgic Delicacy

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 4-6

The history of fish pie is rich in tradition and comfort, evoking moments spent with family around the table. This old-fashioned fish pie recipe combines simple yet flavorful ingredients, reminding us of Sunday meals where the aroma of fish mingles with fresh vegetables. Topped with creamy mashed potatoes, this pie becomes a true delicacy.

The ingredients needed for this recipe are easy to find and do not require complicated techniques. Here’s what you will use:

Ingredients:
- 3 eggs
- 300 ml milk
- 300 ml water
- 300 g fillet of catfish (or any preferred fish)
- 1 tablespoon of butter
- 300 g leeks (white part, thinly sliced)
- 1 tablespoon of flour
- 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped parsley
- 1 kg floury potatoes, peeled, boiled, and mashed with 125 ml milk and a little butter

Step by Step:

1. Preparing the Eggs:
- Start by boiling the eggs. Place the eggs in a pot with cold water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil and let the eggs cook for 8 minutes. This timing is perfect for hard-boiled eggs that are not too tough.
- After boiling, plunge the eggs into cold water to stop the cooking process. Then, peel them and cut each egg into 4 pieces.

2. Preparing the Fish:
- Pour the milk and water into a large pot and add the fish fillet. Let it boil for 4-6 minutes. The fish should be ready when the skin easily flakes off. Remove the fish from the pot, discard the skin, and throw it away.
- Strain the milk into a bowl, keeping it for the sauce later.

3. Sautéing the Leeks:
- In a frying pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced leeks and sauté until they become soft and slightly translucent, about 5-7 minutes. This step will add a delicious flavor to your dish.

4. Preparing the Bechamel Sauce:
- Once the leeks are sautéed, add the flour and mix well. Cover the pan with a lid for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flour to cook slightly.
- Add the strained milk and stir constantly for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens. It is important not to let the sauce boil too hard to avoid lumps.

5. Combining the Ingredients:
- Remove the pan from heat and add the chopped parsley. Mix well, then gently fold in the cooked fish and cut eggs. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Assembling the Pie:
- Transfer the fish and vegetable mixture into a heatproof dish. Cover everything with the mashed potatoes, spreading it evenly. You can use a spatula to create a nicer appearance on the surface.

7. Baking:
- Preheat the oven to 220°C. Place the pie in the oven and let it bake for 30 minutes, or until the mashed potatoes become golden and crispy around the edges.

Serving Suggestions:
The fish pie is served warm, alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables. A squeeze of lemon on top will enhance its flavor and add a touch of freshness.

Tips and Tricks:
- Use fresh or frozen fish, but ensure it is of good quality. Catfish is an excellent choice due to its delicate texture.
- You can also add other vegetables, such as carrots or peas, to diversify the flavor of the pie.
- If you prefer a crunchier texture, you can sprinkle some grated cheese on top of the mashed potatoes before baking.

Nutritional Information:
This fish pie is a healthy option, rich in protein from the fish and eggs, as well as carbohydrates from the potatoes. One serving contains approximately 400 calories, making it a balanced choice for a main meal.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use canned fish? Yes, but make sure to choose one in olive oil or water, without artificial additives.
- How can I make the pie spicier? You can add spices like paprika or cayenne pepper to the fish mixture for a more intense flavor.
- Can the pie be frozen? Yes, you can freeze the pie before baking it. When you're ready to serve, let it thaw and bake according to the instructions.

This old-fashioned fish pie recipe is not only a tasty dish but also a way to bring the tradition and comfort of family meals into your kitchen. So gather your family and friends around the table and enjoy every bite!

 Ingredients: 3 eggs, 300 ml milk, 300 ml water, 300 g catfish fillet, 1 tablespoon butter, 300 g leek (green part discarded, white part washed and thinly sliced), 1 tablespoon flour, 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley, 1 kg floury potatoes, peeled, boiled and mashed with 125 ml milk and a little butter.