Classic British Fish Pie Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 cups milk
• 1 bay leaf
• 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 (1 pound) fillet cod
• 0.5 cup butter, divided
• 1 medium leek, white part only, chopped
• 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 ounces grated sharp Cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 cup peas
• salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, quartered

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with salted water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until tender, about 20 minutes. Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly.
3. In a large pan, combine milk, bay leaf, and nutmeg. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Add the cod and poach until flaky, about 5 minutes. Remove the cod with a slotted spoon and place on a plate. Reserve the poaching liquid. Flake the fish into bite-size pieces using a fork.
4. In a large bowl, mash the cooked potatoes. Mix in 3 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of the reserved poaching liquid until the potatoes are fairly stiff and not too runny.
5. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the leek and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Set aside.
6. In a large, deep skillet, melt the remaining 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat until it just stops bubbling. Add the flour and stir continuously for 1 minute to create a roux. Slowly pour in the remaining poaching liquid, stirring constantly, to make the sauce base. Add half of the sharp Cheddar cheese and stir until melted. Gently fold in the flaked cod, leek, and peas. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Transfer the fish mixture to an oven-proof dish. Gently press the boiled eggs into the filling across the surface. Cover the mixture with a thick layer of mashed potatoes. Sprinkle the remaining Cheddar cheese over the top.
8. Bake in the preheated oven until the top is nicely browned, about 30 minutes. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition

• Calories: 504 kcal
• Fat Content: 26 g
• Fiber Content: 5 g
• Sugar Content: 7 g
• Sodium Content: 394 mg
• Protein Content: 28 g
• Cholesterol Content: 165 mg
• Carbohydrate Content: 40 g
• Saturated Fat Content: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat Content: 0 g