I am honoured to share one of Britain’s most comforting classics, a warm creamy fish pie under a poofy layer of buttery mashed potatoes. It’s everything right all at once: the interplay of flaky fish, creamy sauce and that golden, fluffy topping is really something special.
This Jamie Oliver Fish Pie Recipe is ideal for communal meals on cold family nights, Sunday lunches, or any time you’re in need of that restorative feeling of home. What’s so brilliant here is that you can go with a combo of white fish, salmon, or even smoked haddock to add depth and character to the dish.
Combined with fresh dill and a lovely touch of lemon, this fish pie is unbelievably moreish and easy to make.
Key Takeaways
- The Jamie Oliver Fish Pie is a warm and comforting dish that combines flaky fish with a creamy sauce, topped with buttery mashed potatoes, making it a perfect choice for family meals and gatherings.
- This recipe allows flexibility in choosing fish, including options like white fish, salmon, and smoked haddock, enhancing the flavor profile of the pie.
- With fresh dill and a hint of lemon, the fish pie strikes a balance between creaminess, freshness, and savoriness, ensuring it appeals to a wide range of palates.
Types of Fish for the Pie
To create a rich and flavorful fish pie, you have several options for the fish used. Choose a combination to enhance depth and character:
| Fish Type | Flavor Profile |
| Cod | Flaky and mild |
| Haddock | Smoky and delicious |
| Salmon | Rich and buttery |
| Sole | Delicate and sweet |
| Pollock | Light and tender |
Thou can mix these fish varieties to create your perfect pie.
White Fish Options
Clearly, using white fish like cod, haddock, or sole provides a light and flaky texture that complements the creamy sauce beautifully. These fish types are versatile, allowing you to tailor flavors to your family’s preference while remaining a comforting classic.
Salmon and Smoked Haddock
Clearly, salmon and smoked haddock bring a wonderful depth to your fish pie. Salmon’s rich, buttery texture pairs perfectly with the tender creaminess of the dish, while smoked haddock adds a delightful smokiness that enhances every bite.
Types of fish within your pie can significantly elevate your dish. The addition of salmon introduces a rich, buttery flavor, perfect for creating indulgent layers, while smoked haddock offers a unique smoky essence that elevates the overall taste profile. Combining these fish not only enhances flavor but also ensures a well-rounded and satisfying meal for your family. Enjoy exploring these options!
Why You’ll Love It
It may be perfect for these times over here, and it encapsulates everything comforting about classic British cooking. It’s immersive, soothing and really amenable to your tastes. By balancing creaminess and freshness and savoriness and just a touch of citrus, you’ll end up with a crowd-pleaser that will surely become a family favorite.
Fish Pie Recipe by Jamie Oliver
Ingredients
- 1 kg (approx. 2 lbs) mixed fish (white fish fillets (e.g. cod or haddock) and then salmon or smoked haddock)
- 1 litre (roughly 4 cups) whole milk
- 1 small bunch fresh dill, finely chopped
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons plain flour
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 200g (7oz) raw peeled prawns (optional, adds sweetness and texture)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 kg (approximately 2lbs) floury potatoes (such as Maris Piper or Yukon Gold), peeled and chopped for mash
- A splash of warm milk and a big knob of butter for mashing the potatoes
Instructions
Prep Your Spuds
- The first step of this process is to boil your peeled and cut potatoes in salted water until cooked through. Once soft, drain and mash them with a splash of warm milk, a good knob of butter, and a speck of salt and pepper. Set aside for later.
Poach the Fish
- Add your choice of fish fillets and pour ¾ of the milk into a large saucepan. Bring to the lowest simmer and poach for about 5–7 minutes or until the fish just starts to flake. Gently lift the fish out to a plate, reserving the milk for the sauce. Flake the fish into large pieces, discarding bones.
Make the Sauce
- In another pan, melt the butter over medium heat then add the chopped onion and cook until softened. Stir in the flour to make a paste (a roux), then whisk in the reserved poaching milk in stages until you have a smooth, silky sauce. Add the prawns (if using), dill and lemon zest, and season with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust as needed.
Assemble the Pie
- Gently fold the flaked fish into the sauce, being careful not to break it up too much. Spoon this mixture into a large baking dish and top with your mashed potatoes. Spread it evenly with a fork and create a bit of texture on top — this allows it to crisp up beautifully in the oven.
Bake & Serve
- Place the assembled dish in a preheated oven (190°C/375°F/gas 5) for about 30 to 40 minutes, or until the top is browning and the edges are bubby. Take out of the oven, let it rest for a little while, then dig in. A simple green salad or some bright, steamed greens on the side rounds out the meal. Whenever you seek this Jamie Oliver fish pie recipe, it will become warmth and comfort on your table every single time.
Nutritional Information per Serving
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Calories: ~500 kcal
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Protein: 35g
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Carbohydrates: 45g
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Sugars: 5g
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Fat: 20g
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Saturated Fat: 10g
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Fiber: 4g
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Salt: 1.2g
Tips for Perfecting Your Fish Pie
If you want to elevate your fish pie game, consider these helpful tips:
- Use a variety of fish for depth – combine white fish, salmon, and even smoked haddock.
- Add fresh herbs like dill for enhanced flavor.
- Incorporate a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
- Ensure your mashed potatoes are buttery and fluffy for the perfect topping.
Thou will find that these elements create an unforgettable pie.
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancements
Clearly, adding the right seasonings can transform your fish pie into a flavor sensation. Use salt and black pepper judiciously, and don’t shy away from adding herbs like parsley or thyme to complement the dish. Enhancing the sauce with a touch of white wine or mustard can also bring depth to the overall taste, making each bite truly delectable.
Storage and Reheating Advice
To keep your fish pie delicious, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Make sure it cools completely before sealing. With respect to reheating, you can use the oven for the best results. Reheat your pie at a low temperature until thoroughly warmed—this will ensure the creamy filling doesn’t dry out. If you choose the microwave, be cautious as it can lead to uneven heating. Always check that the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F to keep your meal safe and enjoyable.
Reheating your fish pie correctly will maintain its creamy texture and delicious flavors. For best results, avoid the microwave if possible, as it can result in a soggy crust. Instead, opt for baking it in the oven at a moderate temperature. Checking that the pie warms through to an internal temperature of 165°F guarantees safety and the best experience for your taste buds. Enjoy your comforting dish again without sacrificing quality!
👨🍳 [DID YOU KNOW?] Interesting Facts about Jamie Oliver’s Fish Pie
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Classic British Comfort: Fish pie is a beloved dish in British cuisine, known for its creamy filling, flaky fish, and buttery mashed potato topping. This recipe puts a modern spin on a comforting classic, perfect for family meals or gatherings.
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Fish Variety for Flavor Depth: You can use a combination of white fish (like cod or haddock), salmon, and smoked haddock. Each type of fish adds a unique flavor and texture, from the light flakiness of cod to the richness of salmon and the smokiness of haddock.
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Herbs and Zest for Freshness: Fresh dill and a splash of lemon zest brighten up the creamy sauce, giving it a refreshing contrast to the rich fish. These additions help balance the indulgent nature of the dish.
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Optional Prawns: Adding prawns gives the pie a hint of sweetness and a delightful texture, making it even more hearty and filling.
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Freezable and Reheatable: This dish is perfect for preparing in advance. It can be refrigerated or frozen for later, allowing you to enjoy it at your convenience.
Wine Pairing
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White Wine:
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Chardonnay (unoaked): A light, crisp Chardonnay complements the creamy sauce and enhances the freshness of the lemon and dill without overpowering the fish.
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Sauvignon Blanc: Its acidity and citrus notes pair well with the richness of the pie, balancing the creamy filling and cutting through the buttery mashed potatoes.
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Red Wine:
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Pinot Noir: A light red wine with soft tannins and berry notes that won’t overpower the flavors of the fish and cream.
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Beer:
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Pilsner: A clean, crisp pilsner enhances the dish’s fresh and creamy elements, providing a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pie.
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This hearty and flavorful fish pie is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion!
Final Words
Summing up, the Jamie Oliver Fish Pie Recipe is a wonderful way to bring classic British comfort food into your home. By combining flaky fish with a creamy sauce and a fluffy potato topping, you create a dish that not only warms you up on chilly evenings but also delights your family and friends. With its versatility in ingredients and the added touch of fresh herbs and lemon, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite in your kitchen.
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