Delia Smith’s Fish Pie with Egg is a traditional dish great for dinner with family or friends. It’s made with fish, boiled eggs, and a creamy sauce, all under a layer of mashed potatoes. This pie is filling and tasty.
You can serve 6-8 people with this recipe, and it takes around 1 to 1.5 hours to make.
In this article, I will guide you through making Delia Smith’s Fish Pie with Egg step by step, providing useful tips and insights along the way.
What is Delia Smith Fish Pie With Egg?
Delia Smith’s Fish Pie with Egg is a traditional British dish that layers seasoned mixed fish, hard-boiled eggs, and creamy sauce beneath a comforting blanket of mashed potatoes.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting and Hearty: Perfect for a cozy meal that satisfies.
- Nutritious: Offers a good balance of protein, veggies, and dairy.
- Family Friendly: Loved by adults and kids alike, making it a perfect family dinner option.
- Customizable: Easy to adapt to different types of fish or additional vegetables.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for a casual dinner or a festive holiday meal.
Ingredients Needed to Make Delia Smith Fish Pie With Egg
- Mixed fish (cod, salmon, haddock): 750 grams (about 1.65 pounds), skinless and boneless, cut into chunks
- Hard-boiled eggs: 4, peeled and quartered
- Potatoes: 1 kg (about 2.2 pounds), peeled and quartered, for mashing
- Butter: 50 grams (about 1.75 ounces) for the sauce, plus extra for the potatoes
- Milk: 500 ml (about 17 fluid ounces) for the sauce, plus extra for mashing
- Flour: 2 tablespoons, for thickening the sauce
- Cheese: 100 grams (about 3.5 ounces) of grated cheddar for topping
- Parsley: A handful, chopped, to garnish
- Salt and pepper: To taste
Equipment Needed
- Large pot for boiling potatoes and eggs
- Baking dish (approximately 9×13 inches)
- A saucepan for making the sauce
- Potato masher or ricer
- Oven
Instructions to Make Delia Smith Fish Pie With Egg
Step 1. Preparation
- Heat the Oven: Start by heating your oven to 200°C (about 400°F).
- Prepare Potatoes: Boil potatoes until they’re tender, which usually takes about 20 minutes. Once done, drain them and mash with butter and a splash of milk until you achieve a smooth texture. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste.
- Boil Eggs: Put eggs in a saucepan, fill with cold water until they are submerged, and then bring to a boil. Let them boil for 9 minutes. After boiling, cool them quickly under running cold water, then peel and cut into quarters.
Step 2. Making the Fish Mixture
- Make the Sauce: In a different saucepan, melt some butter over medium heat. Add flour and stir continuously for about a minute. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to avoid lumps, until the sauce thickens.
- Combine Fish: Add fish chunks to the sauce and let them cook on low heat for about 5 minutes. Remember to season with salt and pepper.
Step 3. Assembling the Pie
- Layer the Base: In your baking dish, create a base layer with the fish and sauce mixture. Arrange the quartered eggs evenly across this layer.
- Add Mashed Potatoes: Carefully spread the mashed potatoes over your base. Use a fork to make peaks in the potatoes; these will brown nicely in the oven.
- Finish with Cheese: Generously sprinkle grated cheese over the top of the mashed potatoes.
Step 4. Baking the Pie
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and you see the sauce bubbling along the edges.
- Serve: Before serving, garnish with some chopped parsley to add a touch of freshness.
Enjoy your Delia Smith Fish Pie with Egg, a delicious dish that brings comfort and warmth to any meal!
What Do I Serve With Delia Smith Fish Pie With Egg?
- Steamed Green Beans: Light and healthy, they complement the richness of the pie.
- Garden Salad: Toss up a fresh salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the meal.
- Peas: A traditional side, peas add a sweet pop of flavor.
- Crusty Bread: Ideal for mopping up any creamy sauce left on your plate.
- White Wine: A crisp, dry white wine pairs beautifully with the flavors of the fish.
Pro Tips to Make Perfect Delia Smith Fish Pie With Egg
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh fish and eggs for the best flavor and texture.
- Season Well: Don’t forget to season each layer to enhance the overall taste.
- Low Heat for Sauce: Keep the sauce on a low flame to avoid burning and ensure smoothness.
- Check Pie Consistency: The pie should be moist but not watery; adjust the thickness of the sauce as necessary.
- Golden Top: Broil for the last few minutes if needed to achieve a perfectly crispy top.
Variations of Delia Smith Fish Pie With Egg
- Add Prawns: For a touch of luxury, mix in some cooked prawns with the fish.
- Use Sweet Potato: Swap regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for a different twist.
- Incorporate Spinach: Add a layer of fresh or frozen spinach for extra greens.
- Curried Version: Mix a little curry powder into the sauce for a curried fish pie.
- Cheesy Crust: Mix parmesan with the mashed potatoes for a cheesier crust.
How do I Store Delia Smith Fish Pie With Egg Leftovers?
- Cool Completely: Let the pie cool to room temperature before storing.
- Airtight Container: Store in an airtight container to keep fresh.
- Refrigerate: Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the pie for up to 1 month.
How do I Reheat Delia Smith’s Fish Pie With Egg Leftovers?
- Oven Recommended: Reheat in an oven at 180°C (350°F) until hot throughout.
- Cover with Foil: To prevent drying out, cover the pie with aluminum foil while reheating.
- Microwave: If short on time, use the microwave, but cover to retain moisture.
- Avoid Overheating: Reheat only once to maintain the best quality.
Nutrition Values (per serving):
- Calories: Approximately 450
- Protein: 24 grams
- Fat: 18 grams
- Carbohydrates: 50 grams
- Fiber: 5 grams
- Sodium: 700 mg
FAQs
What type of fish works best in Delia Smith’s Fish Pie with Egg?
For the best results, use a combination of white fish like cod or haddock and oily fish like salmon. This mix provides a good balance of flavor and texture.
How can I ensure the mashed potato topping on the fish pie is smooth and creamy?
To achieve a smooth and creamy mashed potato topping, use a potato ricer or masher. Add warm milk and butter to the potatoes and mash until there are no lumps. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
What is the ideal baking time and temperature for Delia Smith’s Fish Pie with Egg?
Bake the fish pie in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for about 25-30 minutes. The pie is ready when the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
Can Delia Smith’s Fish Pie with Egg be prepared in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the pie up to the point of baking and refrigerate it overnight. Allow it to come to room temperature before baking as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed to ensure it is heated through.
Final Words
Delia Smith’s Fish Pie with Egg is a delightful dish that combines wholesome ingredients and comforting flavors. It’s perfect for any family dinner and leaves room for creativity with various adaptations. Enjoy making and sharing this delicious meal from our comprehensive guide!