Jamie Oliver’s Fish Pie is a delightful seafood dish, brimming with flavors and textures that promise a comforting meal. This recipe brings together a medley of succulent fish fillets, creamy sauce, and a golden mashed potato topping, creating a dish that’s both hearty and elegant.
Ideal for family dinners or a cozy weekend feast, this fish pie serves 6-8 people and can be whipped up in about 1.5 hours. Follow this guide to master the art of making Jamie Oliver’s iconic fish pie, complete with expert tips to enhance your cooking experience.
What is Jamie Oliver Fish Pie?
Jamie Oliver’s Fish Pie is a comforting British dish featuring a mix of flaky fish, creamy sauce, and a fluffy mashed potato topping. It’s baked until golden and bubbly, offering a hearty and satisfying meal.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comfort Food at Its Best: This fish pie offers a warm, creamy texture that’s perfect for cozy family dinners.
- Nutritious and Delicious: Packed with high-quality proteins and essential nutrients from various types of fish and fresh vegetables.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable, allowing you to include your favorite fish or add extra vegetables.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a more formal gathering, this dish fits beautifully into any meal plan.
- Leftovers Taste Great: The flavors meld and deepen overnight, making the leftovers just as tasty, if not better, the next day.
Ingredients Needed to Make Jamie Oliver Fish Pie
- Mixed fish fillets (1 kg / 2.2 pounds): A combination of salmon, cod, and smoked haddock, skinless and boneless.
- Shrimp (200 g / 0.44 pounds): Peeled and deveined, adding a slight sweetness to the pie.
- Leeks (2 medium, finely sliced): Provides a mild, onion-like flavor.
- Carrots (2 large, diced): Adds sweetness and color to the dish.
- Milk (500 ml / 2 cups): Used for the sauce and to poach the fish, adding richness.
- Heavy cream (200 ml / about 1 cup): For a creamy, decadent sauce.
- Potatoes (1 kg / 2.2 pounds): Peeled and chopped, for the mashed potato topping.
- Cheese (100 g / 3.5 ounces, grated): Preferably cheddar for a sharp, tangy crust.
- Butter (50 g / 2 ounces): For cooking and enriching the mashed potatoes.
- Flour (50 g / 1.7 ounces): To thicken the sauce.
- Mustard (1 tablespoon): Adds depth to the pie’s flavor.
- Parsley (a handful, chopped): Fresh, for garnish and a burst of freshness.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): For seasoning throughout the recipe.
Equipment Needed
- Large pot: For boiling the potatoes and making the mashed topping.
- Saucepan: To poach the fish and make the sauce.
- Baking dish: A deep one, suitable for layering the pie components and baking.
- Colander: For draining the boiled potatoes and poached fish.
- Mixing bowl: To mix and season the mashed potatoes.
- Whisk: For creating a smooth sauce.
- Potato masher: To achieve fluffy mashed potatoes.
Instructions to Make Jamie Oliver Fish Pie
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Peel and chop the potatoes into even pieces and set aside.
- Clean and slice the leeks and carrots finely.
Step 2: Cook the Potatoes
- In a large pot, boil the chopped potatoes until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain and mash with butter and a splash of milk. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Poach the Fish
- In a saucepan, gently heat milk and add the mixed fish fillets and shrimp. Poach gently for about 5 minutes.
- Remove the fish with a slotted spoon and set aside, reserving the milk for the sauce.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
- In the same saucepan, melt some butter and whisk in flour to create a roux.
- Gradually add the reserved milk, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in the heavy cream, mustard, and some cheese, allowing it to melt and integrate into the sauce.
Step 5: Assemble the Pie
- Layer the poached fish and shrimp in the bottom of the baking dish.
- Scatter the sliced leeks and diced carrots over the fish.
- Pour the creamy sauce over the layers.
- Top with the mashed potatoes, spreading them out with a fork to create peaks that will crisp up.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.
Step 6: Bake the Pie
- Place the pie in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the sauce is bubbling.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
- Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped parsley to add a touch of freshness.
What Do I Serve With Jamie Oliver Fish Pie?
Selecting the right accompaniments can turn your Jamie Oliver Fish Pie into a feast.
Here are some suggestions to enhance your meal:
- Vibrant Greens: Toss a green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the pie’s richness.
- Crusty Bread: Serve warm, crusty bread to dip into the creamy sauce.
- Steamed Vegetables: Bright green beans or tender asparagus make great sides.
- Peas and Carrots: A classic British pairing, steamed for sweetness and color.
Expert Tips to Make Perfect Jamie Oliver Fish Pie
Making the perfect fish pie is all about the details.
Here are some expert tips to help you get it right:
- Consistent Cuts: Keep your fish and veggies roughly the same size for uniform cooking.
- Sauce Consistency: Simmer the sauce until it thickly coats a spoon before assembling.
- Layering Logic: Layer ingredients lightly to prevent a soggy bottom.
- Seasoning Savvy: Season each component individually for maximum flavor.
- Pre-cook Precision: Partially cook the vegetables before adding them to the pie to ensure they are perfectly tender.
- Fish Selection: Choose fresh, high-quality fish for the best flavor and texture.
- Topping Texture: For an extra crispy topping, broil the pie for the last few minutes of cooking until golden.
- Flavor Enhancers: Incorporate fresh herbs like dill or parsley into the sauce for a fresh, vibrant flavor.
- Test Doneness: Check the pie towards the end of baking to ensure the interior is hot and bubbling, indicating it’s thoroughly cooked.
- Resting Time: Let the pie rest for a few minutes after baking for the filling to set, making it easier to serve cleanly.
Variations of Jamie Oliver Fish Pie
Fish pie is wonderfully versatile, allowing for various tweaks to suit your taste or what’s available in your pantry:
- Go Cheesy: Sprinkle extra cheese over the potato topping for a crispy finish.
- Luxury Add: Fold in some prawns or scallops for a touch of luxury.
- Veggie Volume: Add spinach or chopped kale for an extra veggie serving.
- Spice It Up: A sprinkle of cayenne or paprika adds warmth and depth to the pie.
Nutrition Value (per serving)
- Calories: Approximately 450 kcal
- Protein: 30 grams
- Fat: 20 grams (with 7 grams saturated fat)
- Carbohydrates: 35 grams
- Fiber: 5 grams
- Sugar: 5 grams (mostly from vegetables)
- Sodium: 600 mg (varies depending on the salt used in the recipe)
FAQs
Is it possible to prepare Jamie Oliver’s Fish Pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Jamie Oliver’s Fish Pie ahead of time. Assemble the pie without baking and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to one day or freeze it. When ready to serve, bake it fresh, adding additional time if cooking from chilled or frozen.
Can I use frozen fish for Jamie Oliver’s Fish Pie?
Yes, you can use frozen fish in Jamie Oliver’s Fish Pie. Ensure the fish is fully thawed and patted dry before poaching to prevent excess water from making the sauce too thin.
What type of potatoes is best for the mashed topping?
For the mashed topping of Jamie Oliver’s Fish Pie, starchy potatoes like Russets or Maris Piper are ideal. They mash well and create a fluffy, creamy texture when baked.
How can I make Jamie Oliver’s Fish Pie gluten-free?
To make Jamie Oliver’s Fish Pie gluten-free, substitute the flour used in the sauce with a gluten-free alternative such as cornstarch or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure all other ingredients, like mustard, are certified gluten-free.
How long does it take to bake Jamie Oliver’s Fish Pie?
Jamie Oliver’s Fish Pie typically takes about 25-30 minutes to bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F). The pie is ready when the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling through the edges.
Can I add other seafood to the fish pie?
Absolutely! In addition to the traditional fish fillets, you can enrich Jamie Oliver’s Fish Pie by adding other seafood like scallops, mussels, or clams. Just ensure that all seafood is properly cleaned and pre-cooked as necessary before adding to the pie to maintain the correct cooking times and flavors.
Final Words
Jamie Oliver’s Fish Pie is more than just a dish; it’s a comforting embrace in the form of food. It brings together simple ingredients in a symphony of flavors and textures that are sure to delight. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this fish pie recipe promises a satisfying meal that beckons you to dig in. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!
