The Best Mary Berry Fish Pie Recipe

Mary Berry’s Fish Pie is a delightful seafood dish, brimming with flavors of fresh fish, creamy sauce, and a golden mashed potato topping. It’s a comforting meal that’s perfect for family dinners or a cozy weekend feast.

This recipe serves 6-8 people and can be prepared in about 1 to 1.5 hours. In this article, I will guide you through each step to create Mary Berry’s iconic Fish Pie, complete with handy tips and variations.

What is Mary Berry Fish Pie?

Mary Berry Fish Pie is a traditional British dish known for its rich layers of flaky fish, creamy sauce, and smooth mashed potato crust. It combines various types of fish in a white sauce, making it a hearty and satisfying meal.

Other Pie Recipes

• Jamie Oliver Fish Pie
• James Martin Fish Pie
• Jamie Oliver Thai Fish Cakes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful and Comforting: The combination of different fish with a creamy sauce and mashed potatoes offers a comfort food experience that’s hard to beat.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a special holiday meal, this fish pie fits beautifully into any meal plan.
• Adaptable: You can easily customize the types of fish used or add extra ingredients to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Fish Pie

• Fish Fillets (1 kg / 2.2 lbs): A mix of salmon, haddock, and cod, skinless and boneless.
• Shrimp (200 g / 0.44 lbs): Peeled and deveined.
• Whole Milk (500 ml / 17 fl oz): For poaching the fish.
• Onion (1 large): Quartered, it adds flavor to the milk while poaching.
• Bay Leaves (2): For infusing the milk.
• Potatoes (1 kg / 2.2 lbs): Peeled and quartered, for the mash.
• Heavy Cream (100 ml / 3.4 fl oz): Adds richness to the mashed potatoes.
• Butter (50 g / 1.76 oz): For the mashed potatoes and to make the sauce.
• Plain Flour (50 g / 1.76 oz): To thicken the sauce.
• Cheese (100 g / 3.5 oz): Grated cheddar for sprinkling on top.
• Parsley (A handful): Chopped, for garnish and flavor.
• Salt and Pepper (To taste): For seasoning.

Equipment

• Large Pot: For boiling the potatoes and poaching the fish.
• Baking Dish: Approximately 8 x 12 inches.
• Saucepan: For making the sauce.
• Colander: For draining the potatoes.
• Potato Masher or Ricer: To create smooth mashed potatoes.

Instructions to Make Mary Berry Fish Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Fish

• Poach the Fish: In a large pot, add the fish fillets, quartered onion, bay leaves, and milk. Gently heat until the milk is just simmering, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove the fish and set aside, reserving the milk for the sauce.

Step 2: Make the Mashed Potatoes

• Boil the Potatoes: Place the quartered potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
• Mash the Potatoes: Drain the potatoes and mash with butter and heavy cream until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Create the Sauce

• Make a Roux: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and stir for a minute to form a roux.
• Add Reserved Milk: Gradually add the reserved poaching milk to the roux, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens.
• Season the Sauce: Add a pinch of salt and pepper. You can also add a dash of nutmeg for extra flavor.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

• Layer the Ingredients: In a baking dish, flake the poached fish evenly. Sprinkle over the shrimp.
• Pour the Sauce: Spread the white sauce over the fish and shrimp.
• Top with Mashed Potatoes: Spoon the mashed potatoes over the top and smooth out with a fork. Sprinkle grated cheese on top for a golden crust.

Step 5: Bake the Pie

• Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
• Bake the Pie: Place the pie in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.

What Do I Serve With Mary Berry Fish Pie?

• Green Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing complements the richness of the pie.
• Steamed Vegetables: Serve with steamed broccoli, carrots, or peas for a healthy side.
• Crusty Bread: Perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce.
• Roasted Asparagus: Lightly seasoned and roasted, asparagus makes a flavorful and elegant side.
• Sautéed Spinach: A quick sauté of spinach with garlic pairs well with the creamy texture of the pie.
• Coleslaw: A crisp coleslaw can add a refreshing crunch to balance the pie’s richness.

Expert Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry Fish Pie

Variations of Mary Berry Fish Pie

• Add Prawns: Include prawns for a more luxurious pie.
• Use Different Fish: Try using smoked haddock or trout for a change of flavor.
• Include Vegetables: Layer cooked spinach or leeks in the pie for added nutrition and taste.
• Add a Crust: Experiment with a puff pastry topping for a different texture.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of curry powder or paprika to the sauce for a hint of spice.

How do I Store Mary Berry Fish Pie Leftovers?

Proper storage of Mary Berry Fish Pie leftovers ensures that you can enjoy this delightful dish even after the day it’s made.

Here are the steps to store it safely:

• Refrigerate Promptly: Transfer any leftovers to airtight containers and refrigerate within two hours of cooking.
• Separate Portions: If possible, store portions separately to make reheating easier and to preserve freshness.
• Label the Containers: Write the date on the containers to keep track of how long they’ve been stored.

How do I Reheat Mary Berry Fish Pie Leftovers?

Reheating Mary Berry Fish Pie properly can help preserve its flavor and texture.

Here are effective ways to do it:

• In the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Cover the pie with foil to prevent it from drying out and bake until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave Method: For a quick option, cover a portion with a damp paper towel and microwave on medium power in 90-second intervals, checking for even heating.
• Avoid Overheating: Reheat only until the pie is hot throughout to maintain the best quality.

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