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Fish Pie - the traditional English version

29/8/2015

62 Comments

 
Fish Pie - the traditional English version
As we motored along the road leading to Padstow, I was in awe of the countryside – with its rolling hills, hedgerows and wildflowers galore, it was even prettier than I had imagined.

I have been travelling to Cornwall most of my life – in an armchair, that is – luxuriating in the delicious words of those legendary authors Daphne du Maurier, Winston Graham and, yes, Rick Stein too.

On this, my first actual visit, I was half expecting to see Ross Poldark charging heroically atop Darkie, his stallion – the beautiful, flame-haired Demelza stood there waiting for him. One cannot help but daydream a little, no?

Padstow has long been a fishing port – the fist stone pier having been built in the sixteenth century. In 1899, with the opening of the railway, the village became popular with tourists from London and across the UK. And it is fair to say that tourism has since well and truly taken over from the fishing industry as the area’s linchpin.

We discovered narrow, undulating lane ways filled with charming old buildings (many of them ‘listed’) and rows of interesting little shops and eateries. Stone cottages in Padstow are adorned with either pastel or brightly coloured paint – together with window boxes and hanging baskets brimming with vivid blooms of petunia, fuchsia, lobelia, daisy and trails of variegated ivy.

Down by the harbour, herring and black-backed gulls – which are larger (and fiercer) than our seagulls in Australia – watch and wait, before swooping down to steal chippies, buns and pasties from the hands of less-savvy tourists! Given this, we chose to eat in the sanctuary of pubs or under the awnings of the bistros, rather than sitting on the benches at the water’s edge.

Fish Pie is one of the dishes we came to enjoy in Cornwall – and across the UK. While it is known as ‘pie’, to my mind it is more of a seafood ‘bake’ topped with mashed potato and cheese. That said, it is most delicious and a good thing indeed.

FISH PIE - THE TRADITIONAL ENGLISH VERSION
4-6 Desiree potatoes, cooked and mashed with a little milk
550g white fish fillets*
2 cups milk
¼ teaspoon fennel or dill seeds
1 heaped tablespoon plain (AP) flour
1-2 tablespoons butter
1 small brown onion, very finely chopped
¼ cup frozen baby peas
100g baby prawns, green or frozen raw
1 teaspoon lemon zest, finely chopped
white pepper and smoked sea salt
Vintage cheddar cheese, grated, for the topping
extra butter, for greasing

Assuming you have cooked and mashed your potatoes already, preheat your oven to 180 degrees C. Grease the base and sides of a four-cup ovenproof dish with butter.

Place the fish into a medium sized saucepan, cover with the milk and sprinkle over the fennel seeds. Heat the milk and poach the fish gently for about 10 minutes (take care not to boil the milk!). Remove the fish from the milk with a metal lifter and place it, in chunks, evenly over the base of the ovenproof dish.

Meanwhile, melt the butter in a small saucepan, then stir in the very finely chopped onion and cook till softened. Now sprinkle the flour over the buttery onions and stir over a low-medium heat. Gradually pour the milk (used to poach the fish) over the flour and stir until it begins to boil and thickens. Add the lemon zest and peas, then the prawns. Now, season to taste with the smoked sea salt and white pepper.

Pour the white sauce over the fish. Using a large serving spoon, layer the mashed potato over the top of the fish and sauce, starting with the edges. You need to cover the fish, as the potato acts as the ‘lid’ of the ‘pie’. Run a fork over the potato to spread it and create a textured pattern. Sprinkle with the grated cheese.

Bake for 30-40 minutes until the top of the ‘pie’ is golden brown. Any leftovers can refrigerated and successfully reheated the following day. The pie actually tastes better on day two! This quantity will serve four.

Serve with salad and traditional mushie peas+. You can also add some chopped parsley to the milk, and perhaps a little saffron.

* I have used fresh pink ling quite successfully.
+ More on ‘mushy peas’ and our stay in Cornwall in a future post. 


Postcards from Padstow, Cornwall...

The harbour in the village of Padstow in Cornwall by Liz Posmyk Good Things
Pretty window boxes in Padstow, Cornwall by Liz Posmyk Good Things
Padstow Panorama
Sea gulls in Padstow, Cornwall by Liz Posmyk Good Things
Boats in Padstow, Cornwall by Liz Posmyk Good Things

Tell me dear readers, have you been to Cornwall? Who are your favourite Cornish writers? Have you ever been swooped by a big British seagull? And have you tasted fish pie the traditional English way?
62 Comments
Sammie link
28/8/2015 09:33:39 pm

I love fish pie. We also call other recipes 'pies' even though they are topped with mashed potato - Shephards pie, cheese pie. The list is probably endless. Your recipe looks delicious and I'm so glad you were able to visit our beautiful Cornwall. Sammie www.feastingisfun.com

Reply
Lizzy
28/8/2015 10:32:26 pm

Sammie, thank you ever so much... English 'pies' are absolutely delicious... and Cornwall is indeed beautiful! Popping in to say hello at your blog now : )

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Amanda link
29/8/2015 02:15:43 am

Lovely pics, Liz. I do so love the abundance of flower boxes in the European summer. I don't love the northern hemisphere seagulls - they are way too big and scary for me!

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Lizzy
29/8/2015 07:47:58 pm

Thank you kindly, Amanda. I was going to share a photo of myself standing next to one of the gulls, but I looked quite terrified!

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kellie@foodtoglow link
29/8/2015 03:04:18 am

This is indeed a lovely fish pie/bake and is quite similar to how I make mine, but I also add some naturally smoked haddock and spring onions instead of brown (and no peas - hate peas!). I bet Poldark never had as fine a fish pie! ;)

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Lizzy
29/8/2015 07:48:26 pm

Thanks Kellie... I am pretty sure we had something like this in Edinburgh too! : )

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Gerlinde link
29/8/2015 03:11:37 am

I have never been to Cornwall and I never had fish pie. I don't think I'm going to Cornwall soon but the fish pie is something I like to try.

Reply
Lizzy
29/8/2015 07:48:44 pm

Hi Gerlinde, do perhaps give this pie a try : )

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celia
29/8/2015 08:49:08 am

Oh that sounds DIVINE! I know what you mean about virtually visiting Cornwall forever, especially with Rick Stein. I have dreams about the harbour there! :)

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Lizzy
29/8/2015 07:49:28 pm

It is rather scrumptious, Celia... Of course you won't always find Mr Stein there... but several of his establishments are there. The harbour is lovely... as are others in Cornwall : )

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David link
29/8/2015 10:22:11 am

I have never had a fish pie - and my family roots are Cornish! I must give this a try - seems like the fisherman's version of shepherd's pie, right? Love the photos from Pastow - Mark and I are toying with a trip to Cornwall and the Lakes District in the next few years...

Reply
Lizzy
29/8/2015 07:50:00 pm

Oh wow, David, I did not know that you are of Cornish stock! The Lake District is beautiful... so very green!

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Jane link
29/8/2015 10:28:17 am

Dear Lizzie, I'm ashamed, being English-born, to say that I have never been to Cornwall, but I now have family living there so perhaps on my next trip? Your photos and description are certainly a great recommendation, though not so sure about the gulls! I love fish pie and as hubby went fishing (successfully!) only yesterday I think tonight might be the night for another one! Great timing, thanks xx

Reply
Lizzy
29/8/2015 07:50:33 pm

Oh Jane.... yes, yes, do go! And try this pie... you might be an expert pie maker before you visit x

Reply
John / Kitchen Riffs link
29/8/2015 11:11:28 am

Pretty pictures! And fun recipe. I don't believe I've ever had a traditional fish pie. Really need to try that -- thanks.

Reply
Lizzy
29/8/2015 07:50:43 pm

John, thank you kindly!

Reply
Ambra Sancin link
29/8/2015 11:29:39 am

Did you go to Rick Stein's restaurant in Padstow? A good friend was travelling in Cornwall the same time as you and went there for lunch - well, after booking ages ago to get into the popular spot. She really liked it.

Reply
Lizzy
29/8/2015 07:51:36 pm

Hi Ambra... we did pop our heads in the door of the Seafood Restaurant... but I had not booked, you see... so the only tables they could offer were after 9pm, which is too late for my tummy... we did eat from the Stein's bakery though.

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Galavanting Gran link
29/8/2015 11:38:33 am

I loved my brief visit to Padstow, so pretty and the food..I also love fish pie so will defiantly make this. Thanks

Reply
Lizzy
29/8/2015 07:52:05 pm

Padstow is indeed pretty, is it not?! Thank you for stopping by x

Reply
Eha
29/8/2015 01:26:34 pm

Oh Lizzy: I have been travelling to Cornwall most of my life also and have yet to get there in spite of yearly or twice-yearly trips to London and surrounds a wee while back) ! Daphne du Maurier ages before Rick Stein of course !!! Beautiful photos . . . they do call . . . Eat heaps of fish, don't remember making a fish pie but in honour of you AND RS I'll just have to follow the 'traditional' recipe soonest . . . enjoy your Sunday: sunny here :) !!

Reply
Lizzy
29/8/2015 07:52:39 pm

Yes, the gulls do call... they make a different sound to Aussie ones... and, yes, you must go!

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Ms Frugal EArs link
29/8/2015 03:06:36 pm

Yum, yum, yum. I will have to recreate this soon, while imaging I am eating it at a seaside restaurant in Cornwall. Thank you so much for sharing.

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Lizzy
29/8/2015 07:52:52 pm

My pleasure, Serina, thank you for stopping by xx

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Krista link
29/8/2015 09:44:53 pm

I've never been to Cornwall, Liz, but your photos are stunning and make me long for a trip to the sea. Gorgeous.

Reply
Lizzy
25/9/2015 11:05:13 pm

Thanks so much, Krista... Cornwall was just beautiful. I cannot wait to go back xx

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@ChristineSalins (FoodWineTravel) link
30/8/2015 04:48:08 am

I haven't been to Cornwall but would love to go! The fish pie sounds delicious. Beautiful photos too :-)

Reply
Lizzy
25/9/2015 11:06:03 pm

Hi Christine... wow, I thought you had been. When planning your trip, do visit as many of the little villages as you can... there is more to it than Padstow xx

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Francesca link
30/8/2015 01:16:56 pm

Great fish pie- salivating. Comfort food at its best. And sensational photos Lizzie.

Reply
Lizzy
25/9/2015 11:07:40 pm

Oh Francesca, thank you for the very kind words xx

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Hotly Spiced link
30/8/2015 01:29:41 pm

I've never been but I did see a bit of Cornwall on TV last night when Dawn French was being interviewed on 60 Minutes. I have heard fish pie is Jools Oliver's favourite family meal. I do like the addition of prawns xx

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Lizzy
25/9/2015 11:06:37 pm

Thanks Charlie... you'd love Cornwall I think. It really is pretty! xx

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Tandy | Lavender and Lime link
30/8/2015 08:07:04 pm

We loved Padstow and the entire Devon and Cornwall coast, especially for all the fresh seafood! Love your traditional fish pie which to me is pure comfort food :)

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Lizzy
25/9/2015 11:07:14 pm

Hi Tandy... it's a pretty part of the world, isn't it. But then, we loved the north too. This IS comfort food, isn't it xx

Reply
Zsuzsa link
31/8/2015 03:02:21 am

Lizzy how on Earth did you ever get so close to a seagull? That dish looks so homey I am almost drawn to it despite my utter dislike of fish. I wonder if I could reinvent it with chicken? :D

Reply
Zsuzsa link
1/9/2015 01:24:48 pm

I did and we loved this with chicken. And it was even better the following day. :-)

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Eva Taylor link
31/8/2015 11:37:31 am

I must say that fish pie has never been high on my list but your version and the beautiful memories you recounted makes me want to dig in. The photos are just beautiful, it sounds like you had a magical time.

Reply
Lizzy
25/9/2015 11:08:08 pm

I was surprised at the wonderful taste, Eva. xx

Reply
e / dig in hobart link
31/8/2015 01:34:37 pm

I have been to cornwall, many many years ago, and I remember it being bright and sunny and fresh! your photos are lovely. I love the flavours in your fish pie - I would never think of fennel seeds.

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Lizzy
25/9/2015 11:10:19 pm

Thanks Elizabeth... it was a lovely addition.

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Tania | My Kitchen Stories link
31/8/2015 03:50:45 pm

Lovely photos Liz. You were there at a beautiful time of the year. You sound like you had an amazing time

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Lizzy
25/9/2015 11:11:18 pm

Thanks so much, Tania... it was lovely, though the rain did follow us around!

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Red Nomad OZ link
1/9/2015 05:28:29 pm

I love fish pie, even if it doesn't quite match the Aussie notion of 'pie'!! And mushie peas are Pilchard's favourite thing to eat with ANY kind of savoury pie - along with mashed potato, of course!

Reply
Lizzy
25/9/2015 11:11:48 pm

It was a delicious pie, Red... really surprising xx

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Cynthia bogart link
3/9/2015 01:58:52 am

Lizzie I love this! I have a similar recipe from my friend down in East Sussex but I love this one! Thank you so much!

Reply
Lizzy
25/9/2015 11:12:20 pm

Hi Cynthia, thanks so much! x

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Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella link
3/9/2015 11:11:40 pm

I adore fish pie and mine is quite similar although I have a lemon mash on top and a crunchy texture. It's such a great comfort food!

Reply
Lizzy
25/9/2015 11:12:47 pm

Yummy, Lorraine, will have to check out your recipe : )

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Beck @ Golden Pudding link
7/9/2015 07:27:10 am

The pie looks wonderful Liz, and love the pictures from Cornwall...I never knew the UK had scary gulls!
My main reading about Cornwall that I can remember is Susan Cooper’s Dark is Rising fantasy series as a child - it’s set mainly in Cornwall and Wales...

Reply
Lizzy
25/9/2015 11:13:34 pm

Hi Beck... they are super scary those gulls! I like Susan Cooper... have a couple of her books!

Reply
Gourmet Getaways link
16/9/2015 12:42:47 am

Loved your pics, sounds like a great day. And I love the pie!
Thanks for sharing.

Julie
Gourmet Getaways

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Lizzy
25/9/2015 11:13:53 pm

Thanks so much, Julie xx

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Maureen link
16/9/2015 07:03:54 am

You know about fish and me so I'll move right on to that fantastic photo of the seagull! :) I love your photography. You are very talented.

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Lizzy
25/9/2015 11:14:28 pm

You are too kind, Maureen. Thank you lovely, and welcome back! xx

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the hungry mum link
21/9/2015 04:05:55 am

Cornwall looks stunning - would love to get there one day. I adore any kind of fish pie and yours looks super delicious.

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Lizzy
25/9/2015 11:14:59 pm

Thanks so much for your kind words... yes, do add Cornwall to your 'list'.

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Christina @ Christina's Cucina link
25/9/2015 10:56:04 pm

Lovely, lovely photos, Liz! I have always wanted to go to Cornwall and have always wanted to try fish pie! Yours looks and sounds delicious so I do think I'll have to put it on my MUST TRY list this winter!! I have a friend from primary school who lives in Cornwall and keeps asking me to visit, so I have no excuse except for time and distance! :(

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Lizzy
25/9/2015 11:02:14 pm

Thank you so much, Christina... oh my, you simply must go visit, though I agree, it is a long way to travel. Make sure you add Poldark's Cornwall to the list xx

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Judy@Savoring Today link
27/9/2015 10:29:46 am

What a lovely place, your photos are gorgeous. I have never had fish pie, but it sounds tasty. When you mentioned the (larger) seagulls it reminded me of living in CA and going to the beach. The lunches of unsuspecting tourists were often surrendered to opportunistic gulls when folks went down to the water. :)

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Fiona Moore link
9/10/2015 11:45:30 pm

Love the combination!

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Maureen link
16/10/2015 08:37:12 am

What a beautiful post and I do understand what you mean by touring the globe in your armchair. I do that all the time. You are lucky to have been able to soak in all this in person. The photos are magic.

Fish and I aren't good friends but John would LOVE this pie.

Reply
The Food Trotter link
19/10/2015 10:06:05 am

I love both your flavorful pie and your lovely pictures from Cornwall. It's a place a really need to visit :)

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    Photo of Liz Posmyk, Food Writer, Cook and Traveller

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