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Fish Pie Recipe
Category: Main Course
Servings: 8

This delightful Fish Pie features delicate, flaky pastry enveloping a rich, savory filling of tender fish, aromatic herbs, and creamy sauce. A perfect comfort dish for family meals, dinner parties, or any occasion that calls for a touch of elegance. Here’s how to make it from scratch!
Ingredients:
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Butter | 200g |
All-purpose flour (00) | 400g |
Cold water | 140ml |
Hake (or any white fish) | 600g |
Fresh spring onion (scallion) | 100g |
Black olives | 200g |
Cherry tomatoes | 200g |
Fresh thyme | 6 sprigs |
Fresh dill | 6 sprigs |
Salt | To taste |
Freshly ground black pepper | To taste |
Extra virgin olive oil | As needed |
Fish stock (fumetto di pesce) | 400ml |
Additional butter | 40g |
Additional all-purpose flour | 40g |
Extra dill (for garnish) | 2 sprigs |
Extra thyme (for garnish) | 2 sprigs |
Egg | 1 large |
Milk | 10ml |
Instructions:
-
Make the Pastry:
- Start by combining 200g butter and 400g all-purpose flour in a large bowl, then rub them together until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
- Create a well in the center of the flour mixture and gradually add 140ml cold water. Mix to form a dough, kneading it quickly on a lightly floured surface.
- Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for about 30 minutes.
-
Prepare the Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt 40g butter over medium heat. Stir in 40g all-purpose flour to form a roux, cooking it for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Gradually add 400ml fish stock, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Let the sauce simmer and thicken for about 5-6 minutes. Season with salt, black pepper, and add fresh thyme and dill for flavor.
- Set aside the prepared sauce.
-
Clean and Prepare the Fish:
- For the hake or any white fish of your choice, make a small incision on the belly to remove the innards, and wash it thoroughly under cold water.
- Cut off the fins with a pair of kitchen scissors and fillet the fish by cutting along the backbone.
- Once filleted, remove the skin and any bones with kitchen tweezers. Roughly chop the fish into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
-
Prepare the Vegetables:
- Slice the fresh spring onions and set aside.
- Wash and cut the cherry tomatoes into wedges.
- Add fresh thyme and dill to the chopped tomatoes for added aroma.
-
Cook the Filling:
- Heat a little extra virgin olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped spring onions and cook for about 2 minutes until soft.
- Add the chopped fish and season it with salt, black pepper, fresh thyme, and fresh dill. Cook for 2 minutes, then add the cherry tomatoes. Let the mixture cook for an additional 6 minutes, stirring gently to avoid overcooking the fish.
- Once the fish is cooked, remove the pan from the heat and stir in the prepared sauce. Gently fold in the black olives and set the filling aside to cool.
-
Assemble the Pie:
- Take half of the chilled pastry dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 30 cm circle, about 2-3 mm thick.
- Line a pie dish with the rolled-out dough, pressing gently on the edges to make sure it fits snugly.
- Prick the bottom of the pastry with a fork to prevent it from puffing up during baking.
- Spoon the fish and vegetable filling into the pie dish, spreading it evenly.
-
Top the Pie:
- Roll out the remaining pastry dough into a circle that matches the size of the pie dish. Lay it over the filling and press the edges of the top and bottom pastry layers together to seal.
- Trim any excess dough from the edges using a sharp knife and use it to create decorative shapes, such as shells or leaves, with cookie cutters (optional).
- Beat the egg with 10ml of milk and brush it over the top of the pie to create a beautiful golden glaze as it bakes.
-
Bake the Pie:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F) for static ovens, or 160°C (320°F) for fan ovens.
- Bake the pie for 45 minutes at 180°C (or 160°C for fan ovens), then reduce the temperature to 170°C (340°F) for an additional 20 minutes. If using a fan oven, bake at 160°C for 35 minutes and then at 150°C for 10 more minutes.
- Check that the pastry is golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbling.
-
Serve:
- Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with extra fresh dill and fresh thyme for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Slice and enjoy your comforting Fish Pie with a side of green vegetables or a fresh salad.
Notes:
- This Fish Pie can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking.
- You can substitute the hake with other types of white fish like cod, tilapia, or pollock for a similar texture and flavor.
- For a gluten-free version, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
This Fish Pie offers the perfect balance of flaky pastry, creamy filling, and savory fish—ideal for cozy dinners or special gatherings. Enjoy a comforting, flavorful dish that everyone will love!