2 lbs Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
1/4 tsp white pepper
1 large egg yolk (optional)
1 1/2 cups whole milk
1 bay leaf
4 black peppercorns
1 lb mixed skinless, boneless fish fillets (e.g., 8 oz cod, 8 oz salmon), cut into 1.5-inch chunks
6 oz smoked haddock or cod, skinless and boneless, cut into 1.5-inch chunks
4 tbsp unsalted butter
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup frozen peas
1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
2 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Place potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold salted water, bring to a boil, and cook for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender. Drain well and return to the hot pot to steam dry.
Mash the potatoes until smooth. Add warmed milk, softened butter, salt, and white pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Stir in egg yolk if using. Set aside.
In a saucepan, combine 1 1/2 cups of milk, bay leaf, and peppercorns. Bring to a gentle simmer. Add all fish chunks and poach gently for 4-5 minutes until just starting to flake.
Remove fish with a slotted spoon to a 9x9 inch baking dish. Strain the poaching milk into a cup and reserve it.
In the same pan, melt 4 tbsp of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
Gradually whisk the reserved milk into the roux. Cook, stirring, for 5-7 minutes until the sauce is thick.
Remove sauce from heat. Stir in peas, parsley, dill, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper. Pour sauce over the fish.
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spoon the mashed potato over the filling, sealing the edges. Rake the surface with a fork.
Place on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbling and golden brown.
Let the pie rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.
Notes
For the fluffiest potatoes, use a potato ricer instead of a masher. Do not use a food processor, as it will make the potatoes gluey.
Keyword Classic Fish Pie, cod pie, salmon pie, seafood pie