Delicious French Fish Pie for Easter

I have always been a fan of French fish pie, especially during the Easter holidays. Just hearing its name brings to mind the festive spirit! The fish is cooked in a delightful creamy octopus sauce, then topped with a layer of buttery mashed potatoes and baked until golden and crispy. It’s simply mouthwatering!

Fish Pie Recipe

This fish pie may be simple, but it offers a special touch. Fresh fish is marinated in a white octopus sauce infused with wine, combined with onions and dill, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. And if you add a few crispy fries on the side, it’s truly irresistible!

The Story Behind Fish Pie

Every Friday, my mom would wake up early to go to the market and buy fresh fish—usually pollock—to cook for our family meals. This has been a family tradition since I was little, so enjoying this dish during Easter feels like a natural choice. I can’t remember exactly what my mom made for the holiday, but I do recall that fish pie made an appearance on the table several times because it was my absolute favorite.

This dish is called "Parmentier de Poisson," named after Monsieur Parmentier, who played a significant role in popularizing potatoes as a staple food in France. To me, he is a true hero!

Ingredients for Fish Pie

Here’s what you’ll need to make your own fish pie for Easter:

Fish: Ling fish is an excellent choice. It’s quite lean and firm, maintaining its shape well during cooking.
Other fish options: You can also use various types of white fish like basa, salmon, or mackerel, but steer clear of fish that tend to dry out, such as swordfish or tuna.

Making the Fish Filling

Let’s get started! First, prepare the fish filling. Rinse the fish and pat it dry with a paper towel. Then, sprinkle some salt over the fish to enhance its flavor.

Next, heat oil and butter in a skillet, add onions, dill, and garlic, and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Remember to stir well while cooking. If you have an oven-safe skillet, that’s fantastic, as you can prepare the filling and bake in the same pan!

Preparing the Mashed Potatoes

While making the filling, you can also cook the potatoes. Boil water, add the potatoes, and cook for about 25 minutes until tender. Then, remove them from the pot and mash them smoothly with a bit of butter and milk to achieve a creamy texture.

Assembling the Fish Pie

Now, it’s time to assemble your pie! Pour the filling into a baking dish, then spread the mashed potatoes on top and shape as you like. Voilà, you have a delicious fish pie ready to bake!

When baking, just leave it in the oven until the top is golden and crispy, and your dish is complete. On a chilly day, enjoying baked fish pie is simply the best!

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Delicious French Fish Pie for Easter