St. Paddy's Day: One Final (Fishy) Dish

St. Patrick's Day has been in the rear-view mirror for weeks now...but we haven't had a chance to finish the series.

Blame it on pneumonia. Because that's what happened. 

At any rate, one more Irish dish is needed, to finish the menu:

Duncannon Fish Pie.



Think Shepherd's Pie, with a comforting layer of mashed potatoes blanketing the savoury contents inside. Since fish dishes were a traditional favorite on Fridays in many Irish households (the Catholic connection, of course), it might be a good choice for your table. Especially if you've just baked a salmon, and are wondering what to do with the leftovers. At any rate, this one-step main dish mixes in plenty of vegetables and is easy to make.

Hey, I resemble that!

It's adapted from Kevin Dundon's Modern Irish Food -- a mainstay of this series.  Here goes:

DUNCANNON FISH PIE

9 oz each of smoked cod and haddock   (poached in milk, then gently flaked)
       OR substitute 1-2 cups of any firm-fleshed fish, including pollock and salmon
                  (Cook if needed; leftovers work just fine, flaked into small pieces - soak in a little milk)
4 1/4 tablespoons butter
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cups mushrooms, sliced
3 tablespoons flour
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon mustard
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
1 tablespoon lemon juice
salt and pepper

Topping:
8 potatoes (approx. 2 pounds), peeled and chunked
1/2 cup light cream
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup grated Cheddar cheese

Start the potatoes boiling -- they'll take about 20-25 min. to cook.
Meanwhile, poach the fish (6-8 min.)...or flake the leftovers...then set aside for now.

In a separate pan, melt the butter and saute the onions and mushrooms. When everything is nicely cooked, sprinkle the flour over, stirring, then gradually add the milk, stirring until thickened. (You're making a white sauce by doing this, by the way.) Add the rest of the spices, then gently stir in the fish. Pile everything in an ovenproof dish.

(Heat the oven to 350 degrees now.)

Drain and mash the potatoes, adding the cream and butter as you go. Spoon over the fish mixture, then sprinkle the cheese on top. Bake your fish pie for 20-25 min., until bubbling. Serves 4-6 hungry appetites.

Here's hoping your St. Patrick's Day was lovely!

  Next up:   Springtime Delicacies