Chef John's Fisherman's Pie |
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Prep Time: 15 Minutes Cook Time: 70 Minutes |
Ready In: 85 Minutes Servings: 6 |
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My Fisherman's Pie gives you flaky cod mingled with spinach in a garlic and lemon-scented sauce underneath a browned crust of creamy, buttery potatoes on top. It really does taste fantastic. Ingredients:
for potato crust |
3 russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks |
3 tablespoons butter |
1 pinch freshly grated nutmeg |
salt and ground black pepper to taste |
1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste |
1/2 cup milk |
for the spinach |
2 teaspoons olive oil |
12 ounces baby spinach leaves |
for the sauce |
3 tablespoons butter |
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour |
2 cloves garlic, minced |
2 cups cold milk, divided |
2 teaspoons lemon zest |
for the rest |
1 tablespoon butter |
salt and ground black pepper to taste |
1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste |
2 pounds boneless cod fillets |
1/2 lemon, juiced |
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives for garnish |
Directions:
1. Bring a large saucepan of salted water and to a boil; add russet potatoes to boiling water and cook until very tender, about 20 minutes. Drain well. Mash in 3 tablespoons butter until thoroughly combined. Season with nutmeg, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to taste. Mash 1/2 cup milk into potato mixture until smooth.
2. Drizzle olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add spinach, and season with a big pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until spinach has wilted, about 1 minute. Transfer to a bowl lined with paper towels to wick away excess moisture.
3. Heat 3 tablespoons butter and flour in a saucepan over medium heat; whisk mixture to a smooth paste. Cook, stirring constantly, until mixture has a nutty smell and is slightly browned, about 2 minutes. Add chopped garlic; whisk until fragrant, 10 to 20 seconds.
4. Whisk 1 cup cold milk into flour mixture; cook until thickened. Whisk in remaining 1 cup milk and lemon zest. Bring white sauce to a gentle simmer, whisking constantly; season with salt. Turn heat to very low and keep sauce warm.
5. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease an 8x12-inch casserole dish with 1 tablespoon butter.
6. Season buttered pan with salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Lay boneless cod fillets into the pan in a single layer. Season tops of fillets with more salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Spread spinach evenly over fish and drizzle with lemon juice. Spoon white sauce over spinach; give casserole dish several taps and shakes to eliminate bubbles.
7. Drop mashed potatoes by heaping spoonfuls over the casserole and spread smoothly to cover. Place dish onto a rimmed baking sheet to catch spills.
8. Bake in the preheated oven until bubbling, about 40 minutes. Turn on oven's broiler and broil until potato crust has a golden brown top, about 2 minutes. Fish should flake easily. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with a sprinkle of chives.
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