Making a delicious and nutritious meal for your children can be a challenge, but fish pie is a dish that is sure to be a hit with kids of all ages. This classic British dish is easy to make and can be customised to suit your family's tastes. Whether you prefer a traditional recipe or a more modern twist, fish pie is a great way to introduce your little ones to the joys of seafood.
When it comes to making fish pie, there are a few key things to keep in mind. First, you'll need to choose your ingredients carefully. From the type of fish you use to the vegetables and seasoning, every element of the dish can have an impact on the final result. Once you have your ingredients, it's important to prepare them properly so that they cook evenly and create a delicious, cohesive dish.
When it comes to making fish pie, there are a few key things to keep in mind. First, you'll need to choose your ingredients carefully. From the type of fish you use to the vegetables and seasoning, every element of the dish can have an impact on the final result. Once you have your ingredients, it's important to prepare them properly so that they cook evenly and create a delicious, cohesive dish.
Key Takeaways
- Fish pie is an easy and tasty meal that kids are sure to love.
- Choosing the right ingredients and preparing them properly is key to making a great fish pie.
- There are many variations of fish pie to suit different tastes and dietary needs.
Understanding Fish Pie
If you're looking for a comforting and delicious meal that's easy to make, fish pie is a great option to consider. This classic dish is a family favourite, and it's a great way to introduce children to different types of fish.
A fish pie typically consists of a creamy sauce made with fish stock, milk, and flour, combined with a variety of fish and topped with mashed potatoes. The dish can be made with any type of fish, but white fish such as cod, haddock, or coley are popular choices.
Fish pie is a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit your tastes and preferences. You can add vegetables such as peas, carrots, or sweetcorn to the filling, or experiment with different herbs and spices to add flavour.
When it comes to making a fish pie, there are many different recipes available, from simple and easy-to-follow versions to more complex and elaborate recipes. If you're new to making fish pie, it's a good idea to start with a basic recipe and then adapt it to suit your tastes.
One of the great things about fish pie is that it's a healthy and nutritious meal that's packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals. Fish is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for brain and heart health, and it's also low in fat and calories.
Overall, fish pie is a delicious and nutritious meal that's perfect for families and children. Whether you're looking for an easy fish pie recipe or a more complex version, there's sure to be a recipe out there that suits your tastes and preferences.
Choosing Your Ingredients
When it comes to making a delicious fish pie for your children, selecting the right ingredients is crucial. In this section, we'll go over the key components of a successful fish pie, including selecting the right fish, vegetables, dairy products, and other ingredients.
Selecting the Fish
To make a tasty and nutritious fish pie, you'll need to choose the right type of fish. Popular options include salmon, cod, haddock, white fish, tuna, pollock, and prawns. When selecting your fish, try to choose fresh, sustainably sourced options whenever possible. You can also use frozen fish if you're on a budget, but be sure to thaw it thoroughly before using it in your pie.
Choosing Your Vegetables
Vegetables are an essential part of any fish pie, providing flavour, texture, and nutrition. Some popular options include peas, sweetcorn, carrots, onions, spinach, leeks, broccoli, courgettes, tomatoes, peppers, avocado, garlic, and spring onions. When choosing your vegetables, try to select a mix of colours and textures to make your pie visually appealing and tasty.
Essential Dairy Products
Dairy products are a key component of any fish pie, providing creaminess and richness. Some essential dairy products to include in your pie include milk, butter, and cheese. Whole milk is ideal for making a creamy sauce, while butter can be used to make a rich, flaky crust. Cheddar cheese is a popular choice for topping off your pie, but you can also experiment with other types of cheese to add extra flavour.
Miscellaneous Ingredients
In addition to fish, vegetables, and dairy products, there are a few other key ingredients you'll need to make a delicious fish pie. Plain flour is essential for thickening your sauce, while eggs can be used to make a glaze for your crust. Olive oil, lemon, black pepper, salt, dill, and parsley are all popular seasonings that can be used to enhance the flavour of your pie. Finally, Maris Piper potatoes are the ideal choice for making a fluffy, creamy mash to top off your pie.
By selecting the right ingredients, you can create a delicious and nutritious fish pie that your children will love. Experiment with different combinations of fish, vegetables, and seasonings to find your perfect recipe.
Preparing Your Ingredients
Before you start cooking your children's fish pie, it's important to prepare your ingredients properly. This will help you to make sure that your pie is delicious and nutritious. Here are some tips to help you get started:
1. Choose Fresh Ingredients
When you're making fish pie, it's important to use fresh ingredients. This will help to ensure that your pie is full of flavour and nutrients. Make sure that you choose fresh fish, vegetables, and herbs. You can buy fresh fish from your local fishmonger or supermarket.
2. Wash and Chop Your Vegetables
Wash your vegetables thoroughly before you start chopping them. Use a sharp knife to chop your vegetables into small pieces. You can use a food processor or blender to chop your vegetables if you prefer.
3. Cook Your Fish
You can cook your fish in a variety of ways. You can poach it, bake it, or grill it. If you're using frozen fish, make sure that you defrost it before you start cooking it. You can defrost your fish in the microwave or by leaving it in the fridge overnight.
4. Make Your Sauce
To make your sauce, melt some butter in a pan. Add some flour and stir until it forms a paste. Slowly add some milk and stir until the sauce thickens. You can add some herbs and spices to your sauce to give it extra flavour.
5. Mash Your Potatoes
Boil your potatoes until they're soft. Drain them and mash them with some butter and milk. You can use a potato masher or a blender to mash your potatoes.
By following these tips, you can prepare your ingredients properly and make a delicious children's fish pie.
Making the Fish Pie
Creating a delicious fish pie for your little ones is easy and fun. Follow these steps to make a tasty and healthy fish pie that your children will love.
Creating the Mash
First, you need to create a smooth and creamy mash to top your fish pie. Peel and chop 1kg of potatoes and boil them in salted water until they are soft. Drain the potatoes and mash them with 50g of butter and 100ml of milk. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Preparing the Fish
Next, prepare your fish pie mix. You can use a variety of fish, such as salmon, cod, and haddock. Cut the fish into small pieces and season with salt and pepper. You can also add prawns or other seafood to the mix.
Making the Sauce
To make the sauce for your fish pie, you will need to create a white sauce and a cheese sauce. For the white sauce, melt 50g of butter in a saucepan and stir in 50g of plain flour. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in 500ml of milk and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes, whisking occasionally.
For the cheese sauce, melt 25g of butter in a saucepan and stir in 25g of plain flour. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in 250ml of milk and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes, whisking occasionally. Stir in 50g of grated cheese and season with salt and pepper.
Assembling the Pie
Preheat your oven to 200°C/400°F/Gas Mark 6. Grease an ovenproof dish or individual ramekins with butter. Place the fish pie mix in the dish or ramekins and pour over the white sauce. Top with the mashed potatoes and spread evenly. Pour the cheese sauce over the top and sprinkle with grated cheese.
Bake the fish pie in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy. Serve hot with steamed vegetables or a side salad.
By following these simple steps, you can create a delicious and nutritious fish pie that your children will enjoy.
Variations of Fish Pie
If you're looking to mix things up with your fish pie, there are plenty of variations you can try to keep things interesting for your little ones. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Pasta Bake Variation
If your kids love pasta, why not try making a tuna pasta bake instead of a traditional fish pie? You can use the same basic recipe as for fish pie, but substitute canned tuna for the fish. Cook up some pasta separately, then mix it in with the sauce and top with cheese and breadcrumbs before baking in the oven.
Pizza Variation
For a fun twist on fish pie, try making a fish pizza instead! Spread some tomato sauce on a pizza base, then add flaked fish, sliced tomatoes, and grated cheese. Bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Barbecue Variation
If you're having a barbecue, why not try making fish pie on the grill? You can use a disposable foil pie dish and cook it directly on the barbecue. Just be sure to keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn't burn!
Fajitas Variation
For a Mexican twist on fish pie, try making fish fajitas instead! Cook up some sliced fish with peppers and onions, then serve on tortillas with salsa, sour cream, and guacamole. It's a fun and tasty way to get your kids to try something new.
No matter which variation you choose, there are plenty of ways to make fish pie fun and interesting for your little ones. Try experimenting with different ingredients and flavours until you find the perfect recipe for your family.
Nutritional Benefits
Making a children's fish pie is a great way to introduce your little ones to the benefits of eating fish. Fish is a great source of protein, which is an essential nutrient for growing children. It helps build and repair muscles, bones, and other tissues in the body.
In addition to protein, fish is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These are essential fats that cannot be produced by the body and must be obtained through diet. Omega-3s are important for brain development and function, and they also help reduce inflammation in the body.
When making a fish pie, you can also include a variety of vegetables to boost its nutritional value. Peas, carrots, sweetcorn, and broccoli are all great options. Vegetables are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fibre. They can help support a healthy immune system, promote good digestion, and keep your child feeling full and satisfied.
It's important to note that some types of fish may contain high levels of mercury, which can be harmful to young children. When making a fish pie for your child, it's best to choose fish that are low in mercury, such as cod, haddock, and pollock.
Overall, a children's fish pie can be a nutritious and delicious meal for your little ones. By including fish and vegetables, you can provide them with important nutrients that support their growth and development.
Serving Suggestions
Now that you have made your kid-friendly fish pie, it's time to think about serving it up. Here are a few suggestions to get you started:
- Add some greens: A side of steamed or roasted veggies like broccoli, peas, or green beans can add some colour and nutrition to your meal. You could also try adding some spinach or kale to the fish pie filling itself for an extra boost of vitamins.
- Serve with crusty bread: A slice of fresh bread or a dinner roll can be a great way to soak up any leftover sauce in the fish pie. Try serving with a crusty baguette or a slice of sourdough.
- Top with cheese: If your family loves cheese, try sprinkling some grated cheddar or parmesan on top of the fish pie before baking. This can add a delicious savoury flavour and a bit of extra texture.
- Pair with a salad: A fresh, crunchy salad can be a great complement to a warm, comforting fish pie. Try a simple side salad with lettuce, cucumber, and tomato, or get creative with some roasted beetroot or sweet potato.
- Make it a meal: If you're looking for a more substantial meal, try serving the fish pie with some boiled new potatoes or a side of rice. This can help to fill up hungry tummies and make the meal more satisfying.
Remember, when serving fish pie to young children, it's important to be mindful of any potential choking hazards. Make sure the fish is flaked into small, bite-sized pieces and remove any bones before serving. If you're serving to a baby who is just starting to wean, you may need to puree the fish pie filling or mash it up with a fork to make it easier to eat.
Storing and Reheating
When it comes to storing and reheating your children's fish pie, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that it stays fresh and delicious.
Storing
If you have any leftovers, it's important to store them properly to prevent bacterial growth. You can store your fish pie in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to store it for longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months.
When freezing your fish pie, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. You can also freeze individual portions in separate containers for easy reheating later.
Reheating
When it's time to reheat your fish pie, there are a few different methods you can use. The best way to reheat your fish pie is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 180°C/350°F, transfer your fish pie to an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil, and heat for 10-15 minutes for a single portion, or 30-40 minutes for a whole pie. Double the time if you're reheating a frozen fish pie.
Another option is to reheat your fish pie in the microwave. Place your fish pie in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
If you're in a rush, you can also reheat your fish pie on the stove. Place your fish pie in a saucepan with a splash of milk or cream, heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
No matter which method you choose, be sure to check that your fish pie is heated through before serving. You can also add some frozen peas or sweetcorn to your fish pie before reheating to give it an extra boost of flavour and nutrition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some fish pie recipes suitable for babies aged 6-10 months?
When preparing fish pie for babies aged 6-10 months, it is important to use fish that is low in mercury and bones. You can use fish such as haddock, cod, or salmon. You can also use vegetables like sweet potato, peas, and carrots. Ensure that the fish is cooked thoroughly and mashed to a consistency that is suitable for your baby.
What is the sauce typically made of in a fish pie?
The sauce in a fish pie is typically made of a roux (butter and flour) and milk. The roux is cooked until it thickens, and then the milk is gradually added to create a creamy sauce. The fish is then added to the sauce and cooked until it is tender.
What is the difference between fish pie and fisherman's pie?
Fish pie and fisherman's pie are both traditional British dishes made with fish and mashed potatoes. The main difference is that fisherman's pie typically includes hard-boiled eggs and is topped with mashed potatoes and cheese. Fish pie, on the other hand, is topped with mashed potatoes and sometimes cheese but does not include eggs.
How can I prevent my fish pie from becoming watery?
To prevent your fish pie from becoming watery, ensure that the fish is cooked thoroughly before adding it to the sauce. You can also drain any excess liquid from the fish before adding it to the sauce. Additionally, make sure the sauce is thick enough before adding the fish. Finally, avoid overcooking the fish pie, as this can cause the sauce to become watery.
Another simpler fish pie recipe
Here is a simpler fish pie recipe you can try:
Ingredients:
- 500g potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 500g mixed fish, such as cod, haddock and salmon
- 2 cups milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp plain flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C/400°F/Gas Mark 6.
- Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender. Drain and mash with butter.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter and add the flour. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually add the milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
- Add the fish to the sauce and cook for 5-7 minutes until the fish is cooked through.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Pour the fish mixture into an ovenproof dish and top with the mashed potatoes.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown.
