Delia Smith Christmas Eve Fish Pie

Delia Smith’s Christmas Eve Fish Pie is made with hot-smoked salmon fillets, hard-boiled eggs, Desiree potatoes, Gruyère cheese, Parmesan cheese, milk, butter, plain flour, and crème fraîche. This delicious fish pie recipe creates a hearty dinner that takes about 1 hour and 25 minutes to prepare and can serve up to 4 people.

Delia Smith Christmas Eve Fish Pie Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 2 x 160g (5.6 oz) packs hot-smoked salmon fillets
• 2 hard-boiled eggs
• Salt and freshly milled black pepper

For the Topping:

• 600g (1.3 lbs) Desiree potatoes, peeled and cut into even-sized chunks
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 40g (1.4 oz) butter
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 tablespoon crème fraîche
• 25g (0.9 oz) Gruyère cheese, grated
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated Parmesan cheese

For the Sauce:

• 275ml (9.3 fl oz) milk
• 20g (0.7 oz) butter
• 20g (0.7 oz) plain flour
• Cayenne pepper, to taste
• 25g (0.9 oz) grated Cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons crème fraîche
• Whole nutmeg, for grating
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• 1 tablespoon capers, rinsed in cold water and patted dry
• 6 cornichons, roughly chopped

How To Make Delia Smith Christmas Eve Fish Pie

1. Prepare the Potatoes: Steam the potatoes with 1 teaspoon of salt for about 25 minutes until tender. Drain, cover with a clean tea towel, and let sit for 4 minutes. Add butter, milk, and crème fraîche to the potatoes. Use an electric whisk on a slow speed to break up the potatoes, then whip on high until smooth and creamy. Season to taste.
2. Make the Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt butter over gentle heat. Add flour and whisk continually until smooth. Gradually whisk in milk and cook gently for 5 minutes until the sauce is glossy. Add Cheddar, lemon juice, crème fraîche, a pinch of cayenne pepper, and seasoning. Whisk and cook for a few more minutes.
3. Assemble the Pie: Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) or gas mark 6. Remove skin from the salmon and break it into large pieces. Place in a baking dish and tuck the hard-boiled eggs among the salmon pieces. Pour the sauce over the salmon and eggs. Spoon and spread the mashed potato over the top, creating a pattern with a palette knife. Sprinkle Gruyère and Parmesan cheese on top.
4. Bake: Place the dish on a baking tray and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the surface is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling. Let the pie settle for 10 minutes before serving.

Recipe Tips

• Ensure Tender Potatoes: Steam the potatoes until they are very tender to avoid lumps in the mash. Test with a fork to ensure they are soft throughout.
• Season the Mash Well: Taste the mashed potatoes and season with salt and pepper to your preference before spreading them over the pie.
• Smooth Sauce Consistency: Whisk the sauce continuously while cooking to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, glossy finish.
• Even Potato Layer: When spreading the mashed potatoes over the pie, use a palette knife to create an even layer and make indentations for a better texture and even browning.
• Check for Browning: Bake the pie until the surface is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling to ensure the pie is thoroughly cooked and has a nice crust.

What To Serve With Christmas Eve Fish Pie?

This creamy Christmas Eve Fish Pie pairs well with steamed green vegetables, such as broccoli or green beans, a simple salad, or garlic bread. It also can be served alongside roasted carrots, peas, or a fresh cucumber salad for a tasty dinner.

How To Store Leftovers Christmas Eve Fish Pie?

• Refrigerate: Let the leftover Christmas Eve Fish Pie cool to room temperature. Cover it with a lid or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: If you want to freeze the pie, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, move it to the refrigerator for several hours or overnight before reheating.

How To Reheat Leftovers Christmas Eve Fish Pie?

• In The Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the pie in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for 20-30 minutes, or until the pie is heated through and the top is crispy.
• In The Microwave: Place a portion of the pie on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, or until thoroughly heated, stirring halfway through.
• On The Stove: Place the pie in a covered skillet over low heat. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

Delia Smith Christmas Eve Fish Pie Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 serving (based on 4 servings)

• Calories: 565
• Total Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Cholesterol: 152mg
• Sodium: 740mg
• Potassium: 900mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 44g
• Dietary Fiber: 4g
• Sugars: 6g
• Protein: 30g

Try More Delia Smith Recipes:

• Delia Smith Green Tomato Chutney
• Delia Smith Custard
• Delia Smith Fatless Sponge
• Delia Smith Apple Chutney