Cheats Fish Pie

I call this pie a 'Cheats Fish Pie' as this is an abridged and modified version of the original recipe and will bake in flat 30 minutes . Being an hardcore fish fanatic - i like to steep up my fish pie's with extra protein , in order to give it a full bodied flavor . Also , to keep it a short and quick bake , i have done away with the detailed elements of white sauce , pastry base etc which are a part of the original recipe . In this recipe , i have used prawns and sea bass , but you can use an assortment of fish of your own choice . If you want to make it fancier , throw in some crab meat or squid rings and elevate it into an awesome seafood pie.

You will probably know that fish is a fantastic source of nutrients , including vit.D and good Omega-3 fatty acid . I also read in one of the expert articles recently that a good fish broth can help cure depression and it falls in the same therapeutic league as dark chocolate.

Let me take you through the steps of this bake :

Things you will need ( Makes a 6 inch pie , serves 2 -3 adults )

• 100 gms skinless white fish fillet ( Salmon or Sea bass or any white fish of your choice)

• 100 gms de-veined prawns

• 02 tbsp butter

• 02 large boiled potatoes

• 02 tsp garlic powder

• 03 tbsp milk

• 01 large tomato - very thinly sliced

• 01 large onion - very thinly sliced

• Grated cheddar

• 03 slices of bread

• 1/2 cup milk

• 02 cups of water

• 02 Lemon wedges

• Salt and pepper to season

• 01 egg

Steps to Follow

Make the Mashed Potato

• Mash the boiled potato finely in a bowl

• Add in 1 tbsp soft butter , 1 tsp garlic powder , 02 tbsp milk , salt and pepper and mix well . This needs to be creamy in texture and easily spreadable - Keep aside.

• This is your mashed potato topping for the pie .

Preparing the fish filling

• 1st , we need to poach the white fish fillet .

• Place a deep bottomed pan on heat and add 02 cup water and bring to a boil .

• Add in the white fish fillet with 1/2 tsp salt and and let the fish sit in the boiling water for 05 mins on low flame .

• Drain the liquid ( You can preserve the fish broth to cook other ' fish - things ' later )

• Using a fork , separate the white fish into small chunks and place in a bowl .

• Next , heat a skillet and add 01 tbsp butter - gently pan roast the prawns on this along a pinch of salt , pepper and remaining garlic powder . Mix with the white fish and keep aside .

Assemble the pie

• Butter baste a 6 inch pie dish .

• 1st , we will make the base of the pie : for this - soak 03 slices of bread in milk for 01 minute . Then using both your palms , drain out the excess liquid from the bread and place the soaked bread pieces on the pie dish and flatten it out .

• Next layer the onion followed by the pan tossed white fish and prawns

• Season everything with salt and pepper ( Do not use too much seasoning , as we have already seasoned all the elements individually )

• Lastly , top the fish with the mashed potato's ( as prepared in step 01 )

• Sprinkle some cheddar cheese , followed by the final layer of the tomatoes.

• Pour a beaten egg on top .

• Bake the pie for 25 mins on 180 degree Celsius , till the top of the pie is a nice golden brown . Un -mold and serve hot .

• Don't forget to add the Lemon wedges , as you serve.

Pro- Tip : To make this Cheat's Pie a full meal , you can serve this with some pan roasted vegetable . I had mine with roasted cauliflower and pan roasted assortment of peas and baby carrots .