Exploration of Fish Pie (Parmentier de Poisson): A French Culinary Wonder

Fish pie or Parmentier de Poisson in French cuisine is a dish that is hearty and comforting as it brings together delicate fish, creamy sauce, and crispy potato topping. This classic recipe is loved for its rich flavors and satisfying textures. In this guide we will go through the traditional fish pie, where it comes from, how to make one at home among other things.

The Origins of Fish Pie (Parmentier de Poisson)

There are many variations of fish pies across Europe including Britain, Ireland and France. The name “Parmentier” was given to the French version after Antoine-Augustin Parmentier who was a pharmacist and nutritionist that popularized potatoes in Europe during 18th century. It’s made by baking mashed potatoes on top of cooked tender fishes mixed with white sauce.

Ingredients for Traditional Fish Pie (Parmentier de Poisson)

To prepare a classic fish pie you will need;

For the Filling:

600g mixed fish (cod, haddock, salmon and smoked fish)

1 cup milk

1 bay leaf

1 small onion finely chopped

2 cloves garlic minced

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons flour

½ cup fish stock or water

½ cup heavy cream

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped

1 tablespoon fresh dill chopped

For the Topping: Mashed Potatoes:

1 kg potatoes peeled & cubed,

1/2 cup milk,

2 tablespoons butter,

salt & pepper to taste.

Step-by-Step Recipe for Fish Pie (Parmentier de Poisson)

Prepare the Fish

a) Poach the Fish

Place mixed fish in large saucepan.

Add milk & bay leaf then bring it to simmer gently over medium heat.

Poach them for about 5-7 minutes until they’re just cooked through.

Remove with slotted spoon from milk and set aside, keep poaching liquid.

Prepare the Mashed Potatoes

a) Cook the Potatoes

In large pot, cover cubed potatoes with cold water and a pinch of salt.

Bring to boil then cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes.

b) Mash the Potatoes

Drain them well before returning into pot again.

Add milk and butter; mash until smooth in consistency.

Season with salt & pepper accordingly before serving.

Make Creamy Fish Filling

a) Sauté Onions & Garlic

Melt butter over medium heat in large skillet/saucepan.

Add chopped onions and minced garlic; sauté for softened state which should take about 5 mins or so.

b) Make Roux

Sprinkle flour over onions-garlic mixture while stirring constantly to combine well.

Cook for another 1-2 minutes so as to get rid of raw taste of flour completely.

c) Add Liquids

Slowly pour reserved poaching liquid plus fish stock into pan while stirring continuously to avoid any lumps formation at this point or later on during cooking process.

Keep stirring even after adding heavy cream in order to allow sauce thicken for around 5 more minutes approximately.

d) Combine with Fish

Carefully fold creamy sauce together with poached fish gently

Put chopped parsley-dill inside then season using salt-pepper according to your preference

Assemble & Bake Fish Pie

a) Preheat the Oven

Get your oven ready by preheating it upto 375°F (190°C).

Spread the fish mixture with mashed potatoes and create a flat surface.

Use a fork to make decorative ridges on the mashed potatoes, which will help them to turn brown and crispy in the oven.

c. Bake the Pie

Put the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy.

If desired, finish under a broiler for a few minutes to get a more browned crust.

Serve and Enjoy

a. Serving Suggestions

Let the fish pie cool down for a couple of minutes before serving.

Garnish with additional chopped parsley or dill if desired.

Serve with simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Tips for Perfecting Fish Pie (Parmentier de Poisson)

Choosing Fish:

For balanced flavor and texture, use white fish (like cod or haddock) mixed with oily fish (such as salmon).

Adding smoked fish gives depth and richness to this dish.

Creamy Sauce:

Make sure that sauce is thick enough to coat seafood without being runny; otherwise, it will make pastry soggy when cooked together later on .

Mashed Potato Topping:

For smoother mash pass through potato ricer before mashing, then add an egg yolk – this gives richer taste & helps browning too!

Poaching Liquid:

Reserve poaching liquid used earlier on cooking fish fillets – could be added into creamy sauce afterwards since extra flavors are absorbed during preparation time anyway…

Variations of Fish Pie (Parmentier de Poisson)

Seafood Pie:

To make luxurious seafood pie: include shellfish such as shrimps, scallops or mussels into mixed fishes filling itself…

Vegetable Additions:

Add nutrition & colour by incorporating peas , leeks , spinach etcetera within its fillings; also good idea would be sauteing them little bit first though …

Cheese Topping:

Sprinkle some grated cheese (cheddar or parmesan) over mashed potatoes before baking so as to achieve cheesy crust.

Herb Variations:

Change taste profile through experimenting with variety herbs like tarragon , chives , thyme etcetera…

Health Benefits of Fish Pie (Parmentier de Poisson)

High in Protein:

Fish contains lots high quality proteins necessary for muscles repair & growth .

Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids:

Omega 3 fatty acids found abundantly within oily fish species such as salmon are very helpful when it comes down to heart health matters; they also reduce inflammation levels throughout human body which is crucial regarding arthritis / joint pain relief too…

Nutrient-Dense:

Apart from main dishes, fish provides vitamins plus minerals including vitamin D, B complex group vitamins and selenium too – hence making them nutrient dense foods indeed!

Balanced Meal:

When combined with potatoes & veggies creates well balanced meal that offers all essential nutrients along with carbohydrates needed by our bodies.

Conclusion

Fish pie, also known as Parmentier de Poisson, is a time-honored dish that combines gentle fish flavors with a lush creamy sauce beneath a comforting mashed potato crust. Use this ultimate recipe to perfect your homemade version of this tasty treat. Try different variations and combinations to make a dish that suits your tastes or dietary requirements. Fish pie always brings joy and satisfaction whether it’s for an everyday family dinner or special occasion.

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