Saucy smoked haddock

My saucy smoked haddock has got all the comfort of a fish pie with the added hug that a really good, crispy-skinned jacket potato can offer!

Serves 3-4

Ingredients Equipment to have ready
250ml milk Chopping board
4 frozen smoked haddock fillets (approx. 400g) Sharp knife
25g butter Measuring jug
1 small leek, halved and finely chopped Medium saucepan
25g plain flour Spoons
1 tsp English mustard Small plate
1 tsp grain mustard (optional)
1 small can sweetcorn
Salt and white pepper
3-4 jacket potatoes (to serve)
Green beans (to serve)

Method

  1. Pour the milk into a medium sized saucepan and season with white pepper. Put it on a medium heat and lay in the fish. Gently poach until the fish easily flakes apart.
  2. Remove the fish from the milk and set aside on a small plate.
  3. Pour the milk back into the measuring jug and rinse out the pan.
  4. Put the pan on a low heat and melt the butter.
  5. Sweat the leaks until soft but not browned.
  6. Tip in the flour and stir well to combine and make a thick paste. Cook, stirring, for a minute.
  7. Gradually add the milk a little at a time, stirring constantly to create a sauce without lumps.
  8. Allow the sauce to cook out on a very low heat for five minutes, stirring regularly so that it doesn’t catch on the bottom of the pan.
  9. Stir in the mustard and sweetcorn.
  10. If the fish still has the skin on, peel it off. Flake the fish and stir into the sauce. Any drops of milk on the plate from the fish can also go in the sauce.
  11. Cook for another few minutes to warm the fish back through.
  12. Taste to check the seasoning, adding salt or more white pepper if needed. Serve with jacket potatoes and green beans.