Easiest fish pie

Another family favourite and mine too for its absolute simplicity. The ingredients are easily put together and this can be prepared ahead of mealtimes and baked when you need it. This is preferably to be had on a cold, wet day though it tastes just as good at any other time too.

Serves 4 to 6
Preparation and cooking time 45 minutes to 1 hour

Ingredients

1. Fish (firm and fleshy) - 250 gms
2. Potatoes - 250 gms
3. Fresh bread crumbs - 3/4 cup
4. Milk - 1 1/2 cups
5. Eggs - 2
6. Cheddar cheese (grated coarsely) - 3/4 cup
7. Onions chopped - 2 tablespoons
8. Ginger (grated very fine) - 1/2 tsp
9. Salt to taste
10. Black pepper powder to taste
11. Chilli flakes to taste (optional)
12. Mixed vegetables diced (carrots, beans or peas) - 1 cup
13. Butter - 1 tablespoon
14. Coriander leaves or spring onion leaves chopped - 2 tablespoons

Method

1. Pre-heat the oven to 175 degrees. Boil the fish in a cup of water with a little salt and ginger. After cooking, skin and bone the pieces. Flake coarsely or leave as big pieces. (Fish stock may be used in another recipe or discarded with the ginger.)
2. Boil potatoes. Skin and mash coarsely.
3. Mixed vegetables like carrots, beans or peas may be cooked dry in a little water and salt.
4. In a bowl, mix all the ingredients except the fish and butter. Adjust the seasoning.
5. You can add the fish pieces into the mix or place them in a baking dish.
6. Tip all of the mixed ingredients into the dish and spread it out. The top need not be smoothened out. (An uneven top gives the pie a nice look when it is done.) Dot the top with the butter.
7. Place in oven and bake for at least 30 minutes or till the top has golden peaks.
8. Serve hot with a green salad.

Tips

Olive oil may be used instead of butter if you like.

I like to use a fair amount of black pepper powder and chilli flakes.

Small chunks of cheese also taste good here and there in this dish. Processed cheese cubes may be used if cheddar is unavailable.