Chef John's Fisherman's Pie

4.6
(121)

My fisherman's pie gives you flaky cod mingled with spinach in a garlic and lemon-scented sauce underneath a browned crust of creamy, buttery potatoes on top. It really does taste fantastic.

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Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
1 hr 10 mins
Additional Time:
10 mins
Total Time:
1 hr 35 mins
Servings:
6
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Ingredients

For potato crust:

  • 3 russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks

  • 3 tablespoons butter

  • 1 pinch freshly grated nutmeg

  • salt and ground black pepper to taste

  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste

  • ½ cup milk

For the spinach:

  • 2 teaspoons olive oil

  • 12 ounces baby spinach leaves

For the sauce:

  • 3 tablespoons butter

  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 cups cold milk, divided

  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest

For the rest:

  • 1 tablespoon butter

  • salt and ground black pepper to taste

  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste

  • 2 pounds boneless cod fillets

  • ½ lemon, juiced

  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives for garnish

Directions

  1. Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil; add potatoes to boiling water and cook until very tender, about 20 minutes. Drain well. Mash in 3 tablespoons butter until thoroughly combined. Season with nutmeg, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mash 1/2 cup milk into potato mixture until smooth.

  2. Drizzle olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add spinach, and season with a big pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until spinach has wilted, about 1 minute. Transfer to a bowl lined with paper towels to wick away excess moisture.

  3. Heat 3 tablespoons butter and flour in a saucepan over medium heat; whisk mixture to a smooth paste. Cook, stirring constantly, until mixture has a nutty smell and is slightly browned, about 2 minutes. Add garlic; whisk until fragrant, 10 to 20 seconds.

  4. Whisk 1 cup cold milk into flour mixture; cook until thickened. Whisk in remaining 1 cup milk and lemon zest. Bring white sauce to a gentle simmer, whisking constantly; season with salt. Turn heat to very low and keep sauce warm.

  5. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease an 8x12-inch casserole dish with 1 tablespoon butter.

  6. Season buttered pan with salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Lay boneless cod fillets into the pan in a single layer. Season tops of fillets with more salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Spread spinach evenly over fish and drizzle with lemon juice. Spoon white sauce over spinach; give casserole dish several taps and shakes to eliminate bubbles.

  7. Drop mashed potatoes by heaping spoonfuls over the casserole and spread smoothly to cover. Place dish onto a rimmed baking sheet to catch spills.

  8. Bake in the preheated oven until bubbling, about 40 minutes. Turn on the oven's broiler and broil until potato crust has a golden brown top, about 2 minutes. Fish should flake easily. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with a sprinkle of chives.

210 home cooks made it!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

421 Calories
19g Fat
29g Carbs
35g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 6
Calories 421
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 19g 24%
Saturated Fat 10g 52%
Cholesterol 109mg 36%
Sodium 280mg 12%
Total Carbohydrate 29g 11%
Dietary Fiber 4g 14%
Total Sugars 6g
Protein 35g 70%
Vitamin C 41mg 46%
Calcium 212mg 16%
Iron 3mg 18%
Potassium 1223mg 26%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.