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Mary Berry Fish Pie with Leeks

Mary Berry Fish Pie with Leeks

Mary Berry Fish Pie with Leeks is a baked savoury dish made with chunks of fish in a creamy sauce, combined with leeks for sweetness and finished with a mashed potato topping. Unlike heavy versions, this style focuses on balance—light sauce, tender fish, and a topping that browns gently without drying out.

Ingredients

For the Filling

  • White fish fillets (cod, haddock, or pollock): 500 g, cut into chunks

  • Leeks: 2 medium, trimmed and thinly sliced

  • Unsalted butter: 40 g

  • Plain flour: 40 g

  • Milk: 500 ml

  • Double cream: 100 ml

  • Salt: to taste

  • Black pepper: to taste

For the Mash Topping

  • Potatoes: 900 g, peeled and chopped

  • Butter: 50 g

  • Milk: 2–3 tablespoons

Instructions

  • Cook the potatoes – Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, then drain well. Mash with butter and milk until smooth and set aside.

  • Soften the leeks – Melt a little butter in a pan, add the sliced leeks, and cook gently until soft and sweet, not browned.

  • Make the sauce base – In a saucepan, melt the butter, stir in the flour, and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.

  • Add the milk gradually – Pour in the milk slowly, whisking constantly until thick and smooth, then stir in the cream.

  • Season lightly – Add salt and black pepper, keeping flavours gentle so the fish stays the focus.

  • Combine the filling – Add the fish pieces and softened leeks to the sauce, stirring carefully to avoid breaking the fish.

  • Assemble the pie – Spoon the fish mixture into a baking dish and spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the top.

  • Bake until golden – Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (180°C fan) for 25–30 minutes until bubbling and lightly golden.

  • Rest briefly – Let the pie stand for a few minutes before serving so it settles nicely.