If you like the subtle spicing and smokiness of the traditional brunch dish, you’ll love the flavours of this mash-topped pie
Prep:30 mins
Serves 6
12 quail eggs400g can light coconut milk400ml whole milk½ small pack coriander, leaves chopped, stalks left whole½ small pack parsley, leaves chopped, stalks left whole350g skinless smoked haddock fillet, cut into 2-3cm cubes350g skinless sustainable white fish (cod, unsmoked haddock or pollock work well), cut into 2-3cm cubes85g butter1 large onion, finely chopped85g plain flourzest and juice 1 lemon200g fresh or frozen pea
STEP 1For the mash topping, bring a large pan of water to the boil. Add the potatoes and turmeric, and simmer until the potatoes are completely tender. Drain well and tip back into the pan to steam-dry over a low heat. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a small pan and add the curry powder to cook for a couple of mins. Stir in the milk and warm through. Mash the potatoes until really smooth (use a potato ricer if you have one), then stir in the buttery, curried milk. Season well and set aside while you make the filling.STEP 2Bring a medium pan of water to the boil. Add the quail’s eggs and boil for 3 mins. Plunge into a bowl of cold water to cool quickly, and peel.STEP 3Mix the coconut milk and whole milk in a frying pan with the coriander and parsley stalks, and heat until just a couple of bubbles appear. Add all the fish, cover and cook for 5-8 mins until just cooked. Lift the fish onto a plate and strain the milk into a jug.STEP 4Melt the butter in a large frying pan, add the onion and fry gently until soft. Stir in the flour for 2 mins, then stir in the milk mixture, a little at a time, until you have a smooth sauce. Bring to the boil and simmer for 5 mins, stirring continuously until thickened. Turn off the heat and stir in the lemon zest and juice, peas and chopped herbs with some seasoning to taste.STEP 5Put the fish and quail’s eggs back in the pan, then tip into an ovenproof dish. Pipe or spoon the mash on top. Can be made 1 day ahead, covered with cling film and chilled. Or freeze for up to 3 months – defrost thoroughly in the fridge before cooking.STEP 6Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6 and bake for 30-35 mins until golden on top and bubbling underneath.
