Easy filo topped fish pie

Fish pie as an absolute classic when it comes to family food, no? We love it here – it’s a great way to get kids to eat fish. But it is SUCH A FAFF when you make it the normal, classic way. Don’t get me wrong, we do make a classic fish pie all the time, and I switch it up quite often too. But I always wonder how can I make this easier, quicker, but still nice?

I tried sliced potatoes on a fish pie before, and it kind of works, but it doesn’t look as pretty as mash – or this option. Wow, this way is so impressive looking, and also SO DAMN EASY! Seriously, if you’ve never made anything with filo before – like me before this – then don’t be put off. It’s frozen normally so you do need the foresight to get the packet out pre dinner for a couple of hours. I even used frozen fish pie mix to make this the world’s easiest fish pie – like, straight from frozen. I used my all in one microwave amazing white sauce too – so it really is super simple. Shook in some peas and mixed in some spinach and you basically have a one pot meal.

Kids loved it – and both asked for more. Re-bloody-sult!

I made the base before swimming yesterday and then popped the topping on when we got back – 25 mins later we had this beauty on the table. It’s do-able midweek but it’d also be lovely to take to a do or to serve guests. For adults I like to serve hot English mustard on the side. If you did want a side to go with, then how about some sweetcorn, some steamed broccoli, or a salad.

BTW, this week I am behind with my videos for one reason or another – no recipe video I’m afraid – but I’ll be back on track soon with life updates and more. Take care my lovelies!

Makes: enough for 4

Takes: 40 mins

Ingredients:

• Fish pie mix (see the ones I bought from Tesco in this week’s grocery haul video)
• Handful of peas
• About 6 sheets of filo, painted with melted butter (about a tablespoon will do them all) and scrunched up

White sauce:

• 1 pint milk
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 5 tablespoons flour
• Salt and pepper
• Handful of cheese, grated
• Tablespoon of cream cheese (optional)
• Handful of spinach

Instructions:

1. Get the pastry out the freezer 2 hours before.
2. First, the sauce. Mix the flour, butter and milk in a jug (a little stir will suffice) and set microwave to 6 mins on High. Whisk every minute or so. It will suddenly thicken. Cook for the full 6 mins to get rid of a floury taste. Season. Add cheese, spinach (it will wilt in the heat) and set aside.
3. Pop the frozen fish pie mix in a baking dish. Pour over sauce. Set aside to cook later – or get on with your pastry lid.
4. Preheat oven to 190C if cooking now.
5. Take a sheet (don’t worry if they tear, lost of mine did as they are so thin) and paint it with melted butter then scrunch it (there is no fine art to it so just get on with it!) and pop on. Do this until it’s covered.
6. Bake for 25 mins. Serve as is or with a side.