Catch of the Day: Posh Fish Pie

Nothing is more comforting than a creamy fish pie for tea! Our luxurious Fish Pie is back on the menu and we are happy as a clam ⚓⛴️🐟🍽️

 

Ahoy there, fellow foodies! Today, we’re diving into the delicious depths of one of England’s most beloved comfort foods: the humble fish pie. This creamy, comforting dish has been warming hearts and filling tummies for centuries, but how did it swim its scrumptious way into British culinary history? Grab your fork and let’s embark on a little voyage through the history of fish pie!

Our fishy tale begins, unsurprisingly, by the sea. Fish has always been a staple of the British diet, thanks to the island’s abundant waters teeming with cod, haddock, and other delicious characters of the deep. But fish pie as we know it today is a relatively modern creation, compared to the ancient fish dishes enjoyed by our ancestors.

Back in the Middle Ages, fish was often preserved by salting or smoking, making it an important food source during those long, cold winters. But the real game-changer for fish pie came with the advent of refrigeration and better transport links in the 19th century, which allowed fresh fish to be delivered inland with ease.

The fish pie as we know it started to take shape in the grand kitchens of Britain’s stately homes. One of the earliest references to something resembling a fish pie can be found in Hannah Glasse’s 1747 cookbook, The Art of Cookery Made Plain and Easy, where she includes a recipe for a “Sea Pie” made with layers of fish, meat, and vegetables.

However, it was Queen Victoria’s love for all things maritime that really brought fish pie into the spotlight. Her royal chefs often prepared lavish fish pies, using rich, creamy sauces and decadent pastry lids. Fish pie became a dish fit for a queen, quite literally!

Fish pie truly became a household name during the challenging times of World War II. With meat rationing in full swing, fish became an essential part of the British diet. Fish pie, with its economical use of ingredients and ability to stretch a small amount of fish to feed the whole family, became a staple on many dinner tables.

During these lean years, creative cooks found ways to make do with what they had. A typical wartime fish pie might include a mix of whatever fish was available, often bulked out with mashed potatoes and topped with breadcrumbs or a simple pastry crust. It was hearty, filling, and a much-needed morale booster during tough times.

Today, fish pie is a beloved comfort food enjoyed by Brits of all ages. While traditional recipes still hold a special place in our hearts, modern variations have added their own twist to this classic dish. From smoked haddock and salmon to prawns and mussels, the possibilities are as vast as the ocean itself! 🌊

And there you have it, the fin-tastic history of fish pie! From its seafaring beginnings to its royal connections and wartime resilience, fish pie has swum its way into the hearts of the British people.

So, here’s to fish pie – may it continue to bring comfort and joy to our tables for many years to come!

Harking back to its fancy British origins, our Posh Fish Pie contains a multitude of fishy delights (pollock, salmon, haddock & prawns) in a rich creamy sauce spiked with mustard and cheddar cheese, and a crisp pastry crust! Available in a box of 8, individually and in our Surf and Turf Box alongside the classic Steak & Ale pie, you’d better get your skates on to enjoy this one!