Gurdeep Loyal's Thai Fish Pie with Crispy Turmeric Potatoes

A Lancashire hotpot meets fish pie, by way of Chiang Mai.
This crowd-pleasing recipe comes from our friend Gurdeep Loyal's book Flavour Heroes (Q...uadrille £27, photography by Patricia Niven). Read more
A Lancashire hotpot meets fish pie, by way of Chiang Mai.
This crowd-pleasing recipe comes from our friend Gurdeep Loyal's book Flavour Heroes (Quadrille £27, photography by Patricia Niven).

Why is this healthy?
Plant
points
High
protein
Herbs &
spices
Contains
Dairy, Shellfish, Fish, Soy
Ingredients
Serves 4
desiccated coconut
lemongrass
Swaps: galangal
zest and juice
green curry paste
Thai
fish sauce
fish pie mix
uncooked, in bite-sized pieces
jumbo prawns
uncooked, peeled
celery
finely diced
floury
coconut milk
cornflour
white sugar
thai basil
butter
nigella seeds

Ingredients

Serves 4
desiccated coconut
lemongrass
Swaps: galangal
zest and juice
green curry paste
Thai
fish sauce
fish pie mix
uncooked, in bite-sized pieces
jumbo prawns
uncooked, peeled
celery
finely diced
floury
coconut milk
cornflour
white sugar
thai basil
butter
nigella seeds

Method

1. Dry-toast the coconut in a frying pan over a medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes until it turns golden brown but not burnt, then tip onto a plate to cool completely.

2. Next, make a paste in a small grinder or blender by whizzing together the lemongrass, galangal, lime juice and zest and 1½ teaspoons of salt - add a splash of water if needed. Pour into a bowl, then whisk through the Thai green paste and fish sauce.

3. Add the fish pie mix, prawns, toasted coconut and diced celery. Stir well, then pour into the base of a deep-sided 18 x 22cm (7 x 8½in) pie dish or equivalent. Preheat the oven to 180'C fan/200°C/400°F/Gas mark 6.

4. Meanwhile, use a mandoline or very sharp knife to slice the potatoes into very thin round discs 1.5-2mm (¼in) thick, then set aside.

5. Next, in a large jug whisk together the coconut milk, cornflour, and a pinch of sugar, until fully combined. Pour over the fish and prawns in the pie dish, then scatter the chopped Thai basil on top. Layer the potato slices on top, overlapping into a spiral design to cover the filling completely.

6. Melt the butter in a saucepan along with the turmeric, nigella seeds and a pinch of salt, whisking well. Brush all the turmeric butter over the top of the potatoes.

7. Place the fish pie on a baking tray to catch any spillage and bake for 35-40 minutes until cooked through and crispy golden on top. Cover with foil if the top is browning too quickly and, if you like it extra-crispy, finish under a hot grill for 3-5 minutes.

8. Remove from the oven and rest 10 minutes before diving in. Serve with a green salad.

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