FOOD NEWS
What Is Fisherman's Pie And What Sets It Apart From Shepherd's?
BY BRIAN UDALL
In the UK, meat pies are a quintessential comfort food. While minced lamb is the feature of the shepherd's inland version, fisherman's pie uses a medley of seafood.
Both dishes share the basic construction of a protein and sauce topped with mashed potatoes and cheese. They also share the quirk of being called pies, though neither has a crust.
Fisherman's pie is typically made with cod, salmon, and prawns. Sometimes, ingredients like haddock or scallops are added depending on availability and affordability.
The seafood is briefly poached in milk, which is then used to make a creamy béchamel sauce that's drizzled over the fish. Onions are often the only vegetable added to the filling.
Like shepherd's pie, mashed potatoes are layered on top and the whole thing is covered in cheese to create a rich and filling dish.
Made with lamb or beef, shepherd's pie also includes garlic, Worcestershire, thyme, rosemary, and parsley. Green beans, carrots, or corn can be layered under the potatoes.