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Magnificent Mermaid Pie

Judy

Bryce Courtney via Joan Playford

I must confess this is the one recipe I haven't actually made this myself but I watched Joan make it and it was an absolutely delicious main course.

  • 3 medium carrots, peeled and finely sliced
  • ½ bunch spring onions, chopped
  • 2 small very ripe tomatoes, chopped
  • 3 stalks celery, including the tops, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 kg firm white fish fillets, skinless and boneless
  • 225 gms scallops
  • 225 gms green prawns, shelled and de-veined
  • 1 teaspoon fresh parsley or basil, finely chopped
  • 4 sheets puff pastry
  • A little milk
  • Salt, black pepper

White sauce

  • 30 gms butter
  • 2 tablespoons plain flour
  • 1½ cups milk
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup dry white wine
  • Salt, black pepper
mountain

Cut the fish into 2 cm pieces. Make sauce by melting butter in a saucepan, add flour, cook stirring for 2 minutes. Remove from heat, gradually stir in milk until smooth. Add cheese, wine and salt and pepper to taste. Cook, stirring, over gentle heat till sauce has thickened, lower heat and cook stirring for a couple of minutes. Set aside to cool.

Line a deep pie dish with 2 sheets puff pastry, pressing sheets together to seal join in base. Trim edges, prick base with a fork and bake in 350° oven for 10 minutes, then cool to room temperature.

In a large steamer, steam carrots, spring onions, tomatoes, celery, garlic, and bay leaves for 10 minutes. Add the fish, steam for 5 more minutes. Add the scallops and prawns and steam for 2 more minutes. Remove from the heat and take out the bay leaves. Spoon seafood and vegetable mixture into pastry case, sprinkle with parsley/basil. Pour the white sauce over and cover with 2 remaining sheets pastry. Seal and trim edges, prick pastry top and lightly baste with milk. Bake at 400° for 15 minutes or until top is golden brown.