Smoked Haddock, Savoy & Potato Gratin

Serves 6: Prep 30 mins: Cook 25 mins

Ingredients

1.2kg Desire or Picasso Potatoes

500g Undyed Smoked Haddock Fillets

600ml Whole Milk

75g Butter

1 Small Savoy (outer leaves discarded, the rest finely sliced)

A good Grating of Nutmeg

Juice of 1 Lemon

50g Plain Flour

50ml Double Cream

Handful Fresh Parsley, finely chopped

2-3 Handfuls dried Breadcrumbs

30g Grated Wookey Hole Cheddar Cheese

Method

1/Put the potatoes in a large lidded saucepan, pour over boiling water to cover, then cook on a high heat for 10-15 minutes until cooked through but not falling apart. Drain. While the potatoes are cooking, put the smoked haddock fillets skin-side down in a large lidded frying pan or sauté pan with the milk and bay leaf. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover with the lid, turn off the heat and leave to poach for 10 minutes, turning over halfway through. 

2/Heat the oven to 190°C/170°C fan/gas 5. Return the cleaned potato pan to the heat and melt the butter over a medium-high heat. When the butter is sizzling, add the cabbage with a small splash of water, season and toss to coat in the butter. Put on the lid and let it steam for a few minutes until the cabbage is wilted, then remove the lid and bubble to reduce the liquid. Grate over the nutmeg and squeeze over the lemon, toss well, then stir in the flour and cook, stirring, for a couple of minutes. 

3/Remove the fish fillets from the milk and set aside. Pour the poaching liquid into a jug , then gradually stir it into the cabbage – the flour will help to thicken it into a white sauce that coats the back of a spoon. Once all the poaching liquid is incorporated and the sauce has thickened, stir in the cream and parsley, then set aside. 

4/When the fish is cool enough to handle, remove the skin and flake into medium chunks. Layer half the potatoes in a 1.5 litre gratin dish, then top with half the fish, then half the cabbage mix. Repeat. Scatter the breadcrumbs over the top, then the cheese, then bake for 25 minutes until bubbling, with a crisp, golden top. Leave to stand for 5 minutes, then serve with steamed seasonal vegetables.