Lesson: How to Make British Fish Pie

Part 1: Introduction

Fish pie is a traditional British comfort food, often made with white fish, smoked fish, and sometimes shrimp, covered with a creamy sauce and topped with mashed potatoes. It’s hearty, warming, and perfect for a family dinner.

Part 2: Key Vocabulary

• Fillet: a piece of fish with no bones or skin

• Poach: to cook gently in liquid

• Mash: to crush food (like potatoes) until smooth

• Simmer: to cook gently just below boiling

• Whisk: to mix quickly with a fork or whisk

• Grate: to shred food into small pieces (like cheese)

Part 3: Ingredients (Serves 4-6)

• 700g mixed fish fillets (e.g., cod, smoked haddock, salmon)

• 150g cooked prawns/shrimp (optional)

• 1 onion (sliced)

• 500ml milk

• 1 bay leaf

• 4 large potatoes (peeled and chopped)

• 50g butter

• 2 tbsp flour

• 75g cheddar cheese (grated)

• 2 tbsp parsley (chopped)

• Salt and pepper

• Optional: peas or sweetcorn

Part 4: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Potatoes

• Boil the potatoes in salted water for 15–20 minutes until soft.

• Drain and mash them with half the butter and a splash of milk. Set aside.

2. Poach the Fish

• Place the fish fillets in a large pan.

• Add the milk, onion, and bay leaf.

• Bring to a gentle simmer and poach for 8–10 minutes until the fish is cooked.

• Remove the fish and set aside. Strain the milk and keep it for the sauce.

3. Make the Sauce

• In a saucepan, melt the remaining butter.

• Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute.

• Slowly add the reserved milk, whisking to avoid lumps.

• Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.

• Add salt, pepper, parsley, and half the cheese.

4. Assemble the Pie

• Flake the fish into large chunks. Place in an ovenproof dish.

• Add the cooked prawns (if using) and some peas or sweetcorn.

• Pour the sauce over the fish and mix gently.

• Spread the mashed potato on top and fluff it up with a fork.

• Sprinkle the rest of the cheese over the potatoes.

5. Bake

• Bake at 200°C (180°C fan) or 400°F for 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbling.

Part 5: Useful Phrases

• “Could you peel and chop the potatoes?”

• “Let’s simmer the fish gently in the milk.”

• “Can you mash the potatoes until smooth?”

• “Spread the mash over the fish filling.”

• “Bake the pie until it’s golden and bubbling.”

Part 6: Discussion/Comprehension Questions

1. What kinds of fish can you use in fish pie?

2. Why do you poach the fish in milk?

3. How do you make the sauce for the pie?

4. What do you put on top of the fish filling?

5. How do you know the pie is ready?

Extra: Tips and Variations

• Try adding hard-boiled eggs for a traditional touch.

• Swap cheddar for another favorite cheese.

• Make it extra creamy with a little cream or crème fraîche in the sauce.

 

Part 7: Grammar Focus

A. Countable and Uncountable Nouns

In recipes, some ingredients are countable (we can count them: one, two, three…), and some are uncountable (we can’t count them individually).

Countable Nouns:

• potato → one potato, two potatoes

• egg → one egg, three eggs

• onion → an onion, two onions

Uncountable Nouns:

• milk (not: two milks)

• butter

• cheese

• fish (when talking about the food in general, not individual fish)

Examples from the recipe:

• “Peel and chop four potatoes.” (countable)

• “Add 500ml of milk.” (uncountable)

• “Sprinkle cheese on top.” (uncountable)

• “Add two tablespoons of flour.” (uncountable—flour is measured, not counted)

Practice:
Which words from the recipe are countable? Which are uncountable?

B. Modal Verbs for Suggestions and Advice

When we give suggestions or advice about cooking, we often use modal verbs like can, should, or could.

Can — for possibilities and options
Should — for strong suggestions/advice
Could — for polite or less certain suggestions

Examples from the lesson:

• You can add peas or sweetcorn to the pie. (option)

• You should preheat the oven before baking. (advice)

• You could try adding hard-boiled eggs for a traditional touch. (suggestion)

More examples:

• You can use any type of white fish.

• You should mash the potatoes until smooth.

• You could use cream instead of milk if you prefer.

Practice:
Try making your own suggestion using “can,” “should,” or “could” about the Fish Pie recipe!