After lots of humming and harring, Chef Ella ‘Katsu’ managed to convince her Gran Mary to share her famous Smoked Fish Pie recipe. This secret family recipe has been passed down for generations and we’re stoked to be sharing it with our foodie family as part of our My Local Kitchen recipe series. Ella shares her memories of her Gran’s recipe.
Gran is from Pukekohe, has lived there all of her life. I grew up nearby and this was a dish we’d often have for dinner when we visited Gran.
It’s one of my favourites of her, which include the best-ever trifle (my favourite dessert ever – I get one on my birthday if I’m lucky!), a wicked lasagne and a cheesy egg and asparagus bake.
Always the go-to dish for when someone has had a baby or is having a tough time, Gran will always drop off a couple of fish pies. I always think of the dish as a warm hug, it’s so classic, creamy and comforting!
Gran comes from a potato farming family so there is always a generous topping of creamy mashed potatoes.
My brother and Dad are keen fishermen, so we are lucky enough to have a good supply of freshly smoked fish – smoked Kingfish is particularly good (my fave)! However, you can use tinned smoked fish if fresh is not available. Just as good!
Gran told me the recipe when I caught with her recently and I wrote it on the back of an envelope – such a simple recipe. I hope I have done it justice!
