Icelandic Plokkfiskur
Icelandic comfort food of cod and potatoes folded into a mild creamy onion sauce.
Equipment
- Large saucepan
- Medium saucepan
- Potato masher
- Wooden spoon
- Chef's knife
Ingredients
Fish and Potatoes
- 1 1/2 lb skinless cod fillets cut into large pieces
- 1 1/2 lb Yukon Gold potatoes peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 medium yellow onion finely diced
- 1 tsp fine salt divided
- 1/2 tsp ground white pepper
Cream Sauce
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk warmed
- 1/2 cup fish stock
- 2 tbsp fresh chives finely chopped
Instructions
Cook the Potatoes and Fish:
- Cover the potatoes with cold salted water. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 to 18 minutes, until tender but not collapsing. Drain well.
- Meanwhile, place the cod in a saucepan with the fish stock. Cover and poach gently for 6 to 8 minutes, until opaque and easy to flake. Reserve the poaching liquid.
Make the Sauce:
- Melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the onion and cook for 8 minutes until soft without browning.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the warm milk and reserved poaching liquid, then simmer until smooth and lightly thickened.
Finish:
- Add the potatoes and mash only a few times so irregular pieces remain. Fold in the cod gently, season with the salt and white pepper, and warm through without boiling.
- Spoon into bowls, scatter with chives, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Avoid vigorous stirring after adding the cod so the fish keeps natural flakes.
- Refrigerate leftovers for up to two days and reheat gently with a splash of milk.
Nutrition
Calories: 455kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 37gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 105mgSodium: 760mgFiber: 4gSugar: 8g