Smoked haddock and spinach gratin

This creamy fish bake has thin layer of spinach as it’s base, with smoked haddock and a creamy cheese sauce, topped with breadcrumbs to give it a little crunch! When I made this for the first time, I thought it sounded and tasted like something you would order in a restaurant, it’s hard to think how simple this dinner is and can be made for any night of the week!

What goes well along side this dish?

I simply had some skinny French fries and peas, but mash or Hasselback potatoes would go really well.

Smoked haddock and spinach gratin

Servings 4 people

Ingredients
  

Cheese sauce

  • 50 g unsalted butter
  • 40 g plain flour
  • 500 ml semi-skimmed milk
  • 200 g cheddar cheese, grated
  • large pinch of pepper

Smoked haddock and spinach gratin

  • 350 g spinach
  • 4 smoked haddock (frozen or fresh)
  • 1 slice of white bread (to make breadcrumbs)
  • 1 tbsp dried parsley (½ tbsp fresh parsley)

Instructions
 

Make the cheese sauce

  • In a large saucepan, melt the butter over a medium heat.  Using a large balloon whisk, add the flour and whisk continuously for a minute. 
  • Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time. Cook for around 10 mins until thickened and smooth.
  • Remove the sauce from the hob, add the cheese and stir until the cheese has melted. 

Smoked haddock and spinach gratin

  • Pre-heat the oven to 200℃
  • Whilst making the cheese sauce, pop the spinach in a saucepan of salted hot water for a few mins, then drain in a colander. Top Tip : ensure you squeeze as must water out as possible, or you may have a puddle of water at the bottom of your dish.
  • Spread the spinach at the bottom of a baking dish. Place the haddock on top.
  • Pour the cheese sauce over the top.
  • Whizz a slice of bread and parsley in a food processor until you get breadcrumbs. Sprinkle this over the top, place in the oven and cook for around 20-35mins (depending on whether you are using fresh or frozen fish), ensure your haddock is pipping hot throughout.
  • Serve immediately with some chips/mash and green veg.