Fish pie is a classic British dish consisting of fish and various other ingredients baked under a pastry crust. Although the spelling of the word "fish" is straightforward, the pronunciation of "pie" may be a bit more complex. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word "pie" is pronounced as /paɪ/, which represents the two distinct sounds in the word. The "p" sound is followed by the "long-i" sound (similar to the "i" in "pie"), creating the final pronunciation of "pie".
Fish pie is a type of savory dish made primarily from seafood and topped with a layer of mashed potato. It is a traditional British culinary creation, often considered as comfort food. The dish typically consists of a mixture of various types of fish and shellfish, such as cod, salmon, shrimp, and smoked haddock, combined with diced vegetables, herbs, and a creamy sauce.
To create a fish pie, the fish and seafood are first poached or baked until cooked through. Meanwhile, a creamy sauce is prepared by combining ingredients such as milk, butter, flour, and fish stock. The cooked fish is then flaked and mixed with the sauce, along with the diced vegetables such as carrots, peas, and onions. The filling is seasoned with herbs and spices such as parsley, thyme, and mustard for added flavor.
Once the filling is ready, it is poured into a baking dish and topped with a generous layer of mashed potato. The mashed potato is spread evenly over the filling and may be enhanced with cheese or breadcrumbs for extra texture. The pie is then baked in the oven until the mashed potato turns golden and crispy on top.
Fish pie is a wholesome and hearty dish, often served as a main course accompanied by side dishes such as steamed greens or a fresh salad. It is a popular choice during the colder months, offering warmth and comfort with its creamy, flavorful filling and indulgent potato topping.
The term "fish pie" is composed of two words: "fish" and "pie".
The word "fish" originated from the Old English word "fisc", which is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "fiskaz". This term was further derived from the Proto-Indo-European root word "peisk", meaning "fish". The Old English term gradually evolved into the word "fish" in Middle English.
On the other hand, the word "pie" has a slightly more complex etymology. It can be traced back to the Latin word "pica", which referred to a magpie bird known for collecting an assortment of things in its nest, much like a pie collects various ingredients. Through Latin, the term "pica" entered Old French as "pie", and this eventually made its way into Middle English, where it became "pie".