Serve up some serious flavour with Avoca’s Smoked Haddock & Leek Gratin, topped with a golden curried crumb. This is a delicious burst of flavour that will be savored with every bite. This recipe serves 4-6 but it can go further with some extra veg on the side.
Ingredients:
500 grams undyed smoked haddock, boneless & skinless, cut into large pieces
250 grams leeks, washed & sliced
500 ml milk
2 bay leaves
Pinch of nutmeg, freshly grated
60 grams butter
25 ml olive oil
2 tsp mild curry powder
50 grams plain flour
Zest from ½ lemon
500 grams potatoes, peeled & sliced thinly
125 grams breadcrumbs (mix with ½ tsp curry powder)
100 grams cheddar cheese
Sea salt & cracked black pepper to taste
Method:
Pre-heat oven to 180c/160c fan/gas 4.
In a large pan, add the smoked haddock, milk, bay leaves & nutmeg. Simmer on low heat for 5-8 minutes. Strain the milk & set aside. Set haddock aside as well.
In another medium size pan add the butter, olive oil & leeks, sauté on low-medium heat, with salt & pepper until they become translucent. Next add the curry powder & flour, continue cooking for a further 5 minutes to “cook out” the flour.
Next add the potatoes, mix well. Slowly add the warm strained milk & stir continuously until a velvety smooth sauce starts to thicken slightly. This should take 4-6 minutes. Add the lemon zest & check the seasoning.
In a large baking dish layer ½ the potato & leek sauce first, then top with ½ smoked haddock & ½ the cheddar cheese. Repeat this process again. Finishing with breadcrumbs.
Bake in the oven for 35-45 minutes until it’s golden brown & bubbly.
Serve with a fresh, crisp green salad & crusty bread.
