Ingredients

700g sweet potatoes (3-4 small ones or 2 large ones)

3 tbsp rapeseed oil

Pinch of cumin

Pinch of smoked paprika

1 onion, finely chopped

1 red pepper, finely chopped

350ml semi-skimmed milk

350g fish pie mix (make sure it contains smoked haddock)

225g frozen king prawns, defrosted

2½ tbsp harissa paste

2 tbsp cornflour

30ml double cream

200g spinach, roughly chopped

Steamed green beans, to serve

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan)/gas mark 4. Prick the sweet potatoes with a fork and bake them for 50 minutes to 1 hour, or microwave on high for 5-7 minutes until soft. Remove the skins and mash the flesh with 2 tablespoons of rapeseed oil, cumin, and smoked paprika. Keep warm.

Step 2: Heat the remaining tablespoon of oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Cook the chopped onions and red peppers until soft, about 7 minutes.

Step 3: Warm the semi-skimmed milk in a separate pan over low to medium heat. Add the fish pie mix and the defrosted prawns, cooking for about 4 minutes until the prawns just turn pink. Remove the fish and prawns with a slotted spoon and reserve the milk.

Step 4: Stir the harissa paste into the cooked onions and peppers, cooking for 2 minutes. Mix in the cornflour, then gradually add the reserved milk while stirring continuously. Pour in the double cream and add the chopped spinach. Cook for another 2 minutes until the spinach softens.

Step 5: Gently fold the cooked fish and prawns into the harissa mixture, being careful not to break them up.

Step 6: Transfer the fish mixture to an ovenproof dish (approximately 25 x 18cm). Spoon the mashed sweet potato evenly over the top, smoothing it out with a knife and creating ridges with a fork.

Step 7: Bake the pie for 20 minutes, then grill on the hottest setting for 10 minutes to brown the topping. Serve with steamed green beans.

Tips & Variations

For a milder flavor, reduce the harissa paste or substitute it with a mild chili sauce.

You can swap rapeseed oil for olive oil to add a fruity note to the mashed sweet potatoes.

Try adding a handful of grated cheese to the topping before baking for an extra golden crust.

Use fresh parsley or coriander as a garnish to brighten the dish.

FAQs

Can I use other types of fish for this pie?

Yes, you can substitute the fish pie mix with other firm white fish like cod or haddock. Just ensure the fish is cooked gently to avoid it falling apart.

Is it possible to prepare this dish in advance?

Absolutely. Assemble the pie up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. When ready to serve, bake and grill as instructed, adding a few extra minutes if cooking from cold.