Plokkfiskur is a traditional Icelandic fish stew made with boiled fish, potatoes, and a creamy, buttery sauce. This comforting dish is perfect for cold days and brings a taste of Iceland’s rich seafood heritage to your table. Follow this recipe to create an authentic Plokkfiskur at home.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) cod or haddock fillets, boneless and skinless
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)
- Rye bread or crusty bread (for serving)
Instructions:
Preparing the Fish and Potatoes:
- Boil the Fish:
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the fish fillets and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Remove the fish from the water and set aside to cool. Reserve the cooking water.
- Boil the Potatoes:
- In the same pot with the reserved cooking water, add the diced potatoes and cook until tender, about 10-15 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Making the Stew:
- Cook the Onion:
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Make the Roux:
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux.
- Add the Milk:
- Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to whisk until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth, about 5-7 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Flake the cooked fish into bite-sized pieces and add it to the saucepan along with the boiled potatoes. Gently stir to combine, being careful not to break up the fish too much.
- Season:
- Season the stew with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Serving:
- Garnish:
- Serve the Plokkfiskur hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley or chives.
- Accompaniments:
- Enjoy the stew with slices of rye bread or crusty bread on the side.
Plokkfiskur is a comforting and hearty Icelandic dish that combines tender fish with creamy potatoes and a rich, buttery sauce. Perfect for warming up on a cold day, this traditional stew brings a taste of Iceland to your home. Enjoy it with fresh bread for a complete and satisfying meal. Verði þér að góðu!