Smoked fish and anchovy gratin

SERVES 4

For the sauce:

1 tbsp butter

1 onion, finely chopped

1 garlic clove, finely chopped

1 tbsp all-purpose flour

1¼ cups (300ml) whole milk

handful of curly parsley, finely chopped

sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

4½oz (125g) smoked mackerel, thinly sliced or broken into small chunks

4½oz (125g) smoked salmon, thinly sliced or broken into small chunks

8–12 anchovies in oil, drained

4 all-purpose waxy potatoes, peeled, boiled, and sliced

1–2 tbsp butter, melted

Method:

1 Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

2 To make the sauce, melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat. Add the onion, and cook gently for about 5 minutes until soft, then add the garlic and cook for a few seconds longer. Remove from the heat and stir in the flour with a wooden spoon, then beat in a little of the milk until smooth.

3 Return the pan to the heat, and slowly add the rest of the milk, whisking until thickened. Season with salt and pepper, and stir in the parsley.

4 Layer the fish and anchovies in an ovenproof dish, then cover with the sauce. Top with an even layer of potatoes, brush with melted butter, and bake in the oven for 15–20 minutes or until the potatoes are golden and crispy and the fish is heated through. Serve with a green salad.

Smoked fish and anchovy gratin