Fiskegrateng med Makaroni og Fisk (Norwegian Fish and Macaroni Gratin)
Fiskegrateng is a beloved Norwegian comfort food, a creamy baked dish featuring flaky white fish and tender macaroni in a smooth béchamel sauce, often topped with breadcrumbs for a delightful crunch. It's a versatile dish, enjoyed by both children and adults, and a wonderful way to use leftover fish.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 cups Macaroni
- 2 lbs Cod or Pollock fillets(skinned and boned)
- 4 tbsp Butter
- 1/4 cup All-purpose flour
- 5 cups Milk
- 2.5 tsp Salt
- 1/8 tsp Black pepper
- 1/4 tsp Nutmeg(freshly grated)
- 3 large Egg yolks
- 3 large Egg whites
- 1/2 cup Bread crumbs or crushed crackers(for topping)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
💡 Tip: Ensure the baking dish is evenly greased to prevent sticking. - 2
Cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- 3
Gently simmer the fish in lightly salted water for 5-10 minutes until flaky. Drain, reserving about 1 cup of the poaching liquid. Break the fish into bite-sized pieces.
- 4
In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 2 minutes to form a roux.
- 5
Gradually whisk in the milk and reserved poaching liquid until smooth. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, until thickened. Stir in salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
💡 Tip: Whisk continuously to prevent lumps. - 6
Separate the eggs. Whisk the egg yolks into the warm sauce. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
💡 Tip: Ensure the sauce has cooled slightly before adding yolks to prevent scrambling. - 7
Gently fold the cooked macaroni and flaked fish into the sauce. Then, carefully fold in the beaten egg whites until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
💡 Tip: Folding in the egg whites will make the gratin lighter and fluffier. - 8
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle evenly with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers.
💡 Tip: For extra crispiness, you can dot the breadcrumbs with a little extra melted butter. - 9
Bake for 40 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
- 10
Let stand for a few minutes before serving. Serve hot.
💡 Tip: Fiskegrateng is often served with boiled potatoes, steamed vegetables, and a dollop of melted butter.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using fresh white fish like cod or pollock is recommended for the best flavor and texture.
- ✓Don't overcook the macaroni; it should be al dente as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- ✓The reserved poaching liquid adds extra flavor to the sauce.
- ✓For a richer gratin, you can stir in some grated cheese (like Parmesan) into the sauce before adding the fish and macaroni.
🔄 Variations
- Add cooked shrimp or small pieces of other white fish to the mixture.
- Incorporate a handful of frozen peas into the gratin before baking.
- For a different topping, use grated cheese instead of breadcrumbs.