Icelandic Fish and Potato Gratin (Fiskur og Kartöflugratín)
A comforting and elegant bake featuring flaky white fish layered with thinly sliced potatoes and a creamy, herb-infused sauce, topped with a golden crust. This dish offers a refined way to enjoy Iceland's abundant seafood.
🧂 Ingredients
- 600 g Cod or Haddock fillets(skinless, boneless, cut into large chunks)
- 1 kg Potatoes(Yukon Gold or similar waxy variety, peeled and thinly sliced (about 2mm))
- 50 g Butter
- 50 g All-purpose flour
- 600 ml Milk(warmed)
- 100 ml Heavy cream
- 2 tbsp Dill(fresh, chopped)
- 1 tbsp Chives(fresh, chopped)
- 1 tsp Lemon zest
- to taste Salt
- to taste White pepper
- 100 g Gruyère or Emmental cheese(grated (optional, for topping))
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). Butter a large gratin dish or ovenproof skillet.
💡 Tip: Ensure the dish is well-greased to prevent sticking. - 2
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- 3
Gradually whisk in the warm milk until the sauce is smooth and thickened. Stir in the heavy cream, chopped dill, chives, and lemon zest.
💡 Tip: Whisk continuously to avoid lumps. - 4
Season the sauce with salt and white pepper to taste. Gently fold in the fish chunks and sliced potatoes, ensuring they are coated in the sauce.
💡 Tip: Be careful not to break up the fish too much. - 5
Pour the mixture into the prepared gratin dish, spreading evenly. If using cheese, sprinkle it over the top.
💡 Tip: Ensure potatoes are mostly submerged in the sauce. - 6
Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown and bubbling. If the top browns too quickly, loosely tent with foil.
- 7
Let the gratin rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra fresh dill or chives if desired.
💡 Tip: Resting allows the sauce to set, making it easier to serve.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using waxy potatoes prevents them from becoming mushy during baking.
- ✓Don't overcook the fish before assembling the gratin, as it will cook further in the oven.
- ✓A pinch of nutmeg can be added to the sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
🔄 Variations
- Add a layer of sautéed leeks or spinach at the bottom of the gratin dish.
- Incorporate other seafood like shrimp or scallops along with the fish.