Plokkfiskur from Iceland

My DH was excited when I found this recipe in *Cool Cuisine* (Traditional Icelandic Cuisine) by Nanna Rognvaldardottir. The English translation of *Plokkfiskur* is *Mashed Fish* but I found that title more than a little off-putting for something that is so favored here & opted to use the Icelandic word. Per the intro, "In early times when Icelandic housewives served poached haddock (or other white fish) w/boiled potatoes several times a wk, there were usually leftovers & they were typically incorporated into this simple & very popular dish. Today people buy fresh fish just to make this dish & it is even sought after & found in upscale restaurants." (Times have been estimated, but this recipe begins w/the fish & potatoes already cooked so that time is not reflected) *Enjoy* ! - *Edited to Add* on 10/3: When visiting w/an Icelandic friend tonite Re this recipe, she said this dish is also popular in a gratin form that adds cheese (usually Gouda) to the mix, tops it w/extra cheese & then finishes it in the oven to heat thru & melt the cheese. *Yum* !

• Ready In: 25 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 560  g  haddock (cooked, 1 1/4 lbs) or 560  g cod (cooked, 1 1/4 lbs)
• 560  g potatoes (boiled & peeled, 1 1/4 lbs)
• 1  white onion (chopped finely)
• 350  ml milk (12 oz)
• 55  g butter (2 oz)
• 3  tablespoons flour
•  salt and pepper
• 2  tablespoons chives (freshly snipped to add color, flavor & garnish)

Directions

1. Skin, bone & break up the fish into flakes.
2. Roughly chop potatoes & finely chop onion.
3. Slowly heat milk in a saucepan almost to a boiling point.
4. In a med to lrg sized non-stick saucepan (while the milk is heating), melt butter & saute onion over med-heat till soft. Do not allow it to brown.
5. Sprinkle flour over onion, stir well & cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually add warmed milk, stirring continuously. Simmer for 3-4 min, stirring often.
6. Add flaked fish & stir briskly to break up the fish flakes completely. Season liberally w/salt & pepper.
7. Add potatoes & stir gently. Cook over low-heat till heated through.
8. Spoon into 4 bowls & sprinkle ea serving with 1/2 tbsp chives. Serve hot w/dark rye bread & butter.
9. UPDATE: I have made this recipe now & it actually comes together faster than the time stated, esp w/the fish & potatoes cooked well-ahead & just heated in the cream sauce. Pls take *SEASON LIBERALLY* to heart. I used McCormick Lemon Pepper & Seasoning Salt liberally in the prep, we added more at the table & it was perfect w/this!