New England Fish Bake

Experience the flavors of fresh seafood that New England is famous for with this delightful New England Fish Bake recipe. Inspired by the coastal cuisine of Rhode Island, this dish captures the essence of the region’s seafood dishes. Passed down from a mother-in-law, this recipe has stood the test of time and has become a favorite of the submitter, Norma Desroches.

INGREDIENTS:

• 4 medium potatoes, peeled
• 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour
• 1 small onion, sliced into rings
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• ¾ cup milk, divided
• 1½ pounds cod fillets or freshwater fish (trout, catfish, or pike)
• 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley or 2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
• ¼ teaspoon paprika

PREPARATIONS:

1. Place the peeled potatoes in a saucepan and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender. Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly.
2. Slice the cooked potatoes into ⅛-inch thick rounds and place them in a greased shallow 2-quart baking dish. Sprinkle the potatoes with flour.
3. Top the potatoes with sliced onion rings and sprinkle them with salt and pepper. Pour half of the milk over the potatoes.
4. Place the cod fillets (or freshwater fish of your choice) on top of the potatoes and pour the remaining milk over the fish. If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
5. Cover the baking dish and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-30 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
6. Once baked, sprinkle the fish and potatoes with minced fresh parsley (or dried parsley flakes) and paprika.

YIELD: 3-4 servings

BAKING TIME: 20-30 minutes

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• Adjust the baking time depending on the thickness of the fish fillets to ensure they are fully cooked and flake easily.

TIPS:

• Serve the New England Fish Bake with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad to complete the meal.
• Experiment with different types of fish, such as trout, catfish, or pike, to personalize the dish to your taste.

New England Fish Bake offers a delightful taste of the coastal cuisine of Rhode Island. Passed down from a mother-in-law, this recipe has become a favorite of Norma Desroches, who has lived in Rhode Island for 36 years and appreciates the fresh seafood dishes served in the area.

To create this delicious dish, slice and layer cooked potatoes in a baking dish, sprinkle them with flour, and top them with sliced onion rings. Pour milk over the potatoes and place the cod fillets (or freshwater fish of your choice) on top. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese adds extra flavor if desired. After baking for 20-30 minutes, the fish will be flaky and tender.

Garnish the New England Fish Bake with minced fresh parsley (or dried parsley flakes) and paprika to add color and flavor to the dish. Serve it alongside steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Feel free to experiment with different types of fish, such as trout, catfish, or pike, to suit your preferences and explore new flavor profiles.

Transport yourself to the coastal flavors of New England with this delightful Fish Bake. Embrace the tradition of Rhode Island’s seafood dishes and savor the taste of fresh fish and tender potatoes. Share this meal with loved ones and create new memories around the table!