
Recipe
Starry Night Pie
Celestial Delight: Stargazy Pie
4.5 out of 5
Indulge in the rich flavors of British cuisine with this iconic Stargazy Pie. A true feast for the senses, this dish combines flaky pastry, succulent fish, and a whimsical presentation that will transport you to the shores of Cornwall.
Metadata
Preparation time
30 minutes
Cooking time
30 minutes
Total time
60 minutes
Yields
4 servings
Preparation difficulty
Medium
Suitable for
Pescatarian, Dairy-free (substitute butter and cream with plant-based alternatives), Nut-free, Low sugar, Low carb (omit or reduce pastry)
Allergens
Fish, Dairy (can be substituted with plant-based alternatives)
Not suitable for
Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free (unless using gluten-free puff pastry)
Ingredients
-
500g (1.1 lb) mixed fish fillets (cod, haddock, salmon) 500g (1.1 lb) mixed fish fillets (cod, haddock, salmon)
-
2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons butter
-
1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
-
2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
-
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
-
250ml (1 cup) fish stock 250ml (1 cup) fish stock
-
125ml (1/2 cup) white wine 125ml (1/2 cup) white wine
-
125ml (1/2 cup) heavy cream 125ml (1/2 cup) heavy cream
-
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
-
Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
-
500g (1.1 lb) puff pastry 500g (1.1 lb) puff pastry
-
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Nutrition
- Calories: 450 kcal / 1880 KJ
- Fat: 25g (Saturated Fat: 12g)
- Carbohydrates: 30g (Sugar: 2g)
- Protein: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Salt: 1.5g
Preparation
-
1.Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
-
2.In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.
-
3.Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste.
-
4.Gradually pour in the fish stock and white wine, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
-
5.Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes until thickened.
-
6.Stir in the heavy cream and fresh parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
-
7.Add the mixed fish fillets to the sauce, gently folding them in to coat evenly. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the fish is just cooked through.
-
8.Transfer the fish and sauce mixture to a deep pie dish.
-
9.Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to fit the size of the pie dish. Cut a small hole in the center for the fish heads to peek through.
-
10.Place the pastry over the pie dish, ensuring the fish heads are visible through the hole. Press the edges of the pastry to seal.
-
11.Brush the pastry with the beaten egg wash for a golden finish.
-
12.Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden.
-
13.Serve the Stargazy Pie hot, allowing the fish heads to be visible, and enjoy!
Treat your ingredients with care...
- Fish — Ensure the fish fillets are fresh and of high quality. Remove any skin or bones before adding them to the sauce.
- Puff pastry — For a flakier crust, make sure the puff pastry is chilled before rolling it out. Handle it gently to prevent overworking the dough.
Tips & Tricks
- To enhance the flavor, add a splash of lemon juice to the sauce before adding the fish.
- For a more vibrant presentation, garnish the pie with fresh dill or chives before serving.
- If you prefer a lighter version, you can use filo pastry instead of puff pastry.
- Experiment with different types of fish to create your own unique flavor combination.
- Serve the Stargazy Pie with a side of buttered new potatoes and steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Serving advice
Serve the Stargazy Pie as the centerpiece of your meal, allowing the fish heads to be visible. Accompany it with a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the pie.
Presentation advice
To create a stunning presentation, place the Stargazy Pie in the center of a large serving platter. Surround it with edible flowers and garnish the fish heads with a sprinkle of edible gold flakes for a touch of elegance.
More recipes...
More British cuisine dishes » Browse all

Queen of Puddings
Queen of Puddings is a classic British dessert that is sweet, creamy, and delicious. It is made with a layer of jam, a custard filling, and a...

Steak and Kidney Pudding
Steak and Kidney Pudding is a traditional British dish that consists of diced beef steak and beef kidney enclosed in a suet pastry. It is a hearty...

Sunday Roast
Sunday Roast is a traditional British dish that is typically served on Sundays. It is a hearty and flavorful dish that is sure to satisfy any appetite.