Mini Rice And Fish Pies

Recipe courtesy of the USA Rice Federation

Comfort food can be both elegant and hearty as experienced in these divine, flaky, home-made fish pies, befitting any occasion. Using store-bought pastry is a great shortcut that makes this an easy recipe for any skill level. The combination of long grain rice, white fish and Swiss cheese, with a hint of white wine, is divine. Serve these mini pies as an appetizer or as an eye-catching side dish to a creative everyday meal.

Makes four 1 cup portions or eight 1/2 cup portions

Ingredients:

2 tbsp (30 mL) butter
1 tbsp (15 mL) olive oil
1 thinly sliced leek, white part only
1 tbsp (15 mL) minced garlic
1/4 cup (60 mL) flour
1 tsp (5 mL) pepper
1/2 cup (125 mL) dry white wine
1 bottle, 8 oz (236 mL) clam juice
1 cup + 2 tbsp milk
(250 mL + 30 mL)
1/3 cup (75 mL) grated swiss cheese
10 oz (300 g) haddock, cubed
3.5 oz (100 g) smoked trout, flaked (or plain trout)
1 cup (250 mL) chopped watercress
2 cups (500 mL) cooked U.S. long grain white rice
14 oz (397 g) puff pastry

Directions:

Heat butter and oil in a large deep skillet over high heat. Sauté leek and garlic until softened. Add flour and pepper, cooking for 1-2 minutes; while stirring, add wine and clam juice a little at a time creating a thick sauce with the flour. Stir in milk and Swiss cheese; bring to a simmer and add haddock, simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and fold in smoked trout, watercress and rice. Spoon filling into 4 individual sized baking dishes.

Roll pastry to 1/4 inch (5 mm) thickness, cut pastry 1 inch (2.5 cm) larger in diameter than baking dish size. Drape pastry over dishes and brush lightly with remaining milk. Arrange dishes on a baking sheet and bake on centre rack of preheated 425°F (220°C) oven for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

Visit the USA Rice Federation for more delicious recipes!