Deckhand Pie

This seafood spin on a traditional shepherd’s pie is a golden bubbling showstopper on your table. Kale, salmon, potato, and celery root make this a nutrient-dense dish everyone will love. Try it with any cooked wild Alaska seafood species- halibut, cod, rockfish, salmon, or crab would all be delicious!

 

Serves four to six people. 

 

INGREDIENTS

Potato Topping:

  • 1 pound Yukon gold potatoes
  • ½ pound celery root
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • ¼ cup crème fraiche
  • salt
  • milk
  • ½ cup grated gruyere cheese

Smoked Salmon Filling:

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 1 yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 parsnip, peeled and chopped
  • 1 carrot, peeled and chopped
  • 1 cup kale, chopped
  • salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1 cup seafood stock
  • ½ cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons crème fraiche
  • 6 ounces smoked Alaska sockeye salmon, flaked
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly grated whole nutmeg
  • salt

Garnish:

  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped

DIRECTIONS

Step 1: Prepare potato topping
Place a large pot of water over high heat. Add a generous amount of salt to the water. Peel and chop the potatoes and celery root. When the water comes to a boil, add the potatoes and celery root to the pot. Boil until very tender. Drain. Transfer to the bowl of a stand mixer with the whip attachment. Add butter and crème fraiche to the mixing bowl. Whip on medium low speed until smooth and creamy. Add milk one tablespoon at a time until you achieve a spreadable consistency. Season with salt to taste.


Step 2: Cook filling
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Place a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and oil. When the butter is melted, add the onions, parsnip, carrot, and kale. Season modestly with salt and pepper (the smoked salmon will add a fair amount of salt later on). When the vegetables are becoming tender, stir in the flour. Cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes. Deglaze the pan with seafood stock and milk, stirring constantly. The mixture will begin to thicken. Gently fold in the crème fraiche, smoked salmon, and fresh nutmeg. Check for seasoning and add additional salt to taste, if needed. Remove from heat.


Step 3: Assemble pie and bake
Take the potato mixture and dollop it atop the salmon mixture. Using an offset spatula, gently spread the potato mixture to the edges to cover. Sprinkle with grated gruyere cheese. Pop the pie into the oven for 18-20 minutes. Turn the broiler to high and brown the topping for another 3-4 minutes, until bubbling and golden. Sprinkle with fresh chives. Allow the pie to rest for 10 minutes before spooning into bowls and serving.