Smoked Haddock Cheddar Fishcakes With Watercress Sauce Recipes

Steps:

• Cook the potatoes in lightly salted boiling water for 15-20 minutes or until tender. Meanwhile, put the smoked haddock in a large shallow microwaveproof dish and pour over the milk. Cover with cling film, pierce a few times, then microwave on High for 4 minutes or until the fish flakes easily. (Alternatively, simmer in a pan on the hob for 5 minutes.)
• While the fish cooks, heat 1 tbsp of the oil in a frying pan and fry the onion, ginger and paprika for about 5 minutes until the onion is soft. Remove from the heat.
• When the potatoes and fish are ready, drain them both. Mash the potatoes with a potato masher, and remove the skin and any bones from the fish. Mix the potatoes, fish and onion with the coriander, lemon juice and plenty of salt and pepper. Divide the mixture into eight, roll each portion into a ball and flatten slightly. Dip into the beaten egg, then coat with the oats. Put on a plate, cover with cling film and chill in the fridge for half an hour or so to firm them up a bit.
• Heat 2 tbsp oil in a frying pan (preferably non-stick if you have one) until very hot. Fry 4 fish cakes at a time for 5-6 minutes on each side, turning once, until they are golden and crisp. Lift out and drain on kitchen paper. Wipe the pan clean with kitchen paper and fry the remaining fish cakes in another 2 tbsp oil, making sure it's really hot before you put them in. Serve hot, with lemon wedges and a cucumber and yogurt dip (bought or home-made).

Steps:

• Place haddock fillets in a large wide pot. Cover with 5 cups cold water. Place pot over medium-high heat and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until fish is just cooked, about 5 minutes. Transfer fish to a plate; let cool. Discard skin and any scales; flake fish into large pieces. Set a strainer over a medium bowl; strain poaching liquid and reserve.
• [To substitute smoked whitefish for haddock: Discard bones and skin from 1 1/2 pounds smoked whitefish. Put fish, 2 thick-cut slices smoked bacon (about 2 ounces), and 4 cups water in a large wide pot. Bring to a simmer over medium heat; remove fish with a slotted spoon after 5 minutes. Continue simmering liquid (with bacon) until reduced to 2 cups, about 10 minutes. Strain liquid; discard solids. Add 3 cups water; set aside.]
• Melt butter in a large heavy pot over medium-low heat. Add leek and celery and cook over medium-low heat, stirring often, until soft and translucent, about 15 minutes. Stir in dry mustard, then reserved poaching liquid, potatoes, and thyme sprigs. Increase heat to medium-high and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 12 minutes.
• With a slotted spoon, remove half of the cooked potatoes and place in a small bowl. Finely mash potatoes with a fork; return to chowder to thicken. Remove chowder from heat and stir in reserved fish, cream, and chives. Serve in warmed bowls with Common Crackers .

Steps:

• Boil the potatoes for 15 minutes until just tender. At the same time, put the smoked haddock in a deep frying pan, cover with boiling water and simmer for 2 minutes. Turn off the heat and leave to stand for 5 minutes. When the potatoes are done, drain them well and mash.
• Lift the fish from the water. When it's cool enough to touch, remove the skin and bones, then break the fish into medium-sized flakes.
• Put all the ingredients, except the flour and oil, in a large bowl. Season and mix well. The mixture should be quite light and may be a little sticky. Sprinkle the flour on a plate, divide the mixture into four and shape the fish cakes, coating them lightly with the flour. Put on a plate, cover with cling film and chill in the fridge for 20 minutes or until needed. (You can make them to this stage up to 24 hours ahead, or freeze them for up to a month.)
• To cook, heat the oil in a large heavy-bottomed frying pan, then put in the fish cakes, spacing them well apart. Fry for 5-6 minutes, then turn and cook the other side for about 4-5 minutes. (If you've frozen them, fry from frozen for up to 10 minutes longer.)