Cod and Prawn Bake in Cheese Sauce

Cod and Prawn Bake in Cheese Sauce

Prep Time ~ 35 mins	Cooking Time ~ 25 mins
Approx Cost ~ £10	Difficulty ~ Easy
Freeze ~ Yes	Serves ~ 4

Tips ~ Make sure you allow the milk to infuse, as this will ensure a well flavoured sauce.

Ingredients

450ml / ¾ pint milk

¼ onion

6 peppercorns

Blade of mace

1 bay leaf

A few parsley stalks

50g / 2oz butter

450g / 1 lb cod fillets, skinned

50g / 2oz button mushrooms, sliced

125g / 4oz cooked peeled prawns

30g / 1 ½ oz plain flour

1 tablespoon lemon juice

125g / 4oz grated Cheddar cheese

Salt and pepper

Method

• Put the milk into a saucepan with the onion, peppercorns, mace, bay leaf and parsley stalks. Bring to the boil, and then remove from the heat and leave to infuse while preparing the remaining ingredients.
• Melt the butter in another saucepan and use a little to brush the inside of a 1.6 litre / 2 ¾ pint ovenproof pie dish. Cut the cod into finger size strips, place in the pie dish and scatter the mushrooms and prawns on top.
• Strain the milk through a sieve, then discard the contents of the sieve. Add the flour to the remaining butter in the saucepan, stirring to blend. Gradually stir in the strained milk to make a smooth sauce. Bring to the boil, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper and lemon juice and add two thirds of the grated cheese. Stir until melted.
• Pour the sauce over the fish, sprinkle with the remaining cheese, place on a baking sheet and cook in a preheated oven 180C, Gas 4 for 20 - 25 minutes until golden brown.
• Serve with vegetables or salad.