Delia Smith Cod Mornay Recipe

This creamy Cod Mornay is a comforting fish supper as well as being surprisingly elegant! Poaching the cod gently in milk keeps the flakes go tender and moist, which along with the rich cheddar cheese sauce adds a velvety depth to this dish that is so delicious with mashed potatoes.

Delia Smith Cod Mornay Recipe Ingredients

• pThe Fish:
  • 700g (1 lb 9 oz) cod fillet (skinned)
  • 600ml (1 pint) milk
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 slice onion
  • 6 black peppercorns
• The Mornay Sauce:
  • 50g (2 oz) butter
  • 40g (1 1/2 oz) plain flour
  • The poaching milk (strained)
  • 110g (4 oz) mature Cheddar cheese, grated
  • 25g (1 oz) Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1/2 tsp mustard powder (or Dijon mustard)
  • Salt and cayenne pepper
• The Topping:
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 25g (1 oz) extra grated Parmesan (for sprinkling)

How To Make Delia Smith Cod Mornay Recipe

1. Poach the fish: Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan/350°F/Gas 4). Place the cod fillets in a large frying pan or shallow saucepan. Pour over the milk and add the bay leaf, onion slice, and peppercorns. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and poach for about 8-10 minutes until the fish is just flaky.
2. Strain and flake: Carefully lift the fish out of the milk and place it into a shallow ovenproof baking dish. Break the fish into large, chunky flakes. Strain the poaching milk into a jug and discard the aromatics (onion/bay leaf).
3. Make the roux: Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to make a smooth paste (roux).
4. Make the sauce: Gradually whisk in the warm strained poaching milk, a little at a time, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened and smooth.
5. Cheese it up: Remove the sauce from the heat. Stir in the grated Cheddar, Parmesan, and mustard. Season with salt and a pinch of cayenne pepper. The cheese should melt into the hot sauce instantly.
6. Coat and bake: Pour the rich cheese sauce over the flaked cod in the baking dish, ensuring it is completely covered. Sprinkle the extra Parmesan over the top.
7. Bake: Place in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the top is bubbling and golden brown.
8. Serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Recipe Tips!

• Poaching Gentle: Don’t boil the fish rapidly! A gentle simmer prevents the cod from becoming tough and dry. The milk absorbs the fish flavor, which then goes straight back into your sauce.
• Cheese Strength: Use a strong, mature Cheddar. Since the base is white sauce and white fish, you need a punchy cheese to cut through the creaminess.
• Make Ahead: You can assemble the entire dish (poached fish + sauce) in the morning and keep it in the fridge. Just add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
• Cayenne Kick: The pinch of cayenne pepper is classic in a Mornay sauce. It doesn’t make it spicy, but it highlights the cheese flavor much better than black pepper does.

What To Serve With Delia Smith Cod Mornay Recipe?

This Delia Smith Cod Mornay Recipe is a rich, saucy main that demands a vehicle for the cheese! A ring of buttery Mashed Potatoes piped around the edge (or served on the side) is the traditional British way to eat it. For a burst of color and iron, serve it on a bed of wilted Spinach or with steamed Broccoli florets! A crisp glass of white wine like Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the heavy cheese sauce beautifully.

How To Store Delia Smith Cod Mornay Recipe

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The sauce will set firm in the fridge.
• Reheat: Reheat gently in the microwave or cover with foil and warm in a 180°C oven for 20 minutes.
• Freeze: Freezing is possible but not ideal, as the white sauce can separate slightly. If you do freeze it, defrost fully in the fridge before baking.

Delia Smith Cod Mornay Recipe Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Fat: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Protein: 40g

Nutrition information is estimated per serving.

FAQs

Try More Recipes:

• Delia Smith​ Chicken Paprika Recipe
• Delia Smith Chicken Liver Pate​ Recipe
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