Introduction: Fish and Chip Canapes

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So i have been trying to make up some new canapes. where as I don't have a 100% success record with creating new dishes I would argue that this is definitely a success story. Fish & Chips in The United Kingdom has always been a favorite of mine, but I can't help but think that it gets bogged down with the excessive quantity that your are expect to consume. The whole thing can make you feel stodge heavy and slow, that can really subtract from the wonderful light and fresh flavours that come out of fish and chips with mushy peas if only you were to eat it in smaller quantities .... Like for example these wonderful canapes, as always they are sure to delight and wow all that you serve them to.

If like me and you were aware of mushy peas whilst growing up, or are from another part of the world where they are far less common then its possible that you have already been put off this green paste and maybe might want to skip this part of the recipe entirely. For you I say that I have tried to reinvent them and the mushy peas of this recipe have far more in common with traditional french mashed potato then mushy peas. When cooked correctly they will take on a beautiful velvet like texture with buttery rich undertones complemented by the freshness of the mint. That are essential for the whole fish and chips formula.

Remember the 4 Canape attributes:

  • Salty
  • Small
  • Circular
  • 4 parts

Still interested ?

Step 1: Buttered Potato Cookies/Biscuits

Potato Biscuits:

2 large potatoes

50g butter

25g flour

salt pepper

Gas mark 5 375F 190C 20 mins

This recipe can be split in to 4 parts

  • Boil the potatoes
  • mash the potatoes
  • shape the mixture
  • cook the potato Cookies/Biscuits

Step one Boil the Potatoes

Place your potatoes in a cold pan of water big enough to accommodate them, add salt pepper and oil then bring to the boil, turn the heat down to a simmer and then allow to cook for 20 minutes.

Step two Mash the Potatoes

Drain your potatoes and transfer them to a blender, then add more salt and pepper as well as your butter and your flour.

Step three Shape the mixture.

Remove your dough from the blender and shape between 15 - 20 small balls. then slightly flatten them.

Step four Cook the Potato Cookies/Biscuits

On to a well oiled tray place your small potato disks with enough space to expand whist cooking. now place them in the oven at Gas mark 5 375F 190C for around 20 minutes, or until most of the moisture has left them.

Step 2: Mushy Peas

Mushy peas:

200g frozen peas

50g butter

a couple sprigs on mint (extra for garnish)

I could split this recipe in to two steps because its so simple but because i always do Four steps it would seem wrong with that noted these are the Four steps

  • Heat the butter
  • Add the frozen peas
  • Add the mint
  • Blend

Step one Heat the butter.

in a pan large enough to accommodate all other items add the butter and allow to melt

Step two Add the frozen peas

Next add the frozen peas and allow to warm up with the butter

Step three Add the mint

Now add the mint and allow them all to cook together for a few minutes

Step four Blend

either with a stick blender or by transferring it all to the blender, blend until it is a thick paste in consistency

Step 3: Battered Fish

Battered Fish:

2 White Fish (cut in to inch long diamonds)

FLour 50g

Curry powder (enough to colour the batter)

Sparkling water 50ml (use any drink that is fizzy its to help create a light and fluffy batter)

salt pepper

Four steps

  • Mix batter
  • Batter fish
  • Cook fish
  • Plate up

Step one Mix the batter

In a small bowl mix the flour, curry powder, salt and pepper with the sparking water. then mix until it is lump free

Step two batter the fish

In another small bowl pour more flour, now place the un-battered fish first in the bowl of flour and cover both sides ( this is to help the batter stick to the fish). next place the floured fish in the batter then allow excess to drip back in to the bowl.

Step three cook the fish

Pour about a 1cm worth of oil in to a pan ( enough to shallow fry) and wait to heat up. once heated up (check by dropping batter in the hot oil if its hisses it is hot enough) place the fish in the oil and allow to cook for 4-5 minutes on each side.

Step 4 Plate up

on a serving board place down first your potato cookies/biscuits in neat rows, followed by you pea puree (mushy peas) then carefully place down your battered fish on top. Finally top with mint leaf tips and salt and pepper.

Thank you for reading , if you have any comments or queries please contact me and I will try to answer them as soon as possible.