Cheese-smothered Haddock

Cheese-Smothered Haddock Recipe | USA | Margarine, Flour, Milk, American Cheese

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 5 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Cheese-smothered Haddock is a delicious and comforting dish that combines tender haddock fillets with a creamy and cheesy sauce. This recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion meal.

History

The origins of Cheese-smothered Haddock are not well-documented, but it is likely a variation of traditional fish and cheese dishes that have been enjoyed for centuries. The combination of flaky white fish and rich cheese sauce is a classic pairing that has stood the test of time.

Ingredients

2 tbsp of margarine
2 tbsp of flour
0.5 tsp of salt
pepper
1 cup of milk
2 cups of grated american cheese
2 lb (907 g) of fresh or frozen haddock fillets, thawed
1.5 cups of water

How to prepare

To make the cheese sauce, melt margarine in a saucepan.
Stir in flour, salt, and pepper, and heat until smooth and bubbly.
Gradually add milk, cooking and stirring until the sauce is smooth and thick.
Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese, stirring until completely melted.
Set the cheese sauce aside.
Place the haddock fillets in a metal bowl that will fit easily inside your cooker.
Pour the cheese sauce over the fillets.
Cover the bowl tightly with aluminum foil.
Pour water into the cooker and set the bowl on the rack in the cooker.
Lock the lid and bring it to full pressure.
Reduce the heat, maintaining pressure, and cook for 5 minutes.
Quick-release the pressure.
Serve immediately.

Variations

Substitute cheddar or Swiss cheese for the American cheese for a different flavor profile.
Add diced tomatoes or bell peppers to the cheese sauce for a pop of color and extra flavor.
Use a different type of white fish, such as cod or halibut, in place of the haddock.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to thaw the haddock fillets completely before cooking to ensure even cooking.

- Use a metal bowl that fits easily inside your pressure cooker to cook the haddock fillets in the cheese sauce.

- Quick-release the pressure after cooking to prevent the fish from overcooking.

- Serve the Cheese-smothered Haddock immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Cheese-smothered Haddock with steamed vegetables and a side of rice or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Pressure cooking is the preferred method for making Cheese-smothered Haddock, as it allows the fish to cook quickly and evenly in the creamy cheese sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use butter instead of margarine for a richer flavor.

- Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version of this recipe.

- Use low-fat milk or almond milk for a lighter sauce.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the cheese sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. Simply reheat the sauce before pouring it over the haddock fillets and cooking as directed.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Cheese-smothered Haddock with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for a pop of color and added freshness.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Cheese-smothered Haddock with a crisp white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, to complement the rich and creamy cheese sauce.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Cheese-smothered Haddock in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Cheese-smothered Haddock contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Cheese-smothered Haddock contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Cheese-smothered Haddock contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Cheese-smothered Haddock contains approximately 30 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Cheese-smothered Haddock is a good source of vitamin D, vitamin B12, and selenium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese) and fish (haddock) allergens.

Summary

Cheese-smothered Haddock is a nutritious and protein-rich dish that is also high in fat and calories. It is a good source of vitamins and minerals, but may not be suitable for those with dairy or fish allergies.

Summary

Cheese-smothered Haddock is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion meal. With its creamy cheese sauce and tender haddock fillets, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Cheese-smothered Haddock. It was a chilly autumn afternoon, and I had just finished helping my neighbor Mrs. Jenkins pick apples from her orchard. As a token of her appreciation, she invited me into her warm and cozy kitchen for a cup of tea.

As we sat at her kitchen table, sipping our tea and chatting about this and that, Mrs. Jenkins suddenly got up and went to her bookshelf. She pulled out a worn and weathered cookbook, its pages yellowed with age and its cover faded from years of use. She flipped through the pages until she found what she was looking for, and then she handed me the cookbook with a smile.

"Here, dear," she said. "You must try this recipe for Cheese-smothered Haddock. It's one of my favorites, and I think you'll enjoy it as well."

I eagerly took the cookbook from her hands and read through the recipe. It called for fresh haddock fillets, a creamy cheese sauce, and a sprinkle of breadcrumbs for added crunch. The instructions were clear and easy to follow, and I could practically taste the dish just by reading the ingredients list.

Mrs. Jenkins must have noticed the look of excitement on my face, because she chuckled and said, "I can see you're eager to give it a try. Why don't you take the recipe home with you and make it for your family? I'm sure they'll love it."

I thanked Mrs. Jenkins profusely and promised to return the cookbook to her once I had made the Cheese-smothered Haddock. I left her house that day with a spring in my step and a newfound sense of culinary adventure.

When I got home, I immediately set to work in the kitchen. I gathered all the ingredients I needed – fresh haddock fillets from the local fish market, a block of sharp cheddar cheese, heavy cream, butter, and breadcrumbs. I followed the recipe to the letter, carefully poaching the haddock in a creamy cheese sauce until it was tender and flaky, and then topping it with a generous sprinkle of golden breadcrumbs.

The smell of the Cheese-smothered Haddock baking in the oven was mouthwatering, and I couldn't wait to share this delicious dish with my family. When it was finally ready, I set the steaming hot platter on the table and watched as my husband and children dug in with gusto.

Their eyes lit up with delight as they took their first bites, and I knew that I had stumbled upon a truly special recipe. The haddock was perfectly cooked, the cheese sauce was rich and creamy, and the breadcrumbs added just the right amount of crunch. It was a dish that was sure to become a family favorite for years to come.

From that day on, Cheese-smothered Haddock became a regular feature on our dinner table. Whenever we had guests over, I would proudly serve up this delicious dish, always giving credit to Mrs. Jenkins for introducing me to the recipe. It became a symbol of friendship and culinary discovery, a reminder of the day that I first learned how to make something truly special.

As the years passed, I continued to add my own twist to the recipe, experimenting with different types of cheese, herbs, and seasonings. Each new variation was met with rave reviews from my family and friends, and I felt a sense of pride knowing that I had mastered a dish that had once seemed so daunting.

The recipe for Cheese-smothered Haddock holds a special place in my heart, not just because it is delicious, but because it represents the joy of discovery and the power of sharing food with loved ones. It is a reminder that the best recipes are not just a list of ingredients and instructions, but a story waiting to be told and savored. And for that, I will always be grateful to Mrs. Jenkins for opening my eyes to the wonders of Cheese-smothered Haddock.