| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 40 mins – 45 mins | Difficulty: Intermediate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 498 | 31g | 18g | 20g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 6g | 2g | 37g | 1.2g |
Why I Love Norwegian Fish Gratin with Macaroni
I’ve always had a fondness for dishes that surprise and delight with every bite, dishes that draw on the bounty of the sea and the comforting embrace of pasta. That’s why I’ve fallen in love with an interesting, heartwarming dish: Fish Gratin with Macaroni. This Old World classic invites you to dig in, discover unfamiliar textures and savor a symphony of flavors. As a dedicated culinary explorer from the beautiful coast of Maine, I can attest to the wonder of this Norwegian specialty – a close cousin to our beloved seafood casseroles.
An Ode to Homely Comfort
If you’ve ever sampled the rich New England clam chowder or shared a buttery lobster roll at a seaside shack, you’d understand my affinity for hearty, welcoming dishes. Norwegian Fish Gratin with Macaroni resonates with a similar appeal, creating a comforting casserole that pays an exquisite tribute to high-quality seafood. There’s a certain magic when pasta, fish, and cheese unite under a blanket of crispy breadcrumbs. It’s a recipe that would resonate with my fellow seafood aficionados.
The Inspiration
There may not be a specific chef who inspired this recipe, but rather the entire culture of Norway and its love for seafood. The way they pay respect to their regional ingredients reminds me of our own reverence for seafood in Maine. Norwegian cuisine1 does not shy away from celebrating its bountiful seafood – much like how we in coastal Maine enjoy our lobsters and clams. This shared love for the sea’s offering is what led me to explore and ultimately fall for this delectable dish.
Perfect Pairings
This Fish Gratin with Macaroni makes a soul-satisfying main course on any day of the year. While it’s wholesome and fulfilling by itself, imagine enjoying it alongside a crisp, green salad or roasted root veggies. As for beverage pairings? The creamy texture and delicate flavors marry perfectly with a glass of Riesling or a light Pinot Noir. Similar to the way we love pairing our clam chowder with a refreshing lager.
So whether it’s a lavish dinner party or a cozy family supper, this Fish Gratin with Macaroni will surely find its way into your heart – like it did mines. This dish is not just a meal, it’s a journey to the Norwegian coast, a celebration of seafood, and a testament to simplicity’s charm.
What You’ll Need
- 1.5 pounds white fish fillet
- 6.5 cups water
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 cups macaroni
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg
- 1.5 cups grated Jarlsberg or Swiss cheese
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
Method
Step One
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large pot, bring 6.5 cups of water to a boil along with 2 teaspoons of salt. Once boiling, add 2 cups of macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. When done, drain and set aside.
Step Two
In a separate large skillet over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Add the finely chopped onion, and sauté it until it is translucent and lightly golden. Sprinkle in the 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and stir well until the flour and butter are well combined, this should be about 2 minutes.
Step Three
Gradually add 2 cups of whole milk and 1 cup of heavy cream into the onion and flour mixture while whisking constantly. The sauce should begin to thicken. Once thickened, lower the heat and add in a 1/4 teaspoon each of ground black pepper and grated nutmeg. Stir well to combine.
Step Four
Add the cooked and drained macaroni to the cream sauce, followed by a 1.5 pounds of white fish fillets (cut into bite-sized pieces if necessary). Stir well until the fish and macaroni are well coated in the sauce.
Step Five
Pour the seafood pasta mixture into a greased gratin dish. Sprinkle the top evenly with 1.5 cups of grated Jarlsberg or Swiss cheese followed by 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs.
Step Six
Place the gratin dish in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. Let the fish gratin cool for a few minutes before serving, and enjoy!
