Dinner

Harissa Fish Pie with Sweet Potato Mash Recipe

ByEthan Lark November 2, 2025November 2, 2025

Introduction

Harissa fish pie is a flavorful twist on a classic comfort dish, combining spicy North African harissa with tender fish and creamy sweet potato topping. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner that brings warmth and a touch of exotic flair to your table.

A round white dish filled with a baked casserole shows two distinct layers: the top layer is a thick, textured, golden-brown crust with small charred spots, looking crispy and irregular with fork marks visible, while the bottom layer is creamy and pale yellow-orange with pieces of shrimp and green herbs mixed in, slightly spilling over the edges of the dish. The dish sits on a wooden board placed on a white marbled surface, next to a silver knife and a blank glass cup in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

700g sweet potatoes (3-4 small ones or 2 large ones)
3 tbsp rapeseed oil
Pinch of cumin
Pinch of smoked paprika
1 onion, finely chopped
1 red pepper, finely chopped
350ml semi-skimmed milk
350g fish pie mix (make sure it contains smoked haddock)
225g frozen king prawns, defrosted
2½ tbsp harissa paste
2 tbsp cornflour
30ml double cream
200g spinach, roughly chopped
Steamed green beans, to serve

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Prick the sweet potatoes with a fork and cook in the oven for 50 minutes to 1 hour until soft, or microwave on high for 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the skins and mash the flesh with 2 tablespoons of rapeseed oil, cumin, and smoked paprika. Keep warm.
Step 2: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Cook the chopped onions and red pepper for about 7 minutes until softened.
Step 3: Warm the milk in a separate pan over low-medium heat. Add the fish pie mix and prawns to the milk and cook for 4 minutes, until the prawns turn pink. Remove the fish and prawns from the milk, reserving the liquid.
Step 4: Stir the harissa paste into the cooked onions and peppers, cooking for 2 minutes. Sprinkle in the cornflour, stirring well, then gradually add the reserved milk while stirring continuously. Add the double cream and cook gently.
Step 5: Add the chopped spinach to the sauce and cook for 2 minutes until wilted. Carefully fold in the cooked fish and prawns, trying to keep the pieces intact.
Step 6: Pour the fish mixture into a 25 x 18cm ovenproof dish. Spoon the mashed sweet potato over the filling, spreading it from end to end and meeting in the center. Smooth the surface with a knife, then texture it with a fork to create ridges.
Step 7: Bake the pie in the oven for 20 minutes, then place under a hot grill for 10 minutes until the topping is golden and slightly crispy. Serve hot with steamed green beans.

Tips & Variations

Use full-fat milk or cream for a richer sauce if preferred.
Try adding diced courgettes or peas to the filling for extra veggies.
If you like it spicier, increase the harissa paste slightly or add a pinch of chili flakes.
Leftover fish can be swapped for cooked salmon or cod for convenience.

Storage

Store any leftover pie in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 160C until warmed through to maintain the crispy topping, or microwave on medium power but note the topping may soften.

How to Serve

A round baked dish sits on a wooden board with a white marbled surface underneath. The dish has two layers: the top layer is a golden-brown, slightly crispy mashed texture with some darker browned spots, while the bottom layer is creamy and pale with visible pieces of shrimp and green herbs mixed inside. The edge of the round white baking dish shows some orange sauce dripping down the sides. A silver knife rests on the right side of the board. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of fish in this pie?

Yes, you can substitute with white fish like cod, haddock, or salmon. Just make sure the fish flakes easily and cooks through when simmered in the sauce.

Is there a vegetarian alternative to this dish?

For a vegetarian version, replace the fish and prawns with cooked chickpeas or firm tofu. Increase the harissa slightly to maintain the bold flavor and add extra vegetables like mushrooms or spinach.