Torta Tal Lampuki Maltese Fish Pie Recipes

TORTA TAL-LAMPUKI (MALTESE FISH PIE)

Steps:

• Make shortcrust pastry - place flour, shortening and salt in the food processor. Pulse until the mixture is grainy and particles are the size of peas or less. With the processor running, slowly add enough water until the pastry comes together in a ball. You may not need all of the water. Remove from the bowl and divide in two discs. Refrigerate while you make the rest of the recipe.
• Season the fish with salt and pepper and dredge in flour. Heat the olive oil in large skillet. Pan fry the filets until brown but not overcooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
• Add the sliced onion and saute until tender, adding more olive oil if necessary. Add the tomato, spinach and cauliflower florets. Saute for 2 minutes more. Add salt and pepper to taste, add a cup of water and cover. Simmer until the cauliflower florets are fork tender. Add the olives.
• Roll out one of the pastry discs and line the bottom of a large pie pan with it. Place half of the vegetable mixture in the pie. Place the fish filets on top of the vegetables and cover them with the remaining half of the vegetables. Roll out the other pastry disc and place it on top of the fish and vegetables layers.
• Place on the middle rack of the oven, preheated to 350°F Bake for 30 min or until the crust is golden brown.

LAMPUKI PIE ( MAHI-MAHI)

Steps:

• Pasrty: process olive oil and flour until incorporated. Add the eggs and enough water ( about 2 tbsp) to make a dough. cover with plastic wrap and rest it for half an hour.
• Filling: fry the onions in the olive oil until soft and golden. Add teh olives, capers and herbs and cook for a minute longer, stir in the tomato sauce and well squeezed spinach.Set aside to cool.
• Dip the skinned and deboned fish in flour and fry the pieces until golden, set aside to cool.
• Roll out half the dough to line a greased 30cm pie dish. Take half of the raw potato slices and lay on the bottom, on top fut half of the spinach mixture. distribute the lampuki fillets on top of this. Put the remaining spinach mix then the remaining potatoes.
• Roll out the remaining dough and lay on top, sealing with 1 egg mixed with some water. Glaze the top with the remaining egg and decorate with any remaining dough.
• Bake 190C for 45 minutes.