For the fish, you will need four fresh plaice fillets, about 120 grams each. Lay them out on a work surface and season with salt and pepper. In a pan, melt 25 grams of butter and add a finely chopped shallot. Cook until softened, then add 150 grams of chopped mushrooms and 100 grams of chopped spinach. Cook until the vegetables are tender and any excess liquid has been evaporated.
Divide the mixture between the plaice fillets, spreading it out evenly. Carefully roll up each fillet, securing with a toothpick if necessary. Place the rolls in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 15-20 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through.
Meanwhile, make the duchess potatoes. Peel and roughly chop 700 grams of potatoes and boil in salted water until tender. Drain and mash thoroughly with 50 grams of butter and 50 ml of milk. Add two egg yolks and mix well.
Spoon the mashed potato mixture into a piping bag fitted with a star nozzle. Pipe swirls of potato onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush with beaten egg, then bake in the oven at 200°C for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
To serve, place the rolled plaice on a plate and carefully remove the toothpicks. Arrange the duchess potatoes alongside, garnishing with sprigs of fresh parsley. If desired, you can serve with a simple butter sauce made by melting 50 grams of butter in a pan and whisking in the juice of half a lemon.
This dish is perfect for a dinner party or special occasion, as it looks impressive but is actually quite simple to prepare. The combination of tender fish, earthy mushrooms, and vibrant spinach is sure to please even the most discerning palates, while the creamy duchess potatoes add a touch of luxury. The elegant presentation is sure to make your guests feel pampered and will leave a lasting impression.
If you want to take this dish to the next level, you can experiment with different fillings for the plaice. Try using prawns or crabmeat instead of mushrooms, or add some grated Parmesan cheese to the spinach mixture for extra flavor. You can also vary the shape of the duchess potatoes, piping them into rosettes or swirls instead of traditional peaks.
In conclusion, rolled plaice with duchess potatoes is a classic French dish that is easy to prepare and sure to impress. With tender fillets of fish rolled around a flavorful filling and served alongside creamy potatoes, this dish has everything you need for a show-stopping meal. Whether you’re cooking for friends or family, this dish is sure to be a hit and will leave everyone feeling satisfied and indulged.