Hake with Creamy Spinach Spaghetti

Cook the spaghetti in a pan of boiling water with a pinch of salt for 10-12 minutes or according to packet instructions.

Heat half of the oil in a separate medium-sized saucepan over a medium heat. Peel the garlic and use a garlic crusher or grate on the fine side of a box grater. Add to the pan and cook for 10 seconds making sure that it does not brown too much. Then immediately start adding the spinach in fistfuls, stirring it down with a wooden spoon as it wilts until you have managed to get it all into the pan. Season with a little salt and plenty of freshly ground black pepper.

Once all the spinach is wilted, carefully drain off any excess liquid using a lid into the sink and then return quickly to the heat. Stir in the cream and milk and reduce the heat to low. Simmer gently for 1-2 minutes until thickened, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon.

Heat a large non-stick frying pan over a medium heat. Season the hake fillets lightly with salt, if using and add plenty of freshly ground black pepper. Add half the oil to the pan and swirl it around then add the fish fillets, presentation side down and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and a nice crust has formed. Leave it alone and don’t be tempted to keep turning it or this lovely caramelisation will not happen.

Using a fish slice, turn the fillets over and cook for another 3-4 minutes until cooked through and tender. To test the hake is cooked, make a small cut with a small sharp knife to see if the flesh has turned from translucent to opaque.

Drain the spaghetti in a colander in the sink. Divide the spaghetti among wide rimmed bowls, then spoon over the creamy spinach and using a fish slice put the hake on top .

Prepare Ahead

The creamy spinach can be made in advance and kept in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge and of course hake can be very successfully frozen for up to 1 month in suitable freezer bags.