Plokkfiskur

Name: Plokkfiskur
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Iceland
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs cod or haddock fillets; 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and chunked; 1 onion, diced; 3 tbsp butter; 3 tbsp flour; 2 cups milk; 1 cup grated cheese (optional topping); Rye bread, for serving; Salt and pepper to taste

4 servings15 min prep25 min cookEasy Iceland

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The Story Behind It

The Tale of Plokkfiskur

Story updated September 17, 2026

Plokkfiskur, a mash of fish, potato, and onion often finished with béchamel, developed as a practical Icelandic way to use leftover cooked fish. It remains a simple, everyday comfort dish in Icelandic homes.

Ingredients

Scale:· 4 servings

1.5 lbs cod or haddock fillets
2 lbs potatoes, peeled and chunked
1 onion, diced
3 tbsp butter
3 tbsp flour
2 cups milk
1 cup grated cheese (optional topping)
Rye bread, for serving
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1Boil potatoes until tender, then drain, reserving some cooking water.
2Poach the fish gently in salted water until just cooked, then flake, discarding skin and bones.
3Sauté onion in butter until soft, then stir in flour to make a roux.
4Gradually whisk in milk to form a smooth béchamel.
5Fold in the boiled potatoes and flaked fish, mashing some potatoes to thicken.
6Warm through, season well, and top with cheese if desired.
7Serve hot with buttered rye bread.

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