Coquilles

📜 Collection: Gail Collection | ✍️ Attribution: Unknown | 📂 Category: Entrees A classic French-inspired seafood dish featuring tender scallops and haddock poached in wine or milk, bound in a rich cheese sauce, and bordered with piped mashed potatoes.


Prep TimeCook TimeInactive / Chill TimeYield / Servings
20 mins15 minsNone4–6 servings

🔪 Key Equipment

  • Saucepan
  • Separate pan
  • Scallop shells or individual ovenproof dishes
  • Piping bag

Ingredients

MeasurementsIngredientsPrep / Notes
1/4 PoundScallopsDice and sliced
1/4 PoundHaddock (fresh or frozen, no skin)Cut into small pieces, skin and bone removed
2/3 CupMilk or Dry White WineFor poaching fish
1/2Onion, ChoppedChopped
4 SprigsParsley, ChoppedChopped
4 TablespoonsButterDivided
6 TablespoonsFlourNone
2 CupsMilkFor the sauce
1/2 CupGrated Monterey Jack CheeseGrated
To tasteSalt & Pepper to tasteNone
As neededMashed PotatoesFor serving

Instructions

Step 1: Poach the Fish

  1. Dice and slice the 1/4 pound scallops. Cut the 1/4 pound haddock (fresh or frozen, no skin) into small pieces and remove any skin and bone.
  2. Place the fish in a pan with the 2/3 cup milk or dry white wine, 1/2 onion, chopped, and 4 sprigs parsley, chopped.
  3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes until the fish is cooked through.
  4. Drain the fish, reserving the cooking liquid on one side.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

  1. In a separate pan, melt the 4 tablespoons butter. Add the 6 tablespoons flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  2. Gradually stir in the reserved fish cooking liquid to the butter and flour mixture. Bring to a boil, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon. If more liquid is needed for the sauce, use part of the 2 cups milk.

Step 3: Assemble and Serve

  1. Add the 1/2 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese, the cooked scallops, and haddock to the sauce. Season well with salt & pepper to taste.
  2. Divide the fish and sauce mixture between 4-6 scallop shells or individual ovenproof dishes.
  3. Pipe the mashed potatoes in a border around the edge of each dish until picturesque and golden brown when baked.

💡 Make-Ahead & Storage: Assemble the filled shells ahead of time and store covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.


Original Recipe Scan

Original Handwritten Card