Melt-in-the-middle fishcakes

Method

1. For the fishcakes, put the potatoes in a large saucepan and cover with cold water, then bring to the boil and simmer for 15-20 minutes until tender. Drain and tip into a large mixing bowl, mash well and set aside. Meanwhile, put the smoked haddock in a separate saucepan and cover with the milk. Bring just to the boil, then turn off the heat and strain the milk into a jug. Add the fish to the bowl of mashed potato and leave to cool.
2. Meanwhile, put all the rarebit ingredients, including the Worcestershire sauce, in a mini food processor and whizz to bring together into a smooth thick paste. Scrape the mixture into a bowl and chill, covered, until needed.
3. Once the mash and haddock have both cooled, add the capers, parsley, lemon zest and egg yolks. Season (remember the haddock will be salty), then stir everything together. Shape into 6 even-size patties, cover and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (see Make Ahead).
Recipe continues after advertising
Advertisement
4. Once chilled, make an indent in the centre of each fish cake, then add a generous teaspoon of the rarebit mix to each. Gently shape the fishcake around the rarebit filling, forming it back into a patty, then return to the fridge for a further hour or until you’re ready to fry (see Make Ahead).
5. Heat the oven to 220C/200C fan/gas7. Spread some breadcrumbs on a large plate or board, then take a chilled fishcake and coat in the crumbs, pressing with your hands to help coat it evenly. Repeat with the remaining fishcakes and breadcrumbs.
6. Heat 2-3 tbsp oil in a non-stick frying pan and cook 3 fishcakes at a time for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden, taking care not to let them colour too much. Transfer the fishcakes to a non-stick baking sheet and finish cooking in the oven for 10-12 minutes or until they’re hot throughout and the middle is oozing. Serve with chips and salad, if you like.