Roast Haddock with Saffron Cream & Confit Potatoes

A golden, melt-in-your-mouth seafood dish with French flair
If you’re craving something a little luxurious yet effortlessly elegant, this Roast Haddock in Butter and Saffron Cream is the showstopper you didn’t know you needed. Paired with tender, herb-scented confit potatoes, it’s a dish that feels straight from a fine dining bistro—but you can pull it off right at home!
Delicate haddock fillets are gently pan-roasted in butter until golden, then finished with a fragrant saffron cream sauce that’s as silky as it is flavorful. And those confit potatoes? Soft, aromatic, and absolutely divine with every bite.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Fish & Sauce:
- 4 haddock fillets (skin-on preferred for crispiness) 🐟
- 40g butter
- 200ml heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon saffron threads
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Fresh thyme, for garnish
For the Confit Potatoes:
- 500g baby potatoes
- 2 garlic cloves, smashed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 sprig fresh thyme
- Salt and black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Confit Potatoes
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F).
- In a baking dish, arrange the whole baby potatoes in a single layer.
- Tuck in the smashed garlic cloves and add the thyme sprig.
- Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss gently to coat.
- Cover with foil or a lid and roast for 40 minutes, or until fork-tender and lightly golden.
Step 2: Infuse the Saffron Cream
- In a small saucepan, heat the cream over low heat—do not boil.
- Add the saffron threads and let them steep gently for 5–10 minutes to release their golden color and aroma.
- Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Haddock
- In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Once sizzling, place the haddock fillets skin-side down and sear for 3 minutes, until crispy and golden.
- Carefully flip and cook the other side for 2 minutes.
- Pour in a few spoonfuls of the saffron cream to deglaze the pan. Let it reduce for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.
To Serve:
- Spoon the warm confit potatoes onto each plate.
- Top with a golden haddock fillet and drizzle generously with the saffron cream sauce.
- Garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme and a few cracks of black pepper.
Serving Tips & Variations:
- Add a handful of wilted spinach or sautéed leeks for a touch of green.
- Swap haddock for cod or halibut if desired—any firm white fish will do.
- For an extra elegant twist, serve with a chilled glass of Chardonnay or dry white Burgundy.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Calories: ~420 kcal per serving
This dish is all about balance—creamy yet light, rustic yet refined. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just treating yourself, Roast Haddock with Saffron Cream is the kind of meal that tastes like a little luxury on a plate. Bon appétit!