Younger You Beef Chili with Smoky Chipotle
Did you know that eating fish on Christmas Eve is a long-standing tradition in many parts of the world? Rooted in religious customs, especially the practice of abstaining from meat and rich foods before major celebrations, this ritual has evolved into diverse expressions, from Italy’s humble Vigilia to the Italian American community’s lavish Feast of the Seven Fishes.
Although meat is no longer strictly avoided today, fish still plays a starring role in many Christmas Eve dinners. In Northern Spain, the Nochebuena table often features crema de mariscos (a rich seafood soup); in Poland, Christmas Eve Carp or Ryba Wigilijna is customary; and across Latin America, bacalao (salted cod) frequently appears on festive menus.
Beyond offering a refreshing contrast to heavier holiday dishes, seafood is packed with longevity-supportive nutrients. In Younger You™, we call salmon and other seafood “DNA methylation superfoods.” Not only are fish excellent sources of the methyl donor B12 (salmon alone provides an impressive 236% of the recommended daily intake), they also deliver other key methylation-supportive nutrients such as choline, zinc, magnesium, and potassium, along with selenium, biotin, niacin, iodine, and phosphorus.
Mercury exposure and microplastics making you hesitant to increase fish intake despite the health benefits? Use our Safe Seafood Guide to pick the cleanest fish sources.
Eggs are another “secret” ingredient that contribute tremendous flavor and nutrition. Also considered a DNA methylation superfood, the humble egg provides essential choline (a vital methyl donor), as well as B vitamins, vitamins A and D, and cysteine. Adding hard-boiled eggs to a fish pie may sound unusual, but they lend a wonderfully creamy texture, so don’t skip them!
Get more longevity-boosting, methylation-supportive festive recipes in our curated Holiday Recipe Collection here.
With nutrient-rich vegetables, herbs, and healthy fats rounding out the dish, this Festive Fish Pie is not only delicious but deeply nourishing. It’s the perfect addition to your Christmas Eve menu.
Adapted from Phoebe Lapine, chef, speaker, and author of award-winning blog Feed Me Phoebe.
| Festive Fish Pie: A Longevity-Boosting Holiday Recipe |
Festive Fish Pie: A Longevity-Boosting Holiday Recipe
| Servings | Prep Time | Cook Time |
| 4people | 15 | 30 |
| Servings | Prep Time |
| 4people | 15 |
| Cook Time |
| 30 |
Ingredients
- 2 lbs sweet potatoes peeled and cut into 2-inch cubes
- Sea salt coarse for boiling potatoes and finely ground for seasoning to taste
- 2 large eggs free range, organic if possible
- 4 tbsp olive oil plus some for drizzling
- 3 stalks Celery chopped
- 1 medium Onion peeled and chopped
- 1 large carrot chopped
- 2 cloves garlic peeled and finely chopped or minced
- 1 cup Coconut cream or the thicker half of a can of full fat coconut milk
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice equivalent to the juice from 1 lemon
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 5 oz baby spinach
- 1/4 cup frozen peas
- 1 lb haddock skin removed, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh dill chopped
Servings: people
Units:
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Ingredients
Servings: people
Units:
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Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
- Fill large pot with water and add coarse sea salt. Add potatoes and bring to a boil. Cook for 5 minutes, then carefully add eggs. Boil for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until potatoes are fork tender.
- Remove eggs with a slotted spoon and set aside to cool. Drain potatoes using colander and shake out excess moisture.
- Return potatoes to pot and mash coarsely using fork or potato masher. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and taste for seasoning (add salt if needed). If potatoes seem dry and crumbly, add a bit of stock. Set aside.
- Remove shell of cooled boiled eggs and cut into quarters.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat in a large (12 to 15 inch) oven-safe skillet or casserole dish.
- Sauté the chopped/diced onions, celery and carrots until soft, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Stir in coconut cream and bring to a simmer.
- Turn off heat and whisk in lemon juice, Dijon mustard and ½ teaspoon fine sea salt. Add in spinach and let it wilt. Add peas, fish, eggs and 1 tablespoon of parsley. Mix well.
- Transfer fish mixture in oven-safe dish. Spread well and smooth out the top. Fully cover the top with mashed potatoes. Drizzle with olive oil. If dish is very full, place it on a baking sheet.
- Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, or until potatoes start browning and sides are bubbling. Remove from oven and allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with the remaining parsley and dill. Serve warm.
Recipe Notes
TIPS & VARIATIONS
Low FODMAP variation: omit onion, garlic, celery and peas.
Substitution: Swap the haddock with other low-mercury fish such as cod, salmon or hake.
Substitution: Swap the frozen peas with frozen cauliflower for an extra dose of sulforaphane, a powerful DNA methylation modulator with anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties.
