This version of a classic Russian fish pie uses ingredients most of us have in our pantry and fridge all the time. It’s a really tasty pie and super easy to make.

A coulibiac is a type of Russian Pirog usually filled with salmon or sturgeon, rice or buckwheat, hard-boiled eggs, mushrooms, onions, and dill. The pie is baked in a pastry shell, usually of brioche or puff pastry. The dish was so popular in Russia in the early part of the 20th century that Auguste Escoffier, the famed French chef, brought it to France and included recipes for it in his masterwork, The Complete Guide to the Art of Modern Cookery. A classic grand coulibiac features several fillings, often a mixture of some white fish and rice for the top and bottom layers with fillets of sturgeon or salmon between. The most unusual ingredient commonly included in the grand version of the dish is vesiga, the spinal marrow of the sturgeon.

Coulibiac is also made with simpler, vegetarian fillings like cabbage or potatoes.

Russian Goodness

Ashleigh Feltham (MNutrDiet)

If you are in the mood for pastry but want to provide your body with health benefits with indulgence, then this is the recipe for you.

Eggs provide an array of vitamins and minerals including vitamin D for an optimal functioning immune system and to allow your body to absorb calcium properly. Also, vitamin A supports the health of your eyes as well as another vitamin looking after your immune function.

Salmon is the star protein of this recipe providing a great source of protein to keep you feeling fuller for longer. It also contains vitamins B12 and choline which keeps your central nervous system working at its best. Add to that iodine and selenium that is needed for your thyroid to function as it should. Your thyroid produces hormones that affects your metabolic rate.

Onions provide your body with many health benefits including potassium which helps to lower your blood pressure. They also contain vitamin C which is needed for your body to make collagen. Collagen is needed for healthy ligaments and tendons that results in youthful-looking skin.

Rice provides a good source of energy as well as B vitamins to allow your body to create energy from the food which you eat.

Mushrooms are a great source of B vitamins; this includes riboflavin which helps the production of hormones. Parsley and dill give your body more antioxidants to help fight off free radicals. They are both good sources of vitamin C, potassium, iron, vitamin A and magnesium. Magnesium helps to keep both your muscles and nerves functioning normally as well as being involved in over 300 different biochemical reactions. You don’t have to miss out on indulgence if you want to look after the health of your body.