Melt-in-the-middle fishcakes

Step 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.

Step 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.

Step 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).

Step 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).

Step 5

Heat the oven to 220C/200C fan/gasSpread 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.

Step 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.