Spiced Haddock Rice (Kedgeree)

Spiced Haddock Rice is my version of a classic Kedgeree. Subtly spiced rice with flaked smoked haddock is topped with a fried egg in my take on the popular breakfast dish. Give it a try and I’m sure it’ll become your favourite!

what is kedgeree?

Kedgeree is a rice based dish featuring fish which is usually smoked haddock. Curry powder, parsley and boiled eggs are also usually found in a traditional kedgeree.

It is said kedgeree was a take on the rice and lentil Indian dish Khichuri which dates back to the 14th century. It is widely regarded that these flavours were brought back from India by British Colonials, who introduced it as a breakfast recipe in Victorian times.

The dish developed over the years and the lentils were removed. The rice was served alongside fish and eventually topped with boiled eggs.

It is the Scottish that take credit for incorporating the smoked haddock with the rice and finalising the dish we know as kedgeree today.

what makes my spiced haddock rice different?

I grew up eating my Mum’s version of kedgeree. It is no secret to her that I really didn’t like it. Sorry Mum. She served hers with peas and larger pieces of onion that I really didn’t like. It was then topped with hard boiled egg.

The peas have been completely scrapped because they have no place in my kitchen. But the onions did manage to stay. However I cut them very fine and allow them time to soften so they provide their flavour but are undetectable. Perfect for children…and me.

I know boiled eggs are the traditional topping. But I don’t know why anyone would pick a hard boiled egg over a fried egg. So my Spiced Haddock Rice is topped with a delicious fried egg. After all, this recipe is how I prefer to eat Kedgeree.

I am definitely not claiming my version is authentic. I have taken the idea of kedgeree and made it my own. Feel free to do the same when you make it.

when is spiced haddock rice usually eaten?

Traditionally kedgeree was served as a breakfast dish. But I think it is a shame to limit such a tasty dish to just one time of day.

My Spiced Haddock Rice makes a delicious hearty breakfast or brunch. But it also makes a fantastic lunch or dinner. Eat and enjoy it whenever you like!

which haddock is best to use?

Smoked haddock is the traditional and popular choice for Kedgeree. It adds even more flavour to the finished dish.

When haddock was cold smoked over wood, it turned a yellowish colour itself. However the majority of haddock is smoked mechanically these days and doesn’t change in colour.

This is why some smoked haddock is dyed to give it the yellow colour. Both dyed and undyed smoked haddock will work just as well for this Spiced Haddock Rice.

If you would prefer to use unsmoked haddock you definitely can; I’ve made this recipe with smoked and unsmoked haddock and both are delicious.

I know this goes against tradition, but don’t limit yourself to just using haddock. I don’t like a lot of fish but I think Pollock would work well in this kedgeree. Another great option would be to use Smoked Mackerel.

Sustainability is quite important when choosing fish. Try to buy MSC registered fish if you can.

which rice is recommended to use?

I like to use basmati rice for my Spiced Haddock Rice because I like it’s slender, longer grains and slight aromatic flavour.

But you can definitely use long grain rice instead if you prefer. Just please don’t use microwaveable rice because you will miss the added flavour of the rice cooking in some of the fish poaching liquid.

is this kedgeree spicy?

No, not at all. The spices are subtle and should be suitable for nearly everyone. I am confident you wouldn’t need to adjust the recipe below for it to be suitable for children that don’t like spicy food.

I use a shop bought mild curry powder. It is a blend of spices that make this dish super easy to make. However it is mild and not overpowering at all.

If you do like a bit of spice, you can always use a medium or hot curry powder. Alternatively you could add some diced red chilli to the onions and add more heat this way.

don’t forget the egg!

I know hard boiled eggs are the traditional topping for kedgeree, but there’s nothing wrong with changing things up!

I much prefer fried eggs to hard boiled eggs so this is what I go for. My preference is to cook the egg so you get a nice crispy egg white.

A poached egg would also be a delicious way of serving the egg. I’m all about the runny yolk mixing with the rice!

how to make kedgeree gluten free or vegetarian

This Spiced Haddock Rice should be naturally gluten free. The only ingredient to watch out for is the curry powder.

The individual spices are gluten free, but it is always worth checking the packaging as some spice mixes are made in factories that handle gluten.

To make this vegetarian, you can just leave out the smoked haddock. I would still cook the rice in a combination of milk and water to give it added creaminess.

other recipes you might like

• Baked Haddock Fishcakes
• Vegetable Fried Rice
• Bibimbap
• Vegetable & Red Lentil Curry
• Sweet Potato & Chickpea Curry

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