plokkfisk

Plokkfiskur (plokkfisk) is a traditional Icelandic dish—a creamy fish and potato stew based on white fish such as cod or haddock, potatoes, onions, and a white sauce.

The dish is prepared by boiling the fish and potatoes until tender. Onions are sautéed in butter until soft, then a white sauce is made from butter, flour, and milk. The fish is flaked and folded into the sauce with the mashed potatoes, creating a thick, creamy mixture. It is seasoned with salt and pepper and often garnished with chopped parsley.

Variations include using smoked fish or adding cream, dill, or nutmeg. It is typically served hot with rye bread or flatbread and a slice of butter.

Plokkfiskur has been a staple of Icelandic home cooking for decades and is associated with comfort food and resourceful use of available ingredients. It reflects Iceland’s reliance on cod and potatoes and appears in homes, schools, and cafés as part of the national cuisine.