Smoked Mackerel and Stilton Cream Bowl with Peas and Barley

Name: Smoked Mackerel and Stilton Cream Bowl with Peas and Barley
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 200 g pearl barley; 400 ml vegetable stock; 300 g frozen peas; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 1 small shallot, finely diced; 150 ml double cream; 100 g Stilton cheese, crumbled; 200 g smoked mackerel fillets, skin removed and flaked; 1 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; 1 lemon, zested and juiced; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, freshly ground, to taste

This bowl combines smoky mackerel with a rich Stilton cream sauce, served over nutty pearl barley and fresh peas for a hearty British pub-inspired dinner.

Prep15 minCook40 minTotal55 minServes4Difficultymedium

Method

How to make it

01
Rinse pearl barley under cold water and drain.
02
In a medium saucepan, combine pearl barley and vegetable stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 30-35 minutes until barley is tender and most liquid absorbed.
03
During the last 5 minutes of barley cooking, add frozen peas on top and cover to steam them through.
04
While barley cooks, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add diced shallot and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
05
Lower heat and stir in double cream, Stilton cheese, Dijon mustard, lemon zest, and juice. Cook gently, stirring until Stilton melts into a smooth cream sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
06
Drain any excess liquid from barley and peas. Fluff with a fork and stir in chopped parsley.
07
Divide barley and peas mixture evenly into four bowls.
08
Top each bowl with equal portions of flaked smoked mackerel.
09
Drizzle Stilton cream sauce over the top and serve warm.

From the editor

Cooking tips

Use pearl barley for its chewy texture and nutty flavor; quick-cooking barley can save time but alters texture slightly.
To easily remove smoked mackerel skin, gently slide a butter knife between skin and flesh after warming slightly at room temperature.
Prepare barley and peas in advance, then reheat gently with the cream sauce for meal prep convenience.
Adjust the amount of Stilton based on desired sharpness; creamy blue cheese alternatives can substitute but will change flavor balance.

Published June 9, 2026