Kedgeree

Introduction

Kedgeree is an aromatic rice and seafood dish with roots stretching back to British colonial India. Its irresistibly spiced blend of smoked fish, fluffy rice, soft-boiled eggs, and fragrant herbs strikes a comforting balance between heartiness and bright, zesty flavors. This recipe is loved for its versatility—perfect as a brunch centerpiece or a cozy midweek dinner that doesn’t compromise on taste or nutrition.

Why Kedgeree Stands Out

Kedgeree is a true crowd-pleaser thanks to its warming spice blend, rich yet subtle smokiness from the fish, and fresh pops of lemon and herbs. It’s a one-pot wonder: easy to make, satisfying, and a great way to introduce new flavors into your weekly meal rotation without spending hours in the kitchen.

The Secret to Flavorful Kedgeree

The depth of Kedgeree comes from pairing smoked fish—traditionally haddock, though any smoked white fish or salmon works—with basmati rice infused with aromatic spices like curry powder, cumin, and turmeric. Gentle simmering allows all the flavors to meld beautifully, while finishing the dish with a squeeze of lemon and plenty of fresh parsley or cilantro brightens every bite.

How to Perfectly Cook the Fish

Poach smoked fish gently in seasoned water or milk to keep it tender and juicy. Once cooked, flake the fish carefully to avoid any bones and fold it into the warm rice along with soft-boiled eggs. Sprinkle with herbs just before serving for an eye-catching finish and a burst of freshness.

Garnish and Serving Suggestions for Show-Stopping Kedgeree

Kedgeree can be enjoyed hot or at room temperature. Top with extra chopped herbs, a few wedges of lemon, and even some crispy fried onions for added crunch. Serve with a side of tangy chutney or a simple cucumber yogurt raita to compliment the spices and round out the meal.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe makes approximately 4 hearty servings. Each portion typically contains 400–450 calories, offering a balanced profile of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. It’s satisfying, nourishing, and packs a variety of vitamins and minerals—especially if you opt for brown basmati rice and a generous scattering of greens.

Kedgeree at a Glance (Recap)

Kedgeree blends savory spices, smoky fish, and light, fluffy rice in a recipe that’s as easy to make as it is impressive to serve. Customizable, quick, and full of flavor, it’s a winning dish for both busy workdays and leisurely weekend meals.

💡 Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to instantly generate a smart, organized shopping list with every ingredient sorted by store section for seamless meal planning and stress-free grocery runs.

Instructions

1. Start by poaching the fish: Place the smoked haddock in a large skillet and cover with water or milk. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat, then cover and poach for about 7–8 minutes until the fish flakes easily. Remove, allow to cool slightly, and gently flake into bite-sized pieces, checking for bones.
2. Meanwhile, boil the eggs: Place eggs in a saucepan, cover with water, bring to a boil, then lower to a gentle simmer for 8 minutes. Cool under cold water, then peel and halve or quarter.
3. In a large pan, heat the butter or oil. Add the onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft. Stir in curry powder, cumin, and turmeric, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
4. Add the cooked rice and peas (if using), gently mixing to coat the grains in the spices. Heat through for 2–3 minutes.
5. Fold in the flaked fish, season well with salt and pepper, and warm everything together for a minute or two.
6. Turn off the heat, add most of the herbs and a generous squeeze of lemon juice, stirring gently.
7. Serve topped with egg quarters, extra herbs, a few crispy onions or chutney if desired, and lemon wedges alongside.

Weekly Meal Planning

Kedgeree is a fantastic addition to any meal planning schedule. Its ingredients are easily prepped ahead, and any leftovers make a quick, nourishing lunch the next day. Save and schedule this recipe to build a flexible weekly plan and automatically consolidate your ingredients for smarter grocery shopping.

Planning Benefits:

• Consolidates ingredient amounts across all your recipes for the week
• Sorts grocery lists by store section for speedier shopping trips
• Helps avoid duplicate items and last-minute forgotten ingredients
• Makes meal prep straightforward and organized, minimizing food waste

Pro tip: Schedule your meals with CookifyAI to spot overlapping ingredients—like eggs or herbs—between recipes, so you buy just what you need for all your planned dishes.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes