Fresh or frozen hake (or other firm white fleshed fish, such as grouper, haddock, or pollack) is the basis for many a wonderful family dinner. Here, the fish is sauteed with onion, garlic, saffron, and thyme to cook through, with a bit of water added to create a pan sauce at the same time. Meanwhile you can boil some potatoes for making mashed potatoes to serve alongside; these are enriched with milk and butter and seasoned with mustard and nutmeg, to taste.