Savannah River Catfish Stew
(from saymyname’s recipe box)
Source: In 'Bon Appetit Ya'll' by Virginia Willis
Serves 6 peopleCategories: Fish, Main Dish, Stew
Ingredients
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon , cut into lardons (or 2 T. canola oil)
- 1 onion , chopped (preferably Vidalia)
- 2 large russet potatoes , peeled and cut into 1/4-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups water
- 3 cups milk
- 1 sprig thyme
- 1 bay leaf , preferably fresh
- 1/2 teaspoon cajun seasoning or 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 lbs catfish fillets , cut into strips
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
- coarse salt
- fresh ground black pepper
Directions
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Line a plate with paper towels; in a saucepan, cook the bacon over moderate heat until crisp, about 5 minutes; using slotted spoon, remove the bacon to prepared plate to drain.
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Pour off all but 1 tablespoon of bacon grease.
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Add in onion and potatoes to saucepan; cook/stir often, until golden, 5-7 minutes.
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Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to coat and combine.
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Stir in the water and milk; add the thyme, bay leaf, and cajun seasoning; bring to a boil over high heat.
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Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until the potatoes are just tender, about 15 minutes.
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Add in the catfish; simmer, uncovered, until the fish is falling apart, an additional 15-20 minutes.
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Remove the thyme and bay leaf; discard.
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Add in the parsley; stir to combine.
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Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, Cajun seasoning.
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Ladle into warm bowls and garnish with reserved bacon.