Catfish Stew with Bacon

Catfish Stew with Bacon Recipe - A Hearty and Flavorful Dish from the USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour and 15 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Catfish stew with bacon is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. The combination of tender catfish fillets, smoky bacon, and a variety of vegetables creates a delicious and satisfying meal that is sure to please your taste buds.

History

Catfish stew with bacon is a traditional Southern dish that has been enjoyed for generations. It is a comforting and filling meal that is often served at family gatherings and special occasions. The addition of bacon adds a rich and savory flavor to the stew, making it a favorite among many.

Ingredients

3 slices of smoked bacon
1 medium onion, chopped
2 shallots, finely chopped
1 large clove of garlic, finely chopped
0.5 tsp of dried thyme
1 bay leaf
1 tsp of salt
0.5 tsp of freshly ground black pepper
4.5 cups of water
1 large ripe tomato, peeled, seeded and chopped into 1 inch chunks
0.5 cup of thinly sliced carrots
1 cup of small new potatoes, scrubbed and halved
3 lb (1.36 kg) of U.S. farm-raised catfish fillets, cut into 2- to 3-inch pieces
2 tbsp of finely chopped fresh parsley
3 green onions, thinly sliced
For garnish: chopped parsley and lemon wedges

How to prepare

Cook the bacon in a large saucepan until it becomes crisp. Drain it on paper towels and set it aside. Drain off all but 4 tbsp of bacon fat from the pan.
Add the onion and shallots to the pan and sauté them over medium-low heat until they become translucent.
Add the garlic, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to the pan and cook for 2 minutes.
Add water to the pan and bring it to a boil. Adjust the heat to keep the stew at a simmer and cook it, partially covered, for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the tomato, carrots, and potatoes to the pan and cook until they become tender.
Add the catfish pieces, parsley, and green onions to the pan and cook, stirring gently, until the fish flakes easily when tested with a fork.
Crumble the bacon and stir it into the stew. Taste and adjust the seasoning.
Serve the stew garnished with chopped parsley and lemon wedges.

Variations

Substitute the catfish fillets with another type of white fish, such as cod or tilapia.
Add additional vegetables, such as bell peppers, okra, or celery, to the stew for extra flavor and nutrition.
For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the stew.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the bacon until it is crisp to add a crunchy texture to the stew.

- Adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences by adding more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.

- For a thicker stew, you can add a roux (a mixture of flour and fat) to the stew before adding the catfish fillets.

- Serve the stew with a side of cornbread or rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the catfish stew with bacon with a side of cornbread or rice for a complete and satisfying meal. Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon wedges for a fresh and flavorful touch.

Cooking Techniques

Sauté the onions, shallots, and garlic until they are translucent to build flavor in the stew.

- Simmer the stew over low heat to allow the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to become tender.

- Gently stir the catfish fillets into the stew to prevent them from breaking apart.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use turkey bacon or pancetta instead of smoked bacon for a lighter version of the stew.

- Substitute sweet potatoes or butternut squash for the new potatoes for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

The stew can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat it on the stove over low heat before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the catfish stew with bacon in individual bowls garnished with chopped parsley and lemon wedges for a beautiful presentation. - Pair the stew with a glass of white wine or a cold beer for a refreshing and delicious combination.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the catfish stew with bacon with a side of cornbread or rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

- Serve the stew with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced and nutritious meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of the catfish stew with bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stove over low heat until warmed through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

280 per serving

Carbohydrates

23g per serving

Fats

- Total Fat: 12g per serving

- Saturated Fat: 4g per serving

Proteins

- Protein: 28g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 15% of daily value per serving

- Vitamin C: 20% of daily value per serving

- Iron: 10% of daily value per serving

Alergens

Contains: Fish, Pork

Summary

Catfish stew with bacon is a nutritious and delicious meal that is rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is a satisfying dish that is perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion.

Summary

Catfish stew with bacon is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion. The combination of tender catfish fillets, smoky bacon, and a variety of vegetables creates a flavorful and satisfying meal that is sure to please your taste buds. Enjoy this hearty stew with a side of cornbread or rice for a complete and delicious meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Catfish Stew with Bacon. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in the small town of Pineville. My mother had invited a group of her friends over for dinner, and she decided to make this dish as the main course.

I remember watching as she carefully prepared the ingredients, slicing the bacon into strips and browning them in a large pot. The smell of the sizzling bacon filled the kitchen, and my mouth watered in anticipation of the meal to come.

As the bacon cooked, my mother added onions, bell peppers, and celery to the pot, letting them sauté until they were soft and fragrant. Then came the catfish, cut into chunks and seasoned with salt, pepper, and a touch of cayenne for a bit of heat.

Next, she poured in a mixture of chicken broth and diced tomatoes, letting the stew simmer on the stove for hours until the flavors had melded together into a deliciously rich and savory broth.

When it was finally time to eat, I eagerly ladled myself a bowl of the steaming stew and took my first bite. The tender catfish practically melted in my mouth, while the smoky bacon added a depth of flavor that was unlike anything I had ever tasted before.

From that moment on, I was hooked. I begged my mother to teach me how to make the stew, and she patiently guided me through each step, explaining the importance of patience and attention to detail in creating a truly memorable dish.

As the years went by, I continued to make the Catfish Stew with Bacon for my own family and friends, adapting the recipe to suit my own tastes and preferences. I added more garlic for extra flavor, a splash of hot sauce for a bit of spice, and even a handful of okra for a touch of Southern flair.

But no matter how many times I made the stew, it never failed to bring back memories of that first time I saw the recipe and tasted the incredible flavors that it held. It became a staple in my kitchen, a dish that I turned to again and again when I wanted to impress guests or simply treat myself to a comforting and delicious meal.

Now, as I sit here reflecting on all the years that have passed since that fateful dinner party, I am filled with gratitude for the recipe that has brought so much joy and satisfaction into my life. It may have originated from a simple gathering of friends, but it has since become a beloved tradition in my family, one that I hope to pass down to future generations.

So the next time you find yourself in need of a hearty and flavorful meal, consider giving Catfish Stew with Bacon a try. I promise you won't be disappointed. And who knows? Maybe it will become a cherished recipe in your own family, just as it has in mine.