Dolly Parton's Catfish and Fixins

Dolly Parton's Catfish and Fixins Recipe - A Southern Delight

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Dolly Parton's Catfish and Fixins is a classic Southern dish that is sure to satisfy your cravings for comfort food. This recipe features crispy fried catfish fillets, hush puppies, French fries, and coleslaw, all made with simple and delicious ingredients.

History

This recipe is inspired by Dolly Parton's love for traditional Southern cooking. Catfish is a popular dish in the South, known for its mild flavor and tender texture. Pairing it with hush puppies, French fries, and coleslaw creates a well-rounded meal that is both hearty and satisfying.

Ingredients

vegetable oil
4 U.S. Farm-Raised catfish fillets
1 pt (473 ml) buttermilk
1 large box of cornbread mix
1 medium onion, chopped
1-2 eggs
potatoes

How to prepare

1. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet.
2. Season the fish to taste. Dredge the fish pieces in buttermilk, then coat them with Cornbread mix. Deep fry the fish in vegetable oil until it turns golden brown on the bottom. Flip the fish and continue frying until the other side is golden brown. Remove the fish from the skillet and place it in a warm oven.
3. Make a batter using the remaining buttermilk and Cornbread mix. Add onions and eggs. Mold the hush puppies and deep fry them in vegetable oil. Then, place them in the warm oven with the fish.
4. Peel and cut potatoes into French fries. Deep fry the fries in vegetable oil. Remove them and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve all of the above with coleslaw. This recipe serves 4.

Variations

For a healthier option, try baking the catfish fillets instead of frying them.
Substitute the cornbread mix with a gluten-free alternative for a gluten-free version of this dish.
Add a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning to the fish for a spicy kick.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to season the fish well before dredging it in buttermilk and Cornbread mix for maximum flavor.

- Fry the fish in hot vegetable oil to achieve a crispy and golden brown crust.

- For the hush puppies, be sure to mix the batter just until combined to avoid a dense texture.

- Serve the dish hot and fresh for the best taste and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Dolly Parton's Catfish and Fixins with a side of tartar sauce or hot sauce for added flavor. Pair it with a glass of sweet tea or lemonade for a refreshing drink.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking techniques for this recipe include frying the catfish, hush puppies, and French fries in hot vegetable oil. Be sure to monitor the temperature of the oil to achieve a crispy and golden brown finish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have buttermilk, you can use regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice as a substitute.

- Feel free to use any type of white fish fillets in place of catfish for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the hush puppy batter and coleslaw in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to fry and serve. The catfish and French fries are best enjoyed fresh and hot.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Dolly Parton's Catfish and Fixins on a platter with a garnish of fresh parsley or lemon wedges for a beautiful presentation. Arrange the hush puppies and French fries around the catfish for a visually appealing meal.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with Southern sides like collard greens, macaroni and cheese, or baked beans. For dessert, consider serving a slice of pecan pie or peach cobbler for a sweet finish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the catfish, hush puppies, and French fries in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Dolly Parton's Catfish and Fixins contains approximately 600-700 calories, making it a hearty and filling meal.

Carbohydrates

The carbohydrates in this dish mainly come from the cornbread mix, potatoes, and hush puppies. These ingredients provide energy to fuel your body throughout the day.

Fats

The fats in this dish primarily come from the vegetable oil used for frying the catfish, hush puppies, and French fries. While these fats are high in calories, they add flavor and texture to the dish.

Proteins

The main source of protein in this recipe is the catfish fillets. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body, making this dish a satisfying and nutritious meal.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly from the onions, potatoes, and coleslaw. These ingredients provide essential nutrients like vitamin C, potassium, and fiber to support overall health.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (buttermilk), eggs, and wheat (cornbread mix), which may be allergens for some individuals. Be sure to check for any food allergies before preparing this dish.

Summary

Overall, Dolly Parton's Catfish and Fixins is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Enjoy this Southern classic in moderation as part of a healthy diet.

Summary

Dolly Parton's Catfish and Fixins is a delicious and satisfying Southern dish that is perfect for a family dinner or special occasion. With crispy fried catfish, hush puppies, French fries, and coleslaw, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your household. Enjoy the flavors of the South with this classic dish!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a hot summer day, and I was rummaging through a dusty old box of cookbooks at a yard sale when I stumbled upon a yellowed recipe card that caught my eye. The title read "Dolly Parton's Catfish and Fixins", and I knew I had to have it.

I had always been a fan of Dolly Parton, with her big hair and even bigger voice. I had admired her for her talent and her down-to-earth personality. So the thought of being able to cook one of her favorite recipes was thrilling to me.

I quickly paid for the recipe card and rushed home to try it out. As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I could sense the love and care that had gone into creating this dish. It was a simple recipe, but it was clear that each ingredient was carefully chosen to create a harmonious blend of flavors.

I set to work in the kitchen, chopping vegetables, dredging the catfish in cornmeal, and frying it to a crispy golden brown. The smell of the fish sizzling in the pan filled the air, making my stomach growl in anticipation.

As I prepared the sides of creamy coleslaw and buttery cornbread, I couldn't help but think of Dolly herself. I imagined her in her own kitchen, humming a tune as she cooked up a batch of catfish for her friends and family. I felt a connection to her through this recipe, as if I were sharing in a small piece of her world.

Finally, the meal was ready, and I sat down at the table to enjoy it. The catfish was tender and flavorful, with just the right amount of seasoning. The coleslaw was crisp and tangy, and the cornbread was warm and comforting. It was a meal fit for a country queen like Dolly Parton.

As I savored each bite, I couldn't help but smile. This recipe had brought me closer to a woman I had long admired, and it had given me a taste of the magic that she brought to everything she did. I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen, a reminder of the day I discovered a culinary treasure hidden in a dusty old box.

And so, every time I make Dolly Parton's Catfish and Fixins, I think of that hot summer day and the joy of finding a recipe that would become a cherished part of my cooking repertoire. I may never have the chance to cook for Dolly herself, but I know that with each bite of this dish, I am honoring her in my own small way. And that is a gift that I will always treasure.