Greek Catfish

Greek Catfish Recipe - Delicious and Easy to Make

Region / culture: Greece | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Greek Catfish is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines U.S. farm-raised catfish fillets with spinach, feta cheese, and a variety of herbs and spices. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

History

Greek Catfish is a modern twist on traditional Greek cuisine. The combination of catfish with spinach and feta cheese is a popular flavor profile in Greek cooking, and this recipe brings those flavors together in a new and exciting way.

Ingredients

4 U.S. farm-raised catfish fillets
1 x 10 oz (283 g) package of frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
0.75 cup of crumbled feta cheese
1 tbsp of oregano
2 green onions, chopped
3 tbsp of melted butter
1 tbsp of olive oil
2 tsp each of salt and pepper

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Grease a shallow baking pan with olive oil and place the U.S. farm-raised catfish fillets in the pan.
Sprinkle 1 tsp of salt and 1 tsp of pepper evenly over the catfish fillets.
In a small bowl, combine the spinach, feta cheese, oregano, butter, green onions, and the remaining salt and pepper. Mix well.
Evenly distribute the spinach mixture on top of each U.S. farm-raised catfish fillet.
Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Serve immediately.

Variations

Substitute the catfish fillets with another type of white fish, such as tilapia or cod.
Add chopped tomatoes or olives to the spinach mixture for extra flavor.
Use a different type of cheese, such as goat cheese or mozzarella, in place of feta.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to squeeze the spinach dry before adding it to the filling mixture to prevent the dish from becoming too watery.

- Be sure to season the catfish fillets generously with salt and pepper before adding the filling to ensure that the dish is well-seasoned.

- For a crispy topping, broil the dish for a few minutes after baking to brown the cheese and spinach mixture.

Serving Suggestions

Greek Catfish can be served with a side of rice, quinoa, or a Greek salad. It pairs well with a glass of white wine or a refreshing lemonade.

Cooking Techniques

Baking

Ingredient Substitutions

Use fresh spinach instead of frozen, if preferred.

- Replace the feta cheese with another type of cheese, such as Parmesan or cheddar.

- Use dried herbs instead of fresh, if necessary.

Make Ahead Tips

Greek Catfish can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake. This makes it a great option for meal prep or entertaining.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Greek Catfish on a bed of rice or quinoa, garnished with fresh herbs or lemon wedges. Sprinkle with additional feta cheese before serving for an extra pop of flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Greek Catfish pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, couscous, or a Greek salad. It also goes well with a glass of white wine or a light beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Greek Catfish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Greek Catfish contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Greek Catfish contains approximately 5 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Greek Catfish contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Greek Catfish contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Greek Catfish is a good source of calcium, iron, and vitamin A.

Alergens

Greek Catfish contains dairy (feta cheese) and fish (catfish).

Summary

Greek Catfish is a nutritious and protein-rich dish that is relatively low in carbohydrates and calories. It is a good source of essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Greek Catfish is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. With a flavorful filling of spinach, feta cheese, and herbs, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew I had to try it. It was a warm summer day, and I was strolling through the bustling streets of Athens, Greece. The aroma of grilled fish wafted through the air, drawing me towards a small taverna tucked away in a narrow alleyway.

As I approached the taverna, I caught a glimpse of a young chef preparing a dish that caught my eye. He was meticulously marinating thick slices of catfish in a fragrant blend of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs. The fish sizzled and crackled on the grill, releasing a tantalizing scent that made my mouth water.

I knew I had to learn how to make this dish. I approached the chef and asked him for the recipe. He smiled warmly and invited me into his kitchen, eager to share his culinary secrets with me.

As I watched him work, I saw the passion and dedication he poured into his cooking. He explained each step of the process with precision and care, emphasizing the importance of using fresh, high-quality ingredients. I was captivated by his knowledge and skill, and I knew that I was in the presence of a true master.

After spending the afternoon learning the intricacies of Greek catfish, I left the taverna feeling inspired and determined to recreate the dish in my own kitchen. I gathered the necessary ingredients and set to work, channeling the chef's expertise as I marinated the catfish and grilled it to perfection.

The moment I took my first bite, I was transported back to the bustling streets of Athens. The flavors were bold and vibrant, each bite bursting with the zest of lemon, the pungency of garlic, and the freshness of herbs. It was a taste sensation unlike anything I had ever experienced, and I knew that I had truly stumbled upon a gem of a recipe.

Over the years, I have continued to perfect my technique and adapt the recipe to suit my own tastes. I have shared it with friends and family, who have all marveled at the complex flavors and tender texture of the catfish. It has become a staple in my culinary repertoire, a dish that never fails to impress and delight.

As I sit here now, recounting the story of how I learned to make Greek catfish, I am filled with gratitude for that chance encounter in Athens so many years ago. It was a moment that changed the course of my culinary journey, opening my eyes to the vast world of Greek cuisine and inspiring me to explore new flavors and techniques.

I am forever indebted to that kind and generous chef who took me under his wing and shared his knowledge with me. His passion for cooking and dedication to his craft have left a lasting impression on me, shaping the way I approach food and cooking to this day.

And so, whenever I prepare Greek catfish in my kitchen, I do so with a sense of reverence and appreciation for the traditions and flavors that have been passed down through generations. It is a dish that connects me to a place and a people far away, reminding me of the power of food to transcend boundaries and bring us together in the joy of a shared meal.

I will always cherish the memory of that day in Athens, when I learned to make Greek catfish and discovered a new passion for cooking that continues to inspire me to this day. And as I savor each bite of this flavorful dish, I am grateful for the culinary adventures that await me, knowing that there are countless recipes and stories yet to be uncovered and shared with those I hold dear.