Quick Catfish Minestrone

Quick Catfish Minestrone Recipe - USA

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

Introduction

Quick Catfish Minestrone is a delicious and hearty soup that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. Packed with protein, vegetables, and pasta, this soup is sure to satisfy your hunger and warm you up on a cold day.

History

Minestrone is a traditional Italian soup that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is typically made with a variety of vegetables, beans, and pasta, and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. This version of minestrone adds catfish for a unique twist on the classic recipe.

Ingredients

1 tbsp canola oil
1 lb (454 g) U.S. farm-raised catfish fillets, cut into 1-inch pieces
0.5 tsp garlic powder
0.5 tsp italian seasoning
1 carton (32 oz or 907 g) creamy tomato soup
1 bag (6 oz or 170 g) pre-washed baby spinach (about 4 packed cups)
1 cup dried rotini pasta
0.25 cup parmesan cheese

How to prepare

Heat the oil in a large saucepan or dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Add the catfish, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
Cook, stirring frequently, for approximately 3 minutes.
Stir in the tomato soup and spinach (although it may seem like a large amount of spinach, it will quickly cook down).
Bring to a boil.
Add the rotini and cook at a low boil, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked (15 to 20 minutes).
Serve in individual bowls and top with Parmesan cheese.

Variations

Substitute the catfish with another type of white fish, such as tilapia or cod.
Add additional vegetables, such as zucchini, carrots, or bell peppers.
Use a different type of pasta, such as penne or shells.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cut the catfish fillets into small, bite-sized pieces to ensure they cook quickly and evenly.

- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or herbs.

- For a thicker soup, you can add more pasta or reduce the amount of broth.

- To save time, you can use pre-cooked pasta instead of cooking it in the soup.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Quick Catfish Minestrone with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

This recipe uses a simple stovetop cooking method to quickly and easily prepare the soup.

Ingredient Substitutions

Canola oil can be substituted with olive oil or vegetable oil.

- Creamy tomato soup can be substituted with tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes.

- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Romano or Asiago cheese.

Make Ahead Tips

Quick Catfish Minestrone can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish each bowl of Quick Catfish Minestrone with fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Quick Catfish Minestrone with a crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, for a perfect pairing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Quick Catfish Minestrone in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Quick Catfish Minestrone contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Quick Catfish Minestrone contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Quick Catfish Minestrone contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Quick Catfish Minestrone contains approximately 20 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Quick Catfish Minestrone is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains fish and dairy (Parmesan cheese) allergens.

Summary

Quick Catfish Minestrone is a nutritious and balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Quick Catfish Minestrone is a delicious and satisfying soup that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. Packed with protein, vegetables, and pasta, this soup is sure to become a new family favorite. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Quick Catfish Minestrone. It was a hot summer day, and I had been searching for a new recipe to add to my collection. I had grown tired of making the same old dishes, and I was looking for something fresh and exciting to try.

I had decided to visit the local farmer's market that day, hoping to find some inspiration among the fresh produce and artisanal products. As I wandered through the stalls, I came across a small booth run by an older gentleman who was selling fresh catfish fillets. Intrigued, I struck up a conversation with him, asking about his catch and how he liked to prepare it.

To my delight, he shared with me his recipe for Quick Catfish Minestrone. He explained that it was a simple yet flavorful dish that combined the sweetness of the catfish with the tanginess of the tomatoes and the heartiness of the vegetables. I could tell by the way he spoke about the dish that it was one of his favorites, and I knew I had to give it a try.

I purchased a couple of catfish fillets from him, along with a selection of fresh vegetables and herbs from the market. When I arrived home, I wasted no time in getting to work on preparing the dish. I chopped the vegetables, sautéed them in a pot, and added the catfish fillets along with some broth and seasonings.

As the soup simmered on the stove, filling the kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma, I couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. I knew that this dish was going to be a hit with my family, and I couldn't wait to see their reaction when they tasted it.

When dinner time arrived, I served up bowls of the Quick Catfish Minestrone to my family, along with some crusty bread for dipping. As they took their first bites, their faces lit up with delight. The catfish was tender and flaky, the vegetables were perfectly cooked, and the broth was rich and flavorful.

My husband, who had always been a picky eater, couldn't stop raving about how delicious the dish was. He even went back for seconds, something he rarely did. My children, who were usually wary of trying new foods, eagerly slurped up their bowls and asked for more.

I had struck gold with this recipe, and I knew that it would become a staple in our household. From that day on, I made Quick Catfish Minestrone regularly, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit our tastes. It became a dish that we all looked forward to, a comforting and satisfying meal that brought us together around the dinner table.

As the years passed, I continued to make Quick Catfish Minestrone for my family and friends, sharing the recipe with anyone who asked. It became my signature dish, the one that everyone requested when they came over for a meal.

I often think back to that hot summer day at the farmer's market, when I stumbled upon this recipe by chance. It was a serendipitous moment that changed the way I cooked and brought so much joy to my loved ones. I am grateful to that kind gentleman for sharing his recipe with me, and I will always cherish the memories of making Quick Catfish Minestrone in my kitchen.