This is really SO much better than you think! And, considering that catfish is usually FRESH (and from the USA), besides being one of the cheapest fish you can buy ~ it's a great way to have a thick, flavorful stew for your family at low cost ** Serve with crusty bread (or my Marie Callender's CORNBREAD, posted under bread) and a crisp green salad * |
5 slices bacon.....................................................1-1/2 cups chopped onion
1 green bell pepper, large dice...........................1 TB crushed garlic
1 (28 ounce) can tomatoes with liquid...............1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
3 cups diced potatoes.........................................2 TB Worcestershire sauce
6 dashes hot pepper sauce (i.e. Tabasco), or to taste
2 tsp. Creole seasoning (i.e. Tony Chachere)
1-2 tsp dried basil............................................... salt and pepper to taste
2 pounds catfish, cut into bite-sized pieces
Put bacon in a Dutch oven or a large pot with a lid; cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Reserving the drippings in the skillet, remove the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain. Crumble the bacon and set aside.
Put onions in the pot; cover and allow to cook about 5 minutes. Stir tomatoes, garlic, tomato sauce, potatoes, bell pepper, Worcestershire sauce, Creole seasoning and hot pepper sauce into the onions. Season with salt and pepper; allow to simmer 30-45 minutes (until potatoes are tender). Stir the crumbled bacon, basil and catfish into the mixture; continue cooking until the fish flakes easily, about 10 minutes more. Serves 4-6 **