Experience the vibrant flavors of the South with this creole catfish stew. This hearty dish combines succulent catfish fillets with a medley of vegetables and spices, simmered to perfection.
When preparing this recipe, make sure to pick up some dry white wine and tabasco sauce, which might not be staples in every household. Also, ensure you get catfish fillets and frozen baby lima beans, as these might not be typical pantry items.
Ingredients for Creole Catfish Stew
Cooking oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables to start the stew.
Onion: Adds a sweet and savory base flavor to the stew.
Celery ribs: Provides a crunchy texture and subtle flavor.
Green bell pepper: Adds color and a slight sweetness to the dish.
Dried thyme: A fragrant herb that enhances the stew's depth of flavor.
Dried oregano: Adds a warm and earthy taste to the stew.
Dry mustard: Gives a hint of sharpness and complexity.
Tabasco sauce: Adds a spicy kick to the stew.
Fresh ground black pepper: For seasoning and a touch of heat.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the stew.
Dry white wine: Adds acidity and depth to the stew.
Crushed tomatoes in thick puree: Provides a rich and tangy base.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Adds liquid and flavor to the stew.
Frozen baby lima beans: Adds a creamy texture and slight sweetness.
Corn kernels: Provides a sweet and juicy element to the stew.
Catfish fillets: The star protein of the dish, tender and flavorful.
Fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, vibrant finish to the stew.
One reader, Goldina Loving says:
This Creole catfish stew is a delightful blend of flavors! The spices are perfectly balanced, and the catfish is tender and delicious. It's a comforting and hearty dish that's easy to make. Highly recommend!
Cooking Techniques for Creole Catfish Stew Recipe
How to heat oil: Heat the oil over moderate heat in a large pot until it is hot but not smoking. How to cook vegetables: Add the onion, celery, and bell pepper to the heated oil and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onion is translucent. How to stir in spices: Stir in the thyme, oregano, mustard, tabasco sauce, pepper, and ½ teaspoon of the salt. How to add wine and cook: Add the wine and cook for about 4 minutes until almost evaporated. How to add tomatoes and broth: Add the tomatoes and broth to the pot and bring to a boil. How to simmer: Reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes, partially covered. How to add lima beans and corn: Add the lima beans and simmer for 3 minutes. Stir in the corn and simmer for 4 minutes more. How to cook catfish: Add the catfish and the remaining ½ teaspoon salt, bring back to a simmer, and cook for about 2 minutes until just done. How to serve: Serve the stew topped with fresh parsley.
How To Make Creole Catfish Stew
This catfish stew is packed with spiced bell pepper, beans, and corn simmered in an herby broth with a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2tbspcooking oil
- 1onion
- 2celery ribs
- 1green bell pepper
- 1tspdried thyme
- ½tspdried oregano
- ½tspdry mustard
- ½tsptabasco sauce
- ½tspfresh ground black pepper
- 1tspsalt
- ½cupdry white wine
- 1¾cupscrushed tomatoes in thick puree,canned
- 3cupslow-sodium chicken broth,canned, or homemade stock
- 2cupsfrozen baby lima beans,(10 oz) package
- 2cupscorn kernels,fresh or frozen (cut from about 3 ears)
- 2lbscatfish fillets
- 2tbspfresh parsley,chopped
Instructions
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In a large pot, heat the oil over moderate heat.
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Add the onion, celery, and bell pepper and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onion is translucent.
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Stir in the thyme, oregano, mustard, Tabasco sauce, pepper, and ½ teaspoon of the salt.
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Add the wine and cook for about 4 minutes until almost evaporated. Add the tomatoes and broth to the pot and bring to a boil.
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Reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes, partially covered.
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Add the lima beans and simmer for 3 minutes. Stir in the corn and simmer 4 minutes more
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Add the catfish and the remaining ½ teaspoon salt, bring back to a simmer, and cook for about 2 minutes until just done.
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Serve topped with parsley.
Recipe Notes
Fish Alternatives: Catfish has a firm texture all its own, but it can be easily substituted with moderately firm, white-fleshed fillets such as rockfish, grouper, pollack and striped bass
Nutrition
- Calories: 565.76kcal
- Fat: 23.33g
- Saturated Fat: 4.07g
- Trans Fat: 0.15g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 11.10g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 5.37g
- Carbohydrates: 39.66g
- Fiber: 6.80g
- Sugar: 10.26g
- Protein: 45.16g
- Cholesterol: 124.74mg
- Sodium: 1084.11mg
- Calcium: 106.49mg
- Potassium: 1656.98mg
- Iron: 4.19mg
- Vitamin A: 41.50µg
- Vitamin C: 44.83mg
Helpful Technique for Preparing Creole Catfish Stew
When cooking the onion, celery, and bell pepper, make sure to dice them uniformly. This ensures even cooking and enhances the texture of the stew. Additionally, when adding the dry white wine, allow it to reduce almost completely to concentrate its flavors without leaving too much liquid, which could dilute the stew's richness.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Stew
Prep ingredients ahead: Chop the onion, celery, and bell pepper in advance and store them in the fridge.
Use pre-minced garlic: Save time by using pre-minced garlic instead of peeling and chopping fresh cloves.
Opt for frozen veggies: Use frozen lima beans and corn kernels to skip the washing and chopping.
Quick thaw catfish: If using frozen catfish fillets, thaw them quickly in a bowl of cold water.
Measure spices beforehand: Measure out the thyme, oregano, mustard, and other spices before you start cooking.
Substitute Ingredients For Creole Catfish Stew Recipe
cooking oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil provides a similar cooking medium with a slightly richer flavor.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder, sweeter taste that can enhance the stew's flavor profile.
celery ribs - Substitute with fennel stalks: Fennel stalks add a subtle anise flavor that complements the other ingredients.
green bell pepper - Substitute with red bell pepper: Red bell peppers are sweeter and can add a different color and flavor to the stew.
dried thyme - Substitute with fresh thyme: Fresh thyme has a more vibrant flavor; use about three times the amount of dried thyme.
dried oregano - Substitute with fresh oregano: Fresh oregano offers a more potent flavor; use about three times the amount of dried oregano.
dry mustard - Substitute with Dijon mustard: Dijon mustard provides a similar tangy flavor and can be used in a slightly larger quantity.
tabasco sauce - Substitute with sriracha: Sriracha offers a similar heat level with a bit of sweetness.
fresh ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor and can be used in the same quantity.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds umami and saltiness; reduce the quantity to avoid overpowering the dish.
dry white wine - Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth provides a similar liquid base without the alcohol.
crushed tomatoes in thick puree - Substitute with tomato sauce: Tomato sauce offers a similar consistency and flavor.
low-sodium chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth provides a similar base while keeping the dish vegetarian.
frozen baby lima beans - Substitute with frozen edamame: Edamame offers a similar texture and protein content.
corn kernels - Substitute with frozen peas: Frozen peas provide a similar sweetness and texture.
catfish fillets - Substitute with tilapia fillets: Tilapia has a similar mild flavor and texture, making it a good alternative.
fresh parsley - Substitute with fresh cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a different but complementary fresh flavor.
Presentation Tips for Serving Creole Catfish Stew
Serve smaller portion sizes: Present the creole catfish stew in elegant, shallow bowls to highlight the vibrant colors and textures. Use a small ladle to ensure each portion has a balanced mix of catfish, vegetables, and broth.
Use decoration: Garnish each bowl with a sprig of fresh parsley placed delicately on top. Add a few thin slices of green bell pepper for a pop of color and a hint of crunch.
Highlight ingredients: Arrange a few pieces of catfish fillets prominently in the center of the bowl. Surround them with the lima beans and corn kernels to create a visually appealing contrast.
Add texture: Sprinkle a small amount of finely chopped celery and onion over the top for added texture and a burst of freshness. This will also enhance the aroma of the dish.
Use high-quality tableware: Serve the stew in high-quality, white porcelain bowls to make the colors of the stew stand out. Pair with a matching porcelain spoon for a refined touch.
Create a clean presentation: Wipe the edges of the bowls clean before serving to ensure a pristine presentation. This attention to detail will impress culinary professionals and emphasize the care put into the dish.
Incorporate a side element: Serve the stew with a small side of crusty bread or cornbread on a separate plate. This adds an extra element to the dish and provides a complementary texture.
Enhance the aroma: Just before serving, lightly drizzle a few drops of dry white wine reduction around the bowl. This will enhance the aroma and add a sophisticated touch to the presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Creole Stew
Large pot: Used for cooking the stew, allowing ample space for all ingredients to simmer together.
Cooking spoon: Essential for stirring the ingredients to ensure even cooking and to prevent sticking.
Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping the onion, celery, and bell pepper.
Chef's knife: Ideal for chopping and dicing vegetables with precision.
Measuring spoons: Necessary for accurately measuring spices and seasonings like thyme, oregano, mustard, and Tabasco sauce.
Measuring cup: Used for measuring liquids such as the white wine and chicken broth.
Can opener: Handy for opening the can of crushed tomatoes.
Ladle: Useful for serving the stew into bowls.
Tongs: Helpful for adding and removing the catfish fillets without breaking them apart.
Small bowl: Useful for holding pre-measured spices and seasonings before adding them to the pot.
Timer: Ensures precise cooking times for each step to achieve the best results.
Colander: Useful for rinsing the frozen baby lima beans and corn kernels before adding them to the stew.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Creole Catfish Stew
Allow the creole catfish stew to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent the formation of harmful bacteria and ensure that the stew maintains its quality and flavor.
For short-term storage, transfer the cooled stew to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. The stew will keep for up to 3-4 days when stored properly.
If you plan to freeze the stew, consider the following steps:
- Divide the cooled stew into portion-sized freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. This will allow you to thaw only the amount you need for future meals.
- Leave some headspace in the containers or bags to allow for expansion during freezing.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and contents to keep track of your frozen stew.
- Place the containers or bags in the freezer, ensuring that they lie flat for even freezing and easy storage.
Frozen creole catfish stew can be stored for up to 3 months without significant loss of quality. However, for the best flavor and texture, it is recommended to consume the stew within 1-2 months.
To thaw the frozen stew, transfer the container or bag from the freezer to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw overnight. Alternatively, you can thaw the stew in the microwave using the defrost setting, stirring occasionally to ensure even thawing.
Once thawed, reheat the stew in a pot on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring frequently until it is heated through. Avoid boiling the stew, as this may cause the catfish to become tough and overcooked.
If you notice that the thawed stew has separated or has an unusual texture, you can improve its consistency by gently whisking the stew or blending a small portion of it and mixing it back into the pot.
How To Reheat Leftover Creole Catfish Stew
Reheat the creole catfish stew in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. This method ensures that the flavors meld together and the catfish remains tender.
If the stew has thickened up too much in the refrigerator, add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin it out while reheating.
For a quicker reheating method, transfer individual portions of the stew to microwave-safe bowls and heat on high power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval, until heated through.
To maintain the texture of the catfish and prevent it from becoming rubbery, avoid boiling the stew during the reheating process. Instead, aim for a gentle simmer.
If you have any leftover corn kernels or baby lima beans, add them to the stew during the last few minutes of reheating to freshen up the flavors and textures.
Taste the reheated stew and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding a pinch of salt, black pepper, or a dash of tabasco sauce to enhance the flavors.
Serve the reheated creole catfish stew over a bed of steamed rice or with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
Interesting Fact About Creole Catfish Stew
A key ingredient in this Creole catfish stew is catfish, which is a popular fish in Southern cuisine. Catfish is known for its mild flavor and firm texture, making it an excellent choice for stews and other hearty dishes.
Is Making Creole Catfish Stew at Home Cost-Effective?
This creole catfish stew is quite cost-effective for a household. The use of catfish fillets provides a nutritious and affordable protein source. Vegetables like onion, celery, and bell pepper are inexpensive and add bulk and flavor. Frozen lima beans and corn kernels are budget-friendly and readily available. The addition of dry white wine and spices like thyme and oregano enhances the dish without significantly increasing costs. Overall Verdict: 8/10. Approximate cost for a household of 4 people: $20-$25 USD.
Is This Creole Stew Healthy or Unhealthy?
The creole catfish stew recipe is a relatively healthy dish with a good balance of protein, vegetables, and herbs. The catfish provides lean protein, while the vegetables like onion, celery, bell pepper, lima beans, and corn offer fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The use of low-sodium chicken broth helps keep the sodium content in check. However, there are a few aspects that could be improved to make the dish even healthier:
- Reduce the amount of oil used for sautéing the vegetables or opt for a healthier oil like olive oil
- Include more vegetables such as carrots, zucchini, or leafy greens to increase the nutrient density of the stew
- Use fresh herbs instead of dried ones to enhance the flavor and add more antioxidants
- Consider replacing the white wine with additional chicken broth to reduce the alcohol content
To further enhance the nutritional value of the creole catfish stew, you could:
- Serve the stew over a bed of brown rice or quinoa for added fiber and complex carbohydrates
- Garnish with fresh lemon wedges to add a burst of vitamin C and brighten the flavors
- Pair the stew with a side salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette for extra nutrients and a refreshing contrast to the hearty stew
- Use a variety of colorful vegetables to make the dish more visually appealing and provide a wider range of vitamins and minerals
Editor's Opinion on This Creole Catfish Stew Recipe
This Creole catfish stew recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The combination of aromatic vegetables, herbs, and spices creates a robust base, while the addition of white wine and tomatoes adds depth. The catfish, with its mild flavor, perfectly complements the hearty lima beans and sweet corn. The use of fresh parsley at the end adds a bright, fresh note. Overall, it's a well-balanced dish that captures the essence of Creole cuisine, offering a comforting yet vibrant meal.
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Why trust this Creole Catfish Stew Recipe:
This creole catfish stew recipe is a delightful blend of fresh vegetables and spices, creating a rich and flavorful dish. The use of dry white wine and crushed tomatoes adds depth, while the catfish fillets provide a tender, flaky texture. The combination of lima beans and corn kernels ensures a hearty and nutritious meal. Trust this recipe for its balanced seasoning and the perfect harmony of ingredients, making it a reliable choice for a satisfying and delicious stew.
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