Catfish Pilaf Food

SOUTHERN-STYLE OVEN-FRIED CATFISH

Steps:

• Preheat an oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Grease a 13x9 glass baking dish with the oil, and set aside.
• Rinse the catfish fillets, and pat dry. In a shallow bowl, combine the cornmeal, creole seasoning, paprika, sugar, and black pepper. Combine the eggs and hot sauce or water in a another bowl. Dip the fillets in the egg mixture, dredge in the cornmeal mixture, and arrange in the baking pan.
• Bake for 15 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown. Turn once during cooking. Place catfish on a paper-towel lined plate, and serve immediately with additional hot sauce.

CORNMEAL-CRUSTED CATFISH

Steps:

• Stir together the milk and 1 heaping tablespoon of the House Seasoning. Pour the milk mixture into a shallow baking dish large enough to hold the filets. Spread the filets in an even layer in the dish, turning to coat each side. Let marinate for about 1 hour in a cool place or the refrigerator.
• Pour enough oil into a large Dutch oven to come 2 inches up the side. Clip a deep-fry thermometer to the pot and heat over medium-high heat until the thermometer reaches 370 degrees F.
• Meanwhile, stir together the cornmeal, flour and remaining 1 heaping tablespoon House Seasoning in a paper bag. Working with a few filets at a time, remove them from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Place them in the paper bag and gently turn the bag over several times until the filets are evenly coated with the cornmeal mixture. Remove the filets and place them on a baking sheet while you repeat the process with the remaining filets.
• Working in batches, fry the filets until golden brown and crisp on the outside and moist and flaky inside, adjusting the heat to maintain temperature, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a clean wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet to drain. Serve the filets with lemon wedges.
• Stir together the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt and pepper in a small bowl.

CORNMEAL CRUSTED CATFISH AND GREEN RICE PILAF

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400.
• Bring a medium sauce pot filled three-quarters full with water to a boil.
• Heat a second medium saucepan or pot over moderate heat. Add 1 tablespoon EVOO, butter, shallots, thyme, salt, and pepper.
• Saute the shallots for 2 minutes, then add the rice and lightly brown, 3-5 minutes. Add the wine and allow it to evaporate entirely, 1-2 minutes. Add the chicken stock and bring to a boil.
• Cover the rice and reduce the heat. Cook 18-20 minutes, until tender.
• Salt the boiling water in the other pot and add the parsley, spinach, and basil. Stir to submerge the greens for 30 seconds, then carefully take the pot to the sink. Use a slotted spoon or spider to remove the greens to a colander.
• Discard the water. Rinse the greens under slow-running cold water to stop the cooking process. Give the greens a gently squeeze to get rid of the excess water.
• Transfer the cooled, drained greens to a blender or food processor. Add about 2 tablespoons of EVOO and the lemon juice. Puree until completely smooth. Reserve the puree for finishing the cooked rice.
• Preheat a large oven-safe nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of EVOO.
• Season the catfish with salt and pepper and coat evenly and completely in the cornmeal.
• Add the coated fish to the hot skillet and sear for 2 minutes on each side, then transfer the skillet with the fish to the oven and continue to cook 8-10 minutes, until the fish is firm to the touch and opaque.
• Once the rice is cooked, add the reserved greens puree and stir with a fork to combine and fluff the rice.
• Pile the rice onto dinner plates and serve the catfish on top. Pass the lemon wedges at the table.

CATFISH IN PROVENCAL PACKAGES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Cut 4 pieces of parchment paper into 1-foot squares and place on a flat surface (may use aluminum foil if desired.) In the center each piece, lay down a piece of catfish. Divide the remaining ingredients among the servings. Fold in the edges of the parchment paper and seal tightly to form a bundle. Rub the top of the parchment with a little olive oil to prevent the paper from scorching in the oven. Place packages on baking sheet and bake until the packages puff and fish is opaque, about 15 minutes. The potatoes and tomatoes should be very soft.
• Transfer packages to plates. Allow each guest to open his or her own package at the table. Serve with lemon wedges.

CATFISH PILAF

Steps:

• Put catfish fillets into a lightly greased oblong baking dish.
• Drizzle with melted butter and lemon juice.
• Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until fish flakes easily.
• Drain fish, place in a bowl and flake with a fork.
• Cook bacon in a skillet; transfer to paper-towel lined plate to drain; crumble and set aside.
• Reserve 2 tablespoons bacon drippings in skillet.
• Add green pepper and onion to bacon drippings; cook, stirring constantly, until tender.
• Add in bacon, tomatoes, water, rice, pimentos, and salt and pepper; bring to a boil.
• Cover, lower heat, and simmer 25 minutes or until most of the liquid has been absorbed.
• Add catfish; stir to combine.
• Cover and let stand 5-10 minutes.
• Serve.