In the heart of the American South, along the banks of the mighty Savannah River, lies a culinary gem that has been passed down through generations: Savannah River Catfish Stew. This iconic dish captures the essence of Southern comfort food, blending fresh catfish, aromatic vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth. Join us on a culinary journey as we delve into the secrets of this beloved stew and explore the two variations presented in the article: the classic Savannah River Catfish Stew and a tantalizingly spicy version infused with the heat of cayenne pepper. Get ready to savor the flavors of the South and experience the warmth and hospitality that this dish embodies.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
HOW TO MAKE CATFISH STEW (SOUTH CAROLINA RECIPE)
Catfish stew is a hearty and filling stew that combines Catfish fillets, potatoes, tomatoes, and bacon. It originated in South Carolina and is loved by many in this local region. This recipe will show you how to make catfish stew.
Provided by Ronnie Williams
Time 2h30m
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Step 1: Start with a large heavy bottom pot or large dutch oven.
- Step 2: Cut up the bacon into small 1-inch pieces. Put in the dutch oven and turn the heat on to medium-high heat. We want to start rendering out the fat of the bacon.
- Step 3: Once the bacon has started rendering the fat out, we will next put in our celery, onions, and garlic. Let them cook for about 3 to 5 minutes or until the celery and onions become translucent. Make sure to stir often so as not to burn the garlic and onions.
- Step 4: Add in the water. Next, add the tomato paste and hot sauce. You can also add in the seasonings at this point too. Bring the mixture up to a boil and stir to incorporate the tomato paste.
- Step 5: Add in the potatoes once the tomato paste has been incorporated, turn the heat down to medium heat.
- Step 6: Add in the catfish fillets. As the catfish fillets are cooking, I like to use my wooden spoon to break the fillets up.
- Step 7: I like to let the potatoes cook down really well. I will usually let this go on a simmer for roughly an hour or two. This will cause the catfish stew to thicken up slightly as the potatoes cook down and the stew reduces. Make sure to add a little water to it if it cooks down too much.
- Step: 8 Once it has gotten to the right consistency, it is time to serve it. Ladle out the stew into a bowl. Serve with saltine crackers and hot sauce.
SAVANNAH RIVER CATFISH STEW
Make and share this Savannah River Catfish Stew recipe from Food.com.
Provided by ratherbeswimmin
Categories Stew
Time 1h32m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Line a plate with paper towels; in a saucepan, cook the bacon over moderate heat until crisp, about 5 minutes; using slotted spoon, remove the bacon to prepared plate to drain.
- Pour off all but 1 tablespoon of bacon grease.
- Add in onion and potatoes to saucepan; cook/stir often, until golden, 5-7 minutes.
- Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to coat and combine.
- Stir in the water and milk; add the thyme, bay leaf, and cajun seasoning; bring to a boil over high heat.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until the potatoes are just tender, about 15 minutes.
- Add in the catfish; simmer, uncovered, until the fish is falling apart, an additional 15-20 minutes.
- Remove the thyme and bay leaf; discard.
- Add in the parsley; stir to combine.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, Cajun seasoning.
- Ladle into warm bowls and garnish with reserved bacon.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 694.7, Fat 34.3, SaturatedFat 11.6, Cholesterol 147.5, Sodium 415.1, Carbohydrate 46.7, Fiber 4.6, Sugar 2.6, Protein 48.3
CATFISH STEW
Deep South cooking without the guilt. Dig into okra, catfish, tomatoes and the savory spices and herbs of the region.
Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens
Categories Entree
Time 40m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- In 4-quart nonstick Dutch oven, heat oil over medium heat. Add onions, garlic and chili powder; cook 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until onions are tender. Stir in tomatoes, water, rice, oregano, thyme, cumin and pepper sauce. Heat to boiling. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Rinse okra under cold running water to separate; drain. Stir okra, fish and bell pepper into tomato mixture. Heat to boiling. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fish flakes easily with fork and okra is tender.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 240, Carbohydrate 26 g, Cholesterol 45 mg, Fat 1, Fiber 4 g, Protein 16 g, SaturatedFat 1 1/2 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 310 mg, Sugar 6 g, TransFat 0 g
SOUTHERN CATFISH STEW
From John Edge's "A Gracious Plenty: Recipes and Recollections from the American South" Serve with cornbread.
Provided by bengi
Categories Catfish
Time 1h15m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Wash the catfish fillets and cut them into 1-inch pieces; set aside.
- Fry the bacon for 2 to 3 minutes in a large heavy saucepan; add the onion and bell pepper and cook until tender.
- Add the remaining ingredients and bring to a simmer.
- Cook, covered, for 30 minutes.
- Add the fish and cook for another 20 minutes.
- Correct the seasonings if necessary and serve hot with cornbread.
Tips:
- Choose the right type of catfish. Channel catfish and blue catfish are the most common types used in this stew. Make sure the fish is fresh and has a mild flavor.
- Don't overcook the catfish. Catfish is a delicate fish and can easily become dry and tough if overcooked. Cook it just until it flakes easily with a fork.
- Use a variety of vegetables. This stew is a great way to use up leftover vegetables. Some good choices include onions, celery, carrots, potatoes, and corn. You can also add other vegetables, such as okra or green beans.
- Season the stew well. This stew is typically seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. You can also add other spices, such as paprika, cumin, or chili powder.
- Serve the stew with your favorite sides. This stew is great served with rice, cornbread, or mashed potatoes.
Conclusion:
Savannah River Catfish Stew is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a casual meal. It is a great way to use up leftover vegetables and catfish, and it can be seasoned to your liking. This stew is also a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
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