Carolina Catfish Stew

My version of a local speciality. Years ago, I had this during a Thanksgiving dinner with family in Dillon, South Carolina, and I’ve been craving it ever since. I at last made it a reality. I hope you enjoy it and spread the word.

Prep Time: 25 mins
Cook Time: 55 mins
Total Time: 1 hr 20 mins
Servings: 12
Yield: 12 servings

Ingredients

  1. 2 pounds catfish fillets
  2. 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  3. 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  4. 1 stick salted butter
  5. ½ pound bacon, chopped
  6. 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  7. ½ medium green bell pepper, diced
  8. 4 cloves garlic, minced
  9. 2 (46 fluid ounce) cans tomato juice
  10. 2 (15 ounce) cans tomato sauce
  11. 1 (15 ounce) can tomato puree
  12. ¼ cup white sugar
  13. 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  14. 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
  15. 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
  16. 1 ½ cups corn
  17. 1 teaspoon hot sauce, or to taste
  18. 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, or to taste

Instructions

  1. Cut catfish fillets into 2-inch cubes. Put in a resealable plastic bag with 2 tablespoons olive oil and Cajun seasoning. Seal bag and shake until fish is thoroughly coated; place in the refrigerator while you prepare the stew.
  2. Preheat a large stockpot over high heat. Add butter and remaining 2 tablespoons oil. Add bacon, onion, bell pepper, and garlic; saute until onions are soft, 5 to 7 minutes.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Add tomato juice, tomato sauce, and tomato puree, then stir in sugar, Italian seasoning, and cayenne. Add potatoes and corn and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring frequently, until potatoes are tender, 20 to 30 minutes.
  4. Drop in catfish and simmer until fish is tender and cooked through, 20 to 30 minutes; make sure you don’t break up the fish.
  5. To serve, season with hot sauce and Worcestershire.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 371 kcal
Carbohydrate 33 g
Cholesterol 62 mg
Dietary Fiber 4 g
Protein 19 g
Saturated Fat 8 g
Sodium 1626 mg
Sugars 18 g
Fat 20 g
Unsaturated Fat 0 g

 

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