Dolly'S Catfish Stew
Dolly's Catfish Stew offers a hearty, flavorful blend of deboned fish, tomatoes, and smoky bacon, perfect for comfort food lovers and seafood enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine butts meat and chopped onion in the bottom of a large pot and sauté with a little grease.
- Add crushed tomatoes, deboned fish, and spices to the pot and cook on low heat for a while.
- If using red peppers, add them but remember to remove before serving to control spiciness.
- Allow the stew to simmer until flavors meld and it gets hotter and hotter.
- Can be frozen for later use.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of vinegar or a tablespoon of sugar to balance the acidity from the tomatoes. If catfish isn't available, other firm white fish can work as substitutes. You can also enhance the depth of flavor by incorporating diced bell peppers or celery with the onion. Adjust the heat level of the stew by varying the amount of hot sauce or red peppers used.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Dolly's Catfish Stew with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a filling meal. A side of coleslaw or a fresh garden salad pairs beautifully with the stew, adding a refreshing contrast. For a delightful drink, consider serving it alongside a glass of Strawberry Iced Tea to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming. This helps maintain the texture of the fish and the overall flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dolly'S Catfish Stew contains roughly 674 calories, with 10g protein, 88g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (35% of the Daily Value), potassium (25% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2376mg per serving (103% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen catfish for this recipe?
Yes, you can absolutely use frozen catfish. Just be sure to thaw it completely before deboning and adding it to the stew. This will ensure even cooking and better texture in your finished dish.
How can I make this stew spicier?
To increase the heat in your catfish stew, try adding more hot sauce or a larger quantity of red peppers. You can also include other spicy ingredients like crushed red pepper flakes or jalapeños for an extra kick.
Is there a vegetarian version of this stew?
Yes, you can create a vegetarian version by omitting the catfish and bacon and replacing them with hearty vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini, or even plant-based protein options. Use vegetable broth instead of water for added flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).