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© Copyright 1995-2023, Clay Irving <clay@panix.com>, Manhattan Beach, CA USA
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Recipe from: Nola Cuisine
Servings: 2
My version of good old Southern Fried Catfish & Hushpuppies really hit the spot tonight! Sometimes, the only thing that will cool your craving is a whole plate of fried food, tonight was one of those nights. I used a medium grind corn meal, and I wish I hadn't. The only downfall of the whole meal. Those large grains just don't seem to get cooked through enough during the short frying time.
Wondra flour (gold medal brand) is what is known as an instant flour, used for thickening sauces and gravies. It's wonderful for frying because it absorbs so much liquid and makes the finished product ultra crispy.
For the Fried Catfish:
2 catfish fillets, cut into fingers
1 cup corn meal
¼ cup Wondra flour
3 tablespoons creole seasoning
salt and pepper
peanut oil or lard for frying
Heat 2 inches of peanut oil or lard to 360°F in a cast iron dutch oven. Season the catfish fingers liberally with salt and pepper. Combine the corn meal, Wondra, and creole seasoning in a shallow dish. Dredge the catfish in the mixture until well coated. Set aside for 10 to 15 minutes.
When the oil is to temperature, fry the catfish fingers in batches until golden brown and cooked through. Serve with lemon wedges, hushpuppies and creole tartar sauce. Be sure not to over crowd the pan, or you will have greasy, soggy catfish.
For the Hushpuppies:
1 cup corn meal
1 cup all purpose flour
2 tablespoons green onions, finely sliced
2 teaspoons Kosher salt
1 pinch cayenne
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ cup buttermilk
Combine all of the ingredients and mix together thoroughly. Form into balls and fry in 360°F oil as described above for the Catfish.
For the Creole Tartar Sauce:
1 egg
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons chopped garlic
¼ cup chopped dill pickle
1 tablespoon creole mustard
2 teaspoons horseradish
2 teaspoons chopped parsley
3 tablespoons chopped green onions
2 teaspoons hot sauce
1 ½ cups vegetable oil
kosher salt
Combine all of the ingredients except the oil in the workbowl of a food processor. Mix on high for 1 minute, then slowly drizzle in the oil until all is incorporated and the mixture is thick like Mayonnaise. Season to taste with salt.