[CH] catfish chowder
rain@wwbbs.otherside.com
Sun, 11 Jun 2000 03:54:28 -0400
Thought you fellow fisher(wo)men might enjoy this next time you
catch Ol' Mr. Whiskers. It's goooooood, though I do say so myself
(talking with my mouth full); I love catfish anyway, but it becomes
milder and "sweeter" somehow in chowder. This dish could also be made
with storebought catfish filets, I imagine.
x
lazy (wo)man's catfish chowder
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One whole catfish, about 2 1/2 to 3 pounds, gutted and rinsed,
roe included if female (remove membrane)
OR 2 to 2 1/2 lb. catfish filet?
2 ribs celery, diced
1/2 a large onion, diced
1/2 head of cauliflower, separated into florets
about 2 c. snapped fresh green beans
1 clove garlic, sliced (yes, just one.:))
small hot red chiles to taste, minced
Several sprigs mugwort
OR +/- 2 Tbsp. parsley or borage + a good pinch of thyme
Rosemary and sage to taste (go easy)
half a dozen fennel seeds
OR a generous pinch of tarragon
Salt and pepper
A splash of white wine (dealcoholized is okay)
1 small can Red Gold tomatoes, drained and diced (optional)
water to cover all
x
Skin fish or not as you desire--I didn't, since skin pretty much
disappears during cooking. Rinse very well if you don't skin, of
course, being sure to flush out gills. Leave head on--the brains
are good. Place all ingredients in a goodsized kettle and simmer
till all is tender and fish falls apart. Remove bones (you won't
get 'em all, I promise :)) and serve. Feeds several lavishly,
or you can freeze it. A truly great dunk for chunks of homemade
bread. --Recipe by Rain
x
NOTE: Mugwort is a common weed over a lot of the eastern US, and it's
great fun to cook with. Check a field guide to edible, medicinal or
magickal plants for what it looks and smells like.
x
Keep on rockin',
Rain
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