Catfish Etouffee

At Huber today, we had a Mardi Gras celebration at lunchtime, so I wanted to bring someething with a Cajun flair. I decided on Catfish Etouffee.

Catfish Etouffee

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup enriched white rice
• 2 cups water
• 4 tablespoons brown roux
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 pound tomatoes, coarsely chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 pounds catfish fillets, cut into 1 inch pieces
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• red pepper flakes (to taste

DIRECTIONS:

1. Combine rice and water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until done.
2. In a large saucepan, warm roux over medium heat. Stir in onion, green bell pepper, and garlic; cook for about 5 minutes, or until soft. Stir in broth and tomatoes. Season with lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, black pepper, thyme, and salt. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes.
3. Stir in catfish and parsley. Simmer, partially covered, for 10 minutes, or until fish flakes easily with a fork.
4. Stir in 2 cups cooked white rice, and season with red pepper flakes. Serve.

I got many praises, but I think the dish could have been more flavorful. It smelled wonderful last night, while I was making the base, but the flavor today just didn't live up to my expectations.