August is National Catfish Month. It is also National Peach Month and National Brownies and Brunch Month. We will discuss those as well. Let’s talk catfish.
Catfish gets a bad rap as a fish of low nutritional value. Some say it is dirty since catfish are bottom feeders. However, if you purchase farm raised fish then you need not worry about the fish’s eating history. Also, catfish is low in mercury, lean, and contains a large portion or our vitamin B intake for the day. It is also an affordable fish. Due to its mild flavor and meaty texture it is appealing to children and quite versatile. You can cut it up and fry it like nuggets. Just use coconut oil and you have a healthy nugget meal for the kids. You can bake it in the oven simply topping it with lemon and pepper. There is no need to shun the catfish any longer.
The following recipe will help you celebrate National Catfish Month. The recipe comes from a relative who is well trusted with her catfish skill.
Over Fried Catfish
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds catfish fillets
1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon celery seed
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 cup skim milk
cooking spray
Directions
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and coat with cooking spray.
In a shallow dish, stir together the cornmeal, paprika, thyme, salt, celery seed, onion powder, garlic powder, and pepper. Dip the catfish fillets in milk, then place them into the cornmeal mixture and coat liberally; place on the greased baking sheet. Coat the tops of the fillets with cooking spray until wet.
Bake for 15 minutes in the preheated oven, or until fish is easily flaked with a fork.