Savory Catfish Courtbouillon

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### 👩‍🍳 **How to Make Catfish Courtbouillon**

#### **1. Make a Dark Roux**
Start by heating the oil or butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the flour and stir continuously to make a **dark roux** — this takes patience! You want a deep caramel color (like peanut butter or even a bit darker), which will give the dish its signature richness.

#### **2. Build the Flavor Base**
Once the roux is ready, add the chopped onions, bell pepper, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5–7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

#### **3. Add the Tomatoes & Seasoning**
Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Cajun seasoning, thyme, and bay leaves. Pour in the seafood stock and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 20–30 minutes, uncovered, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.

#### **4. Add the Catfish**
Gently nestle the catfish pieces into the sauce. Simmer for another 10–15 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Avoid stirring too much so the fish stays intact.

#### **5. Taste & Finish**
Taste and adjust the seasoning. Add hot sauce if you like a kick. Remove bay leaves before serving.

#### **6. Serve Hot**
Ladle the courtbouillon over a generous helping of white rice. Garnish with fresh parsley and chopped green onions for a bright finish.

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### 🍽️ **Why You’ll Love It**

– **Authentic flavor** – This dish captures the spirit of Cajun cooking with every bite.
– **One-pot meal** – Easy cleanup, big flavor.
– **Comforting & hearty** – Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or a cozy weekend meal.
– **Budget-friendly** – Uses affordable ingredients that stretch into a satisfying, filling dish.

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### 🔄 **Tips & Variations**

– **Use other fish**: Not a fan of catfish? Try redfish, snapper, or even tilapia.
– **Add shrimp**: For extra seafood flair, toss in a handful of shrimp during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
– **Spice it up**: Add cayenne or smoked paprika for more heat and depth.
– **Make it ahead**: Like many stews, this dish tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to develop.

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### 🌿 **A Dish with History and Heart**

Catfish Courtbouillon is more than just a meal — it’s a tradition, a flavor of the South passed down through generations. It brings bold ingredients together in a way that’s soulful and satisfying. Whether you’re steeped in Cajun culture or just discovering its magic, this dish is sure to win a place at your table.

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**Tried it?** Let me know how yours turned out or what twist you put on it! Don’t forget to pass it along — after all, the best recipes are the ones we share. 💛🍽️

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