Catfish Stew with Spicy Tomato Sauce

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) catfish fillets 500g (1.1 lb) catfish fillets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 2 cups (470ml) fish or vegetable broth 2 cups (470ml) fish or vegetable broth
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 5g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until softened.
2. 2.
   Add the diced bell peppers to the pot and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until they begin to soften.
3. 3.
   Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, cumin, paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. 4.
   Gently place the catfish fillets into the pot, ensuring they are submerged in the sauce. Pour in the fish or vegetable broth.
5. 5.
   Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the catfish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
6. 6.
   Serve the Catfish Stew hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Catfish fillets — Ensure that the catfish fillets are fresh and free from any unpleasant odor. If catfish is not available, you can substitute it with other firm white fish such as tilapia or cod.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add more cayenne pepper to the stew.
• Serve the Catfish Stew with a side of crusty bread or steamed rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
• If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and add it to the pot during the last few minutes of cooking.

Serving advice

Serve the Catfish Stew in deep bowls, allowing the aromatic steam to waft up and entice your senses. Accompany it with a slice of crusty bread or a scoop of steamed rice to complete the meal.

Presentation advice

Garnish the Catfish Stew with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro leaves to add a pop of vibrant green color. Serve it in rustic earthenware bowls to evoke the traditional South American charm.