Crispy-Coated Catfish in Creamy Buttermilk Sauce

From Old Farmer's Almanac Contests

Fish and Seafood Recipes

Yield: 4 servings

2010 Old Farmer's Almanac Recipe Contest winner. Second Prize: Linda Morten, Somerville, Texas

• 4 fresh farm-raised catfish fillets (6 ounces each)
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh dill
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
• 2 cups uncooked traditional Cream of Wheat (not instant)
• 1/4 cup olive oil or butter, divided

Rinse and pat the fish dry. Put the buttermilk, dill, garlic salt, and pepper in a large, shallow dish and mix well. Soak the fish in the buttermilk mixture for 10 minutes, turning frequently. Reserve 1 cup of the buttermilk marinade for the sauce. Put the Cream of Wheat in a separate, shallow dish. Warm the oven to 200 degrees F. Heat a large, nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add two tablespoons of the oil. Dredge each fillet in the Cream of Wheat. Cook two fillets in the skillet, 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until light golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels, then transfer to an ovenproof plate and keep in the oven until ready to serve. Repeat with the remaining fillets.

SAUCE:

• 1 cup buttermilk marinade
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• dill, sprigs or minced fresh, for garnish (optional)

Put the reserved marinade and butter in a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, whisking until the butter melts. Whisk in the lemon juice. Arrange each fillet in a shallow bowl and surround with 1/4 cup of the sauce. Garnish with dill, if desired.

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