Ingredients

  • 1/2 pound bacon, small diced
  • 2 cups thinly sliced onions
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons chopped garlic
  • 1/2 pound black eyed peas, cooked until tender and rinsed under cool water
  • 3 cups veal or beef reduction
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley leaves
  • 4 catfish fillets, (about 6 ounces, each)
  • 1 cup flour
  • Essence, recipe follows
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 8 collard green leaves
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons paprika
  • 2 tablespoons salt
  • 2 tablespoons garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon dried leaf oregano
  • 1 tablespoon dried thyme

Method

  • Preheat the fryer.
  • In a large saute pan, over medium heat, render the bacon until crispy, about 6 to 8 minutes.
  • Using a slotted spoon, remove the bacon, drain on paper towels, and set aside.
  • Add the onions to the bacon fat.
  • Season with black pepper.
  • Saute until caramelized, about 8 to 10 minutes.
  • Stir in the garlic and black-eyed peas.
  • Continue to saute for 1 minute.
  • Stir in the veal reduction and bring the liquid to a simmer.
  • Simmer the mixture for 6 to 8 minutes.
  • Stir in the parsley, remove from the heat, and keep warm.
  • Season the fillets with Essence, on both sides.
  • Season the flour with Essence.
  • In a large skillet, heat the oil.
  • Dredge the fillets in the seasoned flour, coating each side completely.
  • Pan fry the fillets until crispy, about 4 to 6 minutes on each side.
  • Remove and drain on paper towels.
  • Add the greens to the hot oil and fry until crispy.
  • Remove and drain on paper towels.
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • To serve, spoon the black eyed peas in the center of each plate.
  • Sprinkle the reserved crispy bacon over the peas.
  • Lay the fish on top of the peas.
  • Garnish with the fried greens.
  • Combine all ingredients thoroughly and store in an airtight jar or container.
  • Yield: about 2/3 cup
  • Recipe from New New Orleans Cooking, by Emeril Lagasse and Jessie Tirsch.
  • Published by William and Morrow, 1993.