ZEKE BABIN’S BLACK POT COURTBOUILLON

Prep Time: 2½ Hours
Yields: 8–10 Servings

Comment:
Zeke Babin of St. Amant introduced me to this unique version of fish courtbouillon. Like all good recipes, it was passed on to him by a friend, Ms. Sims Leader of White Hall. He in turn shared it with his sons Cory and Scott. What makes this recipe so interesting is the simple procedure used in cooking the dish and just how versatile it is using numerous varieties of fish and shellfish. Try it –you’ll be stunned by the great flavor.

Ingredients:
12 (5–7 ounce) catfish fillets
24 (21–25 count) shrimp, peeled and deveined
¼ pound butter
2½ cups diced onions
2 cups diced celery
1 cup diced red bell peppers
¼ cup minced garlic
2 (10-ounce) cans Ro*tel®
salt and black pepper to taste
granulated garlic to taste
2 tbsps paprika
6 tbsps flour
1 cup sliced green onions
¼ cup minced parsley
½ cup hot water

Method:
In a heavy-bottomed 12-inch sauté pan, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add onions, celery, bell peppers and minced garlic and sauté 3–5 minutes or until vegetables are wilted. Add Ro*tel® and cook 3–5 additional minutes. Remove from heat and set aside. In a 6-quart black iron pot, add ⅓ of sautéed vegetable mixture then top with 4 catfish fillets and 8 shrimp. Season to taste using salt, pepper and granulated garlic. Sprinkle in paprika and flour then add ⅓ of green onions and parsley. Continue layering and seasoning until all seafood and seasonings are used. The top layer of catfish should have a good covering of green onions and parsley. Carefully pour in ½ cup of hot water to add moisture to bottom. Place pot over low heat and cover tightly. Cook 1 hour, do not uncover during this process. The steams created inside the pot will incorporate natural juices from the fish into the seasonings. After 1 hour, remove lid and using a rubber spatula, gently separate ingredients from sides of pot. Do not stir. This ensures even liquid distribution in pot. Re-cover and cook 1 additional hour. The courtbouillon should have a slightly rusty color due to the paprika and a stew-like consistency. Season to taste with salt, pepper and granulated garlic and serve over rice or pasta.