TUNISIAN-STYLE CATFISH NUGGETS

Tunisian-Style Catfish Nuggets image

This is a great way to dress up an inexpensive fish and is reminiscent of a Tunisian-style fish preparation. Fried catfish is simmered in a tomato-based sauce with anise seed, chopped fresh lemon, and olives, and served over rice or couscous. You may substitute any other fish if desired. This simple preparation makes it the 'cat's meow'!

Provided by TUNISIANSWIFE

Categories World Cuisine Recipes African

Time 1h15m

Yield 3

Number Of Ingredients 19

Ingredients

vegetable oil for frying
1 pound catfish, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 egg
1 tablespoon water
2 cups dry bread crumbs
¼ cup olive oil
1 onion, halved and sliced
½ green bell pepper, cut into 1/4 inch strips
½ teaspoon anise seed
3 tablespoons tomato paste
2 roma (plum) tomatoes, chopped
1 lemon wedge
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 cup water
salt and pepper to taste
1 pinch cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon brown sugar
½ cup olives
1 cup water

Steps:

Heat oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Beat the egg into a shallow bowl with a tablespoon of water. Place the bread crumbs in a shallow bowl. Dip the fish pieces into the beaten egg and then into the crumbs until well coated. Fry the catfish nuggets in batches, about 1 minute on each side. Drain on paper towels and set aside.
Heat the olive oil in a skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Stir in the onion and bell pepper strips; cook and stir until the onion has softened and turned translucent, about 5 minutes.
Coarsely crush the anise seed. Add the anise seed, tomato paste, and chopped tomatoes to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, until the tomato paste has darkened and the tomatoes have softened, about 5 minutes.
Chop the lemon wedge, peel and all, into five pieces. Stir the lemon wedge and crushed garlic into the tomato mixture and cook for 1 minute more. Mix in 1 cup water, salt and pepper, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, and olives. Bring the sauce to a boil and simmer for 20 minutes. Stir in more water if the sauce gets too thick. Gently stir in the catfish nuggets, and simmer for an additional 10 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1162.4 calories, Carbohydrate 83.7 g, Cholesterol 157 mg, Fat 76.9 g, Fiber 7.6 g, Protein 36.1 g, SaturatedFat 12.7 g, Sodium 1147.9 mg, Sugar 13.6 g