Recipe courtesy Jay Ducote and Aimee Tortorich, chefs, Gov’t Taco, Baton Rouge, LA
These tacos feature core elements of Baton Rouge cuisine: catfish, collards and maque choux (similar to a succotash). It’s a nod to the increasingly global quality of the region’s food scene. Jay Ducote is a local chef and writer with a popular blog and radio show/podcast. His first restaurant, Gov’t Taco, will open in the newly redeveloped White Star Market food hall early next year. The maque choux is also great as a side dish with any meal.
Published: December 11, 2017
Ingredients
Directions
Combine heavy cream, mustard and hot sauce. Add catfish, and marinate in refrigerator for 1 hour. Meanwhile, combine cornmeal, masa harina and Cajun seasoning in shallow bowl or platter.
Add 2 inches oil to wide, deep pot (like Dutch oven). Warm over medium-high heat to 350–375°F.
Remove catfish from marinade. Dredge strips in cornmeal mixture, shake off excess, and add to pan. Work in batches, if necessary, so fish doesn’t touch. Fry for 3–5 minutes, turning occasionally, until deep golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
Working in batches, if necessary, lower greens into oil and cover quickly (they will spatter). Fry for 30 seconds, or until crisp. Drain on paper towels.
Heat tortillas just before serving. Divide catfish among tortillas. Top with maque choux, and garnish with collard greens. Serve with Louisiana-style hot sauce. Serves 4–6
*Louisiana-style hot sauce is based with vinegar and made with red chiles. Some available brands include Crystal, Trappey’s and Slap Ya Mama.)
Corn Maque Choux Ingredients
Corn Maque Choux Directions
Rub corn with 1 tablespoon olive oil. On outdoor grill or grill pan over high heat, cook corn until lightly charred, about 5 minutes. Slice kernels from corn.
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add corn, garlic, jalapeño, onion, bell pepper, herbs and seasoning. Cook until onions and peppers are very soft, about 10 minutes. Deglaze with white wine, and stir until wine nearly evaporates. Reduce heat to low, and add cream and butter. Cook for 3 minutes. Keep warm.
Pair It
Morgadío 2016 Albariño (Rías Baixas); $19, 90 points. This wine acts like a zippy squeeze of citrus to cut through these rich tacos. The juicy orange and rip grapefruit flavors refresh the palate and play well with the spicier flavors.
