Catfish a la Meuniere

Ingredients

• 4 (6-ounce) catfish fillets
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Essence, recipe follows
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 stick, cubed, softened unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon minced shallots
• 2/3 cup chopped pecans
• 2 tablespoons white wine
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
• Freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F.

Season the catfish fillets with the salt and Essence. Lightly dredge the seasoned catfish in the flour, shaking off any excess. Set a 10-inch saute pan over medium-high heat and add the olive oil to the pan. Once the oil is hot, place the fish fillets in the pan, 2 at a time and cook for 3 minutes per side. Place the cooked fillets on an oven-proof platter and place in the oven while you cook the remaining fillets.

Once the fish is cooked, return the skillet to the stovetop and set on medium heat. Add the butter to the pan and once melted, add the shallots and pecans. As the shallots cook, the nuts start to brown, and the butter stops foaming-about 30 seconds, add the white wine, lemon juice and parsley to the pan. Continue to cook for 15 to 20 seconds. Season with salt and pepper and remove from the heat. Remove the fish from the oven and pour the sauce over top the fish. Serve immediately.