Crispy Catfish & Cornbread Waffles with Spicy Collard Slaw

Ingredients

• 4 catfish filets (about 6 oz each), boneless, skinless
• 1 cup gluten-free cornmeal
• 1/2 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp Raleigh Select Blend
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup buttermilk (or unsweetened oat milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice)
• 1/3 cup canola oil (plus extra for frying)
• 1 cup gluten-free waffle mix
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar (optional)
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1/2 tsp baking powder (if not in mix)
• 1 cup shredded collard greens
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1/3 cup thinly sliced red onion
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp Raleigh Select Blend (for slaw)
• Chopped scallions, for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 225°F for keeping things warm. Set a wire rack on a baking sheet.
2. For the slaw: In a bowl, toss collard greens, carrots, red onion, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and 1/2 tsp Raleigh Select Blend. Let it chill in the fridge — balance is everything.
3. For the cornbread waffles: In a medium bowl, whisk gluten-free waffle mix, cornmeal, applesauce, cheddar (if using), honey, baking powder, 1/2 tsp Raleigh Select Blend, and buttermilk. Fold until just combined.
4. Heat waffle iron. Grease lightly with canola oil. Pour 1/2 cup batter per waffle. Cook until golden and crisp, about 5-6 minutes. Keep warm in oven.
5. For the catfish: In a shallow dish, combine gluten-free flour, remaining cornmeal, 1 tsp Raleigh Select Blend, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
6. Dip catfish in beaten eggs, then dredge well in the cornmeal mixture. Press that coating on — crispy, not soggy — you got me?
7. Heat 1/3 cup canola oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high. Fry catfish in batches, 3-4 minutes per side, until deeply golden and cooked through. Transfer to wire rack in oven.
8. To plate: Place a waffle on each plate, top with fried catfish, pile on the collard slaw, and sprinkle chopped scallions. Hit it with a final pinch of Raleigh Select Blend.
9. DUNZO!
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