Final answer:
Historically, cornmeal mush was served in a communal trough as a simple and inequitable meal, reflecting the diets of slaves or the lower class. Today's cornmeal catfish dishes are typically fried and served with sides and sauces, highlighting the evolution of culinary practices. The type of corn used in meals can range from sweet corn, eaten directly, to field corn, processed for various uses.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question 'How is the Cornmeal Catfish served?' requires an understanding of historical context rather than a culinary one. In history, cornmeal often refers to a basic form of sustenance for those living under conditions of scarcity or poverty, as evidenced in the provided reference where cornmeal mush was served to children in a communal trough. This description is reminiscent of slave or lower-class diets during earlier centuries, where the meal would be simplistic and servings would be inequitable.
In contrast, present-day servings of catfish are often prepared with culinary sophistication, which might include breading with cornmeal and frying the fish until crispy. This creates a dish that is typically served with a variety of sides, such as sweet corn, fried rice, or vegetables, and sometimes accompanied by sauces like sweet and sour. The stark difference between historical and contemporary servings of dishes using cornmeal illustrates the evolution of food preparation and consumption practices.
It is also important to note the difference between sweet corn and field corn, as the reference to Figure 3-22 suggests. Sweet corn is consumed directly by humans and can be used in various dishes, including those with catfish, whereas field corn is processed into different forms, including cornmeal.