Stuffed Catfish with cheese, spinach and shrimp

Here’s a delicious recipe for Stuffed Catfish with Cheese, Spinach, and Shrimp:

Ingredients:

• 4 catfish fillets
• 1/2 lb (225g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Filling:
   • In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
   • Add chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, then set aside.
   • In the same skillet, add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink (about 2-3 minutes). Chop the cooked shrimp into small pieces and combine with the cooked spinach.
   • Stir in the cream cheese and shredded cheese until the mixture is well combined and creamy. Remove from heat.
3. Prepare the Catfish:
   • Season the catfish fillets with paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
   • Carefully make a slit in the center of each fillet, creating a pocket for stuffing. Be careful not to cut all the way through.
4. Stuff the Catfish:
   • Spoon the shrimp, spinach, and cheese mixture into each catfish fillet, packing the filling firmly into the pocket.
   • Place the stuffed fillets into the prepared baking dish.
5. Bake the Catfish:
   • Dot each fillet with a small amount of butter and drizzle with lemon juice.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the catfish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
6. Serve:
   • Garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or a side salad.

Enjoy your Stuffed Catfish with Cheese, Spinach, and Shrimp!