Smoked Catfish Dip
 
Makes 2 Cups
Ingredients
  • ¾ cup apple wood chips (4 ounces)
  • 1½ teaspoons lemon zest
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt, divided
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, divided
  • 1 (12-ounce) catfish fillet, skinned
  • 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • Crackers, thinly sliced cucumber, and sliced red bell pepper, to serve
  • Garnish: chopped fresh dill, lemon zest, lemon wedges
Instructions
  1. In a large bowl, place wood chips and enough water to cover. Let soak for at least 30 minutes. Drain well. Place wood chips in an even layer in a roasting pan. Top with a wire rack; spray with cooking spray.
  2. In a small bowl, stir together zest, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Season catfish with salt mixture, and place on prepared rack.
  3. Place center of roasting pan over a large stove burner; heat over high heat until chips begin to smoke. Cover tightly with foil; reduce heat to low, and cook for 30 minutes. Turn off heat, and let cool for 30 minutes. Using 2 forks, shred catfish.
  4. In a medium bowl, combine smoked catfish, cream cheese, dill, parsley, lemon juice, remaining ¼ teaspoon salt, and remaining ¼ teaspoon pepper. Garnish with dill, zest, and lemon wedges, if desired. Serve with crackers, cucumber, and bell pepper.
Recipe by Taste of the South at https://www.tasteofthesouthmagazine.com/smoked-catfish-dip/