Catfish Pilaf

I made this for a work potluck. Everyone was surprised to find out it had catfish in it. Got many requests for the recipe.

• Ready In: 1 hr 20 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 lbs catfish fillets
• 2  tablespoons butter or 2  tablespoons margarine, melted
• 2  teaspoons lemon juice
• 8  slices bacon
• 1  cup  chopped green bell pepper
• 3⁄4 cup  chopped onion
• 1 (28 ounce) can tomatoes, chopped and undrained
• 1 1⁄2 cups water
• 1 1⁄2 cups long-grain rice, uncooked
• 1 (2 ounce) jar diced pimentos, undrained (optional)
• 1  teaspoon salt (or to taste)
•  pepper

Directions

1. Put catfish fillets into a lightly greased oblong baking dish.
2. Drizzle with melted butter and lemon juice.
3. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until fish flakes easily.
4. Drain fish, place in a bowl and flake with a fork.
5. Cook bacon in a skillet; transfer to paper-towel lined plate to drain; crumble and set aside.
6. Reserve 2 tablespoons bacon drippings in skillet.
7. Add green pepper and onion to bacon drippings; cook, stirring constantly, until tender.
8. Add in bacon, tomatoes, water, rice, pimentos, and salt and pepper; bring to a boil.
9. Cover, lower heat, and simmer 25 minutes or until most of the liquid has been absorbed.
10. Add catfish; stir to combine.
11. Cover and let stand 5-10 minutes.
12. Serve.