Catfish Étouffée

Ingredients

• 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 large green pepper, chopped
• 3 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 bunch green onions, chopped
• 5 pounds dressed catfish, filleted and cut into chunks
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, divided
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce, divided
• 1/4 teaspoon ground thyme
• 1 large bay leaf
• 2 lemon slices
• 1/4 cup water