Recipe: Sea Scallops With Minty Pea Puree

Who doesn’t love surf and turf? We’ve taken that concept to a whole new level. This recipe combines treasures from land and sea, and the result is a dish that’s as elegant as it is simple, and as flavorful as it is nourishing.

Fresh scallops, with their velvety texture and umami flavor, form the base of this dish. The pea purée, with a sublime combination of peas, mint, shallots and lemon zest is the perfect partner, offering natural sweetness and tang on your tongue.

If you’re a fan of protein, B vitamins, and phytonutrients, you’ve hit the jackpot with this dish. But your taste buds will be the biggest winners. Quick to prepare, nutritious, and delicious, it’ll please a crowd or make a perfect dinner for two.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 shallots, chopped
10 ounces frozen peas
¼ plus ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
8 leaves fresh mint
½ teaspoon grated lemon zest
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
12 ounces medium-large sea scallops

Directions

1. In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the shallots and cook, stirring often, 3 to 5 minutes, until very tender.
3. Add ⅓ cup water and ¼ teaspoon of the salt and bring to a boil.
4. Stir in the peas, cover tightly, and cook 2 to 3 minutes, until the peas are heated through.
5. Pour the mixture into a food processor or blender. Add the mint, lemon zest and 1/8 teaspoon of the pepper. Puree until smooth.
6. Pat the scallops dry with a paper towel. Season them with the remaining ⅛ teaspoon salt and ⅛ teaspoon pepper.
7. In a medium skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon oil over medium-high heat. Add the scallops and cook 3 to 4 minutes, until the undersides are golden brown. Turn them and cook for 1 to 2 minutes more, until opaque throughout. Serve with the pea puree.

Nutrition information (per serving)

Makes 4 servings

Calories 211
Total fat 8.3g
Saturated fat 1.1g
Protein 23.5g
Carbohydrate 10g
Dietary fiber 3.3g
Sugar 3.6g
Added sugar 0g
Cholesterol 45.1mg
Sodium 522mg