GARAM MASALA SCALLOPS OVER ACORN SQUASH

Garam Masala Scallops Over Acorn Squash image

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 large (1 1/2- to 2-lb) acorn squash
3/4 lb sea scallops, tough muscle removed from sides if necessary
1 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil
3/4 teaspoon turmeric
1 1/2 tablespoons minced seeded jalapeño chile
1 large garlic clove, minced
2 teaspoons grated peeled fresh ginger
1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
1/4 cup water
3/4 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 teaspoons garam masala
Garnish: very thin slices of jalapeño chile, chopped fresh cilantro, and ground Aleppo pepper or cayenne
Accompaniment: haricots verts with mustard seeds and toasted coconut

Steps:

Prepare squash:
Preheat oven to 375°F.
Halve squash lengthwise, reserving 1 half for another use. Halve remaining squash piece diagonally crosswise and season with salt. Arrange wedges, cut sides up, in a small roasting pan filled with 1/2 inch water. Cover roasting pan tightly with foil and roast until tender, about 1 hour.
Prepare scallops after squash has been roasting 30 minutes:
Pat scallops dry and season with salt. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a 10-inch nonstick skillet over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then brown scallops on both sides, 4 to 6 minutes total (scallops will be almost cooked through). Remove from heat. Add turmeric and toss until scallops are yellow, then transfer to a bowl.
Cook jalapeño, garlic, ginger, and 1 tablespoon lime juice in remaining 1/2 tablespoon oil in skillet over moderately high heat, stirring, 1 minute. Add water and simmer until water is evaporated and chile mixture is softened, 3 to 4 minutes. Add cream and garam masala and simmer 2 minutes. Remove from heat and cover.
When squash is tender, add remaining 2 teaspoons lime juice and scallops with any liquid that has accumulated in bowl to sauce and simmer until scallops are just cooked through and sauce is slightly thickened, about 2 minutes.
Put a squash wedge on each of 2 plates and spoon scallops and sauce over squash.