PAN-SEARED SEA SCALLOPS WITH CAULIFLOWER PURéE AND FRIED CAPERS - RECIPE - FINECOOKING
Sweet scallops nestled in a dreamy, creamy cauliflower purée make a simple but elegant dish. Crisped capers add just the right bit of briny pop.
Provided by @MakeItYours
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat to 350°F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with a clean kitchen towel.
- In a 2-quart saucepan, bring the cream and 1 tsp. of the thyme to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low, and cook until reduced to about 1/3 cup, 7 to 9 minutes.
- In a wide pot fitted with a steamer basket, bring about 2 inches of water to a boil. Add the cauliflower and season with 1/2 tsp. salt. Cover and steam until just tender, 8 to 10 minutes.
- Transfer the cauliflower to the prepared baking sheet and let dry for a few minutes. Remove the towel, letting the cauliflower fall onto the baking sheet, and bake the cauliflower until dry but not browned, 10 to 15 minutes. Transfer to a blender, and add the cream, lemon juice, 1/2 tsp. salt, and the cayenne. Blend until smooth. Season to taste with salt, lemon juice, and cayenne. Keep warm.
- Heat 2 Tbs. of the oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the capers and the remaining 1/2 tsp. thyme, cover with a splatter shield (if you have one), and cook, stirring occasionally, until the capers are golden and puffed, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the lemon zest, cook for just a few seconds, and then, using a slotted spoon, transfer the capers, thyme, and zest to a paper-towel-lined plate.
- Pat the scallops dry. Heat a large cast-iron or other heavy-duty skillet over medium-high heat until very hot. Add the remaining 1 Tbs. oil and the butter. Season the scallops with salt. Working in batches if necessary to keep from crowding, cook the scallops, undisturbed, until very well browned on one side, 2 to 3 minutes. Flip and cook until just barely cooked through, 2 to 4 minutes more, depending on size. Transfer to a plate. Repeat, if necessary, wiping out the pan and adding more butter and oil as needed.
- Divide the cauliflower purée among serving plates, and top with the scallops. Garnish with the capers and parsley, and serve.
Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »
You'll also love
