SEARED SCALLOPS WITH BASIL RISOTTO

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Seared Scallops With Basil Risotto image

There's just something about the caramelized crust and meaty interior of scallops that makes them the perfect protein. They also have a naturally delicate flavor, so it's important to let them shine with a simple seasoning of salt and pepper. However, that means whatever scallops are served with has to take the lead with big, bold taste. Cue basil-pineapple risotto! Once you make risotto with pineapple juice, you'll be hard pressed to go without it ever again. If you're looking to wow guests with a meal they'd be likely to find in a five-star restaurant, then this is your dish.

Provided by Kelly Senyei

Categories     Summer     Risotto     Rice     Pineapple     Basil     Scallop     Seafood     Pescatarian     Dinner     Soy Free     Tree Nut Free     Peanut Free     Parmesan

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 cups pineapple juice
1 ½ cups vegetable broth
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
⅓ cup minced yellow onion
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 ¼ cups uncooked Arborio rice
¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
¼ teaspoon black pepper, plus more for seasoning
3 tablespoons minced fresh basil
1 pound sea scallops
2 tablespoons vegetable oil, plus more as needed
½ cup microgreens, for serving

Steps:

  • Combine the pineapple juice and broth in a medium saucepan set over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover with a lid and remove from the heat.
  • Heat the butter in a large saucepan set over medium-low heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring, until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the rice and cook, stirring, for 1 minute.
  • Add a ladle of the hot juice mixture to the saucepan and cook, stirring, until the liquid is fully absorbed. Continue adding the hot liquid to the saucepan, one ladle at a time and stirring intermittently, until the rice is no longer crunchy, about 30 minutes.
  • Stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper, then turn off the heat and stir in the basil. Set aside, covered, while you cook the scallops.
  • Pat the scallops dry, then season with salt and pepper. Heat the oil in a medium skillet set over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add half the scallops and cook undisturbed for 2 minutes. Flip the scallops once, then tilt the skillet and baste them with the oil. Continue cooking the scallops an additional 1 minute, until no longer translucent. Transfer to a plate and repeat with the remaining scallops, adding more oil as needed.
  • Divide the risotto among serving plates and top with the scallops.
  • Garnish with microgreens and serve.

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