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Seared Diver Scallops with Root Vegetable Mash
Perfect for a special occasion, the root vegetable mash and herb sauce compliment the seafood in this dish. Use fresh diver scallops to get a good sear.
Prep Time
45 mins
Cook Time
45 mins
Total Time
1 hr 30 mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 339 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
FOR ROOT VEGETABLE MASH:
- 1 head garlic
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound parsnips peeled and cut into 1/2" chunks
- 1 rutabaga peeled to remove wax and cut into 1/2" chunks
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ cup vegetable stock
- 6 tablespoons buttermilk well shaken, plus more if needed
FOR GREEN HERB SAUCE:
- 1 cup Italian parsley leaves packed
- 1 cup cilantro leaves packed
- 2 cloves garlic
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 lemon zested and juiced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ½ cup olive oil
FOR SEARED DIVER SCALLOPS:
- 1 pound fresh "dry scallops" preferably U10-15 (aka Diver Scallops)
- sprinkle kosher salt and black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
FOR THE ROOT VEGETABLE MASH:
- Heat the oven to 400 degrees. With a sharp knife cut the top 1/2" off the flowering end of the garlic (not the root). Place the garlic in a square of tin foil. Drizzle the olive oil over the exposed cloves and seal the tin foil around the head of garlic. Bake for 25 minutes until soft. Set aside.
- Meanwhile, fill a large pot halfway with cool water. Transfer the rutabaga to the pot. Add kosher salt and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and continue to simmer for 25 minutes. Add the parsnips and cook an additional 12-15 minutes until tender. Drain vegetables and transfer to a food processor. Add the vegetable stock and puree until smooth, scraping the sides occasionally (this may take several minutes). Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves to release the soft interior and add them to the puree. Add 6 tablespoons buttermilk and puree until both garlic and buttermilk are fully incorporated -- add more buttermilk by the tablespoon if the mash appears dry and pulse. Set aside. (Can be made in advance and reheated at the last minute).
Cup of Yum
FOR THE GREEN HERB SAUCE:
- Add the parsley, cilantro, garlic, lemon zest, salt and pepper to the blender. Pulse several times to chop the herbs, scraping sides with a spatula. Add the lemon juice, mustard and olive oil and blend until emulsified. Pour into a small bowl or pitcher and set aside. (Can be made in advance. Serve at room temperature.)
FOR SEARED DIVER SCALLOPS:
- Heat a dry skillet over medium high heat. Sprinkle scallops lightly with salt and pepper. When the pan is hot, add the olive oil -- it should slick across the surface. If it smokes immediately, remove it from the flame for 20-30 seconds to cool it. Carefully add the scallops 2-3 at a time and cook for 1-2 minutes to sear it. Using tongs, flip the scallops and cook for an additional 45 seconds to a minute. Transfer the scallops to a plate and continue to cook the remaining scallops in the same manner.
TO PLATE:
- Place one or two scoops of the mash on the plate. Top with 3 seared scallops and drizzle the herb dressing over the scallops and vegetables. Serve.
Notes
- Many markets sell diver scallops - but beware. Ask the purveyor if they are wet or dry scallops? Wet scallops have been soaked in phosphates to preserve them, but the scallops also soak up additional water, making it impossible to get a good sear.Dry scallops are never soaked and will produce a beautiful sear every time. Avoid wet scallops if you can.
Nutrition Information
Calories
339kcal
(17%)
Carbohydrates
40g
(13%)
Protein
18g
(36%)
Fat
12g
(18%)
Saturated Fat
2g
(10%)
Cholesterol
30mg
(10%)
Sodium
1919mg
(80%)
Potassium
1170mg
(33%)
Fiber
9g
(36%)
Sugar
12g
(24%)
Vitamin A
460IU
(9%)
Vitamin C
52.3mg
(58%)
Calcium
189mg
(19%)
Iron
3mg
(17%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 339
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 339kcal | 17% |
| Carbohydrates | 40g | 13% |
| Protein | 18g | 36% |
| Fat | 12g | 18% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 30mg | 10% |
| Sodium | 1919mg | 80% |
| Potassium | 1170mg | 25% |
| Fiber | 9g | 36% |
| Sugar | 12g | 24% |
| Vitamin A | 460IU | 9% |
| Vitamin C | 52.3mg | 58% |
| Calcium | 189mg | 19% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.