Lime Seared Scallops With Spinach And Caramelized Walnuts Recipes

LIME SEARED SCALLOPS WITH SPINACH AND CARAMELIZED WALNUTS

Steps:

• For the walnuts, arrange walnuts in a dry nonstick pan over medium heat.
• Sprinkle them with sugar, and cook until they are shiny and brown, 4 to 5 minutes, shaking the pan continuously.
• Transfer to a small plate and set aside.
• For the scallops, whisk together 2 teaspoons of the oil, tarragon, zest, garlic, shallots, and half of the lime juice in a wide, shallow dish.
• Add scallops, toss to coat, cover and refrigerate for no longer than 30 to 45 minutes.
• Add remaining 2 teaspoons oil to a large skillet over medium and heat for about 2 minutes.
• Meanwhile, drain scallops from the marinade, and rest them on a paper towel for a moment to dry.
• Gently add scallops to the skillet, trying not to crowd them together. Do not move them, as that makes the searing process more difficult.
• Cook them on one side for 2 to 3 minutes, until the scallops are browned.
• Turn them over, and repeat the process.
• When the scallops are cooked through and opaque, deglaze the pan by adding the rest of the lime juice over the scallops.
• Remove the scallops and the accumulated pan juices, and place them on a covered plate to keep warm.
• For the spinach, heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add garlic and cook until just lightly browned.
• Immediately add the spinach and cook briefly until the leaves are wilted.
• Season with salt and pepper.
• Form a nest of spinach on each of 6 plates.
• Place a portion of the cooked scallops over the spinach, add a little of the pan juices, and top with the caramelized walnuts. Serve immediately.